Montauk Full Day Shark Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore shark fishing targeting apex predatorsExpert Captain Mark Assogna guides Atlantic water adventuresSixperson capacity boat handles hammerhead and mako sharks
Get ready for a hardcore day of shark fishing off Montauk with Captain Mark Assogna and his crew at Masterpiece Fishing Charters. This isn't your typical striped bass trip – we're heading offshore to tangle with some of the most powerful predators swimming in the Atlantic. You'll spend a full day targeting hammerheads, makos, threshers, and blue sharks in waters where these apex hunters cruise year-round. With space for up to 6 anglers, this charter gives you serious bragging rights and the chance to feel what it's like when something truly massive hits your line. Captain Assogna knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish that'll test your tackle and your endurance.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where you'll meet Captain Assogna and get the lowdown on safety protocols and fishing strategy. The boat heads out to proven shark grounds, typically 15-30 miles offshore where the continental shelf drops into deeper water. These edges are shark highways, and that's where the action happens. You'll be fishing with heavy conventional tackle – think 50-80 pound class gear that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. The crew sets up a chum slick to draw sharks in, and once the scent trail gets working, it's game on. Expect long fights that'll push your limits, especially if you hook into a mako or thresher. These aren't lazy bottom fish – sharks fight with everything they've got, making blazing runs and testing your drag system to the max. The captain rotates fishing spots throughout the day, following current breaks, temperature changes, and bird activity to stay on productive water.
Shark fishing demands serious gear, and Captain Assogna has you covered with top-shelf tackle designed for these battles. You'll be using circle hooks – they're required by law and way better for hook-up ratios anyway. The standard rig is a wire leader with a 10/0 to 12/0 circle hook, depending on bait size and target species. Fresh bunker, mackerel, and bluefish make up the prime baits, rigged whole or in chunks depending on conditions. The key technique here is patience mixed with quick reflexes. Sharks often mouth a bait before committing, so letting them take line before setting the hook is crucial. The crew uses a combination of drift fishing and controlled drifts, adjusting boat position to keep baits in the strike zone. Wire leaders are non-negotiable – these fish have teeth that'll slice through mono or fluorocarbon like it's tissue paper. When a shark takes off on its initial run, hang on tight and let the drag do its job. Trying to muscle these fish early in the fight is a recipe for pulled hooks and broken hearts.
Smooth Hammerheads are the crown jewel of Montauk shark fishing, showing up consistently from June through October when water temperatures climb above 65 degrees. These prehistoric-looking predators average 100-200 pounds in local waters, with larger specimens pushing 300+ pounds. What makes hammerheads special is their unique head structure that gives them incredible sensory abilities – they can detect electrical fields from potential prey. When hooked, they're known for spectacular surface battles and long, powerful runs. The best bite usually happens during incoming tides when baitfish get pushed against structure.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of hitting 45+ mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Montauk makos typically range from 80-250 pounds, with occasional giants exceeding 300. They're most active from May through September in waters 100-300 feet deep, where they hunt bluefish, striped bass, and other pelagic species. Makos are ambush predators with incredible acceleration, and they'll test your reflexes from the moment they strike. Their aerial displays are legendary – seeing a 200-pound mako cartwheeling through the air is something you'll never forget.
Blue Sharks are the most abundant species you'll encounter, but don't let their numbers fool you into thinking they're easy. These sleek predators are built for endurance, capable of incredibly long fights that'll wear you down. Blues show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, with peak action in July and August. They typically run 50-150 pounds locally, though larger females can push 200+. What's cool about blues is their curious nature – they'll often circle the boat, giving everyone amazing photo opportunities before being released.
Thresher Sharks are the acrobats of the bunch, using their massive tail fins to stun prey before feeding. Local threshers average 100-200 pounds, with their distinctive tail making up nearly half their total length. They're most common from June through September in deeper water beyond the 100-foot line. Threshers are known for spectacular jumping ability and unique fighting style – they'll use that tail like a weapon, making the battle unpredictable and exciting. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations.
