5.0(1 Reviews)Shark Fishing Charter Maine
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour private offshore charter targeting blue and porbeagle sharksCatchandrelease fishing for sharks up to 12 feet longCaptain provides instruction with all rods and tackle included
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a charter boat, rod bent double in your hands as something massive pulls line off your reel like it's nothing. Welcome to shark fishing in Maine waters with Little Falls Fishing Charters. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're talking about an 8-hour battle with some of the ocean's most powerful predators. Captain Richard runs these private charters for up to 6 anglers, heading out at 7 AM sharp into the deep waters where blue sharks, porbeagles, and threshers cruise the continental shelf. These aren't little fish – we're targeting sharks that can stretch over 12 feet and tip the scales at 500 pounds. Every fish goes back to fight another day, but the memories from this top-rated Maine fishing experience will stick with you forever.
Your day starts early at the dock, but trust me, once you see what's waiting out there, you'll forget all about the alarm clock. Captain Richard's been running these shark charters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the big fish. We'll cruise out to the deep water structure where the thermoclines stack up and the bait concentrates. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – heavy-duty rods that can handle the punishment, circle hooks for safe releases, and wire leaders that won't snap when a shark's sandpaper skin rubs against them. Don't worry if you've never tangled with anything this powerful before. Richard walks every angler through the process, from setting the hook to working the fish boat-side. The open ocean sets the stage perfectly – nothing but blue water stretching to the horizon and the anticipation of what might grab your bait next. Weather can get rough out there, but that's all part of the authentic offshore experience. Pack some seasickness meds if you're prone to getting queasy, and dress in layers because it's always cooler on the water than on land.
Shark fishing requires serious gear, and Captain Richard's got the setup dialed in perfectly. We're talking 80-pound class conventional reels spooled with heavy braid, mounted on stout rods built to handle fish that could easily drag a person overboard. The technique is all about patience and presentation. We'll deploy a chum slick to draw sharks up from the depths – a mix of ground fish, blood, and oil that creates an underwater scent trail visible to sharks from miles away. Your baits get rigged on 6-foot wire leaders with razor-sharp circle hooks. Fresh mackerel, bluefish chunks, and whole squid make up the menu, depending on what's working best that day. Once a shark takes the bait, the real work begins. These fish don't give up easy, and a big porbeagle can strip 200 yards of line on its first run. Richard coaches you through the fight, teaching proper pumping and winding techniques that'll save your back and actually land the fish. The key is staying patient and letting the rod do the work – try to muscle these fish and you'll either break something or wear yourself out before the fight's half over.
"It was so nice to spend the day on the water and the only request we had was to catch shark (my nephews one Maine wish). We did, despite the unexpected rough water, and it was an amazing experience! Our captain, Richard, answered all our questions, taught us some cool stuff we didn't know and we can't wait until next year for him to take us out again. Thank you! Highly recommend!" - Jennifer
Porbeagle sharks are the crown jewel of Maine's shark fishing scene, and for good reason. These stocky, powerful sharks are built like underwater torpedoes, with the muscle mass to back up their aggressive reputation. Porbeagles typically run 6 to 10 feet in Maine waters, though fish over 12 feet show up regularly during peak season from July through September. What makes them special is their incredible speed and endurance – they're one of the few shark species that can regulate their body temperature, giving them extra stamina in Maine's cold waters. When you hook a porbeagle, expect multiple long runs and some serious headshaking that'll test every knot in your rig. They're curious fish too, often following the boat for a while before committing to the bait.
Blue sharks bring a different kind of excitement to Maine shark fishing. These sleek predators are the most common shark we encounter offshore, and they're absolute fighters pound for pound. Blues average 6 to 8 feet in our waters, but don't let their smaller size fool you – they're lightning fast and incredibly acrobatic. July through October offers the best blue shark action, when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrate along the shelf edge. What anglers love about blues is their willingness to bite and their spectacular aerial displays. A hooked blue shark will often launch itself completely out of the water, tail-walking across the surface in a display that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones. They're also great for beginners since they're more manageable than the bigger species but still provide plenty of excitement.
Thresher sharks are the wild cards of Maine shark fishing – less common than blues or porbeagles, but absolutely worth the wait when they show up. These unique sharks are instantly recognizable by their impossibly long tail fins, which can make up nearly half their total length. Maine threshers typically range from 8 to 14 feet, and they use that massive tail like a whip to stun schools of baitfish before eating them. Peak thresher season runs from August through early October, when they follow the mackerel and herring schools close to shore. Fighting a thresher is unlike anything else in fishing – they're jumpers like blues, but with that huge tail thrashing around, they create an absolute spectacle on the surface. The challenge with threshers is getting them to commit to the b
This 27-foot Trophy Walkaround puts you right in the action for serious shark fishing off the Maine coast. Built in 2001, she's powered by twin 150HP Mercury engines that'll get you to the deep water where the big blues and porbeagles roam. The walkaround design gives you plenty of room to fight those powerful sharks that can stretch over 12 feet and tip the scales at 500 pounds. Captain Richard has this boat dialed in for shark fishing with a fish finder to locate the action, GPS for precise navigation, and radar when the fog rolls in. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long 8-hour battles, and there's a head onboard for convenience. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have room to work the rods without getting tangled up. The 35-knot cruising speed means less time running and more time with lines in the water hunting these apex predators in Maine's offshore waters.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the speed demons of Maine waters - sleek, beautiful fish that can hit 12 feet and 400 pounds. Their deep blue backs fading to white bellies make them easy to identify. These open-ocean hunters cruise depths around 100-1000 feet, preferring water temps in the mid-50s to upper 60s. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they follow bait schools closer to our continental shelf. What anglers love is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they'll take chum readily and put on a show. The key trick is keeping your chum line at least 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get frenzied and you don't want a 200-pound shark body-slamming your gunwale. Use heavy tackle - minimum 200lb test - because when they're hooked, they go ballistic.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are built like torpedoes - thick, powerful sharks that average 5-7 feet but can push 12 feet and 500+ pounds. You'll spot them by the white patch behind their first dorsal fin. These cold-water sharks love Maine's offshore waters from 100-600 feet deep, staying closer to shore during summer months when water temps hit 40-60°F. They're incredible fighters with serious endurance - expect long battles and possible jumps. What makes them special is their warm-bloodedness, letting them stay active in our chilly North Atlantic waters. Full mackerel works best for bait, but here's the key: use heavy 300-400lb mono because their skin is like sandpaper and will cut lighter line during the fight. Summer's your best bet when they move onto the continental shelf to feed.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the most unique fighters you'll encounter - that massive tail can be as long as their body, reaching 16+ feet total. They use it like a whip to stun baitfish, creating incredible 50mph strikes. These open-ocean predators cruise 25-100 feet deep around bait balls, typically 40+ miles offshore in 60-70°F water. Late summer into fall gives you the best shot when they follow mackerel and herring schools. What makes them special is watching that tail work - they'll breach and put on a spectacular show. The challenge is their small mouth despite their size, so downsize your hooks to 8/0 even for big fish. My tip: troll slowly around 2-3 knots near bird activity marking bait schools, and use a long 8-10 foot wire leader because that tail will wrap your line and cut you off in seconds.
5.0 out of 5.0It was so nice to spend the day on the water and the only request we had was to catch shark (my nephews one Maine wish). We did, d...
Maine