This full-day shark adventure with Captain Assogna delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. You're not just catching fish – you're going toe-to-toe with apex predators in their own backyard. The combination of Montauk's productive waters, proven techniques, and experienced crew gives you the best shot at hooking something truly spectacular. Whether you're an experienced shark angler looking to add species to your list or someone wanting to step up from inshore fishing, this charter has what you need. Captain Assogna's reputation speaks for itself, and his knowledge of local shark patterns gives you a serious advantage. Don't wait too long to book – prime shark season fills up fast, and the best
Hit the deep waters off Montauk aboard this solid 36-foot Beal Cabin Cruiser, built for serious offshore shark fishing. Captain Mark Assogna's ride packs a 600HP Cat engine that'll get you out to the productive waters where hammerheads, makos, and blues are prowling. The Downeast design cuts through Atlantic swells while you stay comfortable inside the climate-controlled cabin between hookups. This fishing machine comes loaded with GPS and radar to find the best shark grounds, plus a full galley and head for those long days chasing apex predators. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rails when the big fish show up. The 18-knot cruise speed means more time with lines in the water and less time running, while the onboard fridge keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those epic shark battles that Montauk waters are famous for.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are the nomads of the shark world - beautiful deep blue backs fading to white bellies and built like torpedoes for speed. They average 7-10 feet with females getting much bigger than males, sometimes pushing 400 pounds. These guys love deeper water, usually cruising around 1,000+ feet, but they'll come up to investigate a good chum line. Summer through fall is your best window when water temps are in that 54-68 degree range they prefer. They're curious by nature, which makes them great for beginners - they'll usually take bait readily. The fight is steady rather than explosive, but their stamina will test you. What's cool is watching them work a chum slick, often showing up in numbers. One thing I always tell folks: keep that bait at least 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get worked up in a feeding situation and you don't want one flopping around on deck.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the fastest sharks in the ocean, hitting 30+ mph and known for their aerial shows when hooked. These blue-backed speedsters average 8-13 feet but can push past 1,000 pounds. They prefer open water and stay near the surface most of the time, though they'll dive deep when chasing food. Summer and fall are prime time here in Montauk when water temps hit their sweet spot. What guests love most is the fight - makos will jump 20 feet out of the water and give you everything they've got. Their meat is actually excellent eating too, some say the best of any shark. They're smart and aggressive, feeding on tuna, billfish, and other sharks. Here's the key: use heavy wire leaders and circle hooks, and keep your head on a swivel. When a hooked mako goes airborne near the boat, things can get interesting fast. Fresh bluefish for bait works magic.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging around 11 feet and easily recognized by its curved, wide head without the central notch you see on other hammerheads. These sharks prefer cooler waters than their cousins, which makes Montauk's summer months perfect for targeting them. They cruise in depths from the surface down to about 650 feet, often moving closer to shore during their migrations. What makes them special is they'll form massive schools - sometimes hundreds of sharks together. The fight is solid but not as explosive as a mako. They use those electroreceptors in their hammer-shaped heads to hunt rays, smaller sharks, and squid. Pro tip: when you're chumming for other sharks, keep an eye out for that distinctive silhouette. They're curious and will often investigate the commotion before committing to the bait.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the show-offs of the shark world with those massive tails that can be as long as their bodies. These blue-grey beauties average 16 feet and 500+ pounds, using that tail like a whip to stun schools of bait fish at 50 mph - sometimes they'll even break the surface doing it. They love the shelf waters 40-50 miles out, usually hunting between 25-100 feet deep where the bait balls gather. Late spring through fall is prime time, especially when we've got good mackerel and herring around. The fight is powerful and sustained - they're built for speed and endurance. Despite their size, they've got relatively small mouths, so don't go crazy with huge hooks. What makes them special is that hunting behavior - when you find one, there's often more around working the same schools. My go-to setup is trolling mackerel or sardines at 2-4 knots. Keep it simple and let that tail do the talking.
Montauk