Full Day Shark Fishing with Captain Mark Assogna
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore shark fishing targeting hammerhead, mako, thresher speciesCaptain Mark Assogna provides expert guidance aboard Masterpiece ChartersAtlantic waters adventure accommodates up to six guests maximum
If you're looking to tangle with some serious predators in the waters off Montauk, Captain Mark Assogna's full-day shark charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking about targeting the ocean's apex hunters in their own backyard. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when the action heats up. Captain Assogna knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the experience to put you on fish when conditions line up right.
This is a full-day commitment, so come prepared to be out there from sunrise to sunset. We're heading offshore to where the water gets deep and blue – that's where these sharks cruise and feed. The boat ride out gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game, because once we hit the fishing grounds, things can get wild fast. Captain Mark will have you set up with proper shark tackle and walk you through the techniques that work best in these waters. The atmosphere on board is relaxed but focused – everyone's there for the same reason, and when someone hooks up, the whole boat gets excited. Don't expect any hand-holding though; shark fishing demands respect for both the fish and the gear, so listen to the captain and follow his lead.
We're talking heavy tackle here – 50 to 80-pound class rods with reels that can handle serious drag pressure. Captain Mark provides all the gear you'll need, including wire leaders, circle hooks, and weights designed specifically for shark fishing. The main technique is drift fishing with chunk bait or whole fish, letting the scent trail work its magic in the current. You'll be fishing multiple lines at different depths, and the captain will rotate positions so everyone gets a fair shot at the action. Wire leaders are essential because even smaller sharks have teeth that'll cut through mono like butter. The boat carries a good fish finder and GPS, so we can mark productive areas and return to spots that are holding fish. When a shark takes your bait, you'll know it – the drag will scream and your rod will load up like you've hooked a freight train.
Smooth Hammerhead: These distinctive sharks show up consistently in Montauk waters from late spring through early fall. They typically range from 100 to 200 pounds, though bigger ones cruise through occasionally. Hammerheads are active fighters that make solid runs and put serious bend in your rod. What makes them special is that unique head shape – it's always a rush to see one come up to the boat. They're curious fish that sometimes circle the boat before taking bait, and experienced anglers know to watch for that telltale dorsal fin cutting through the surface.
Shortfin Mako Shark: The speed demons of the shark world, makos are what most anglers dream about hooking. These fish can hit 60 mph and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. In Montauk waters, we see makos from 100 to 300+ pounds, with the bigger fish typically showing up in late summer. They prefer the warmer, offshore waters where the current breaks are strong. When a mako hits your bait, get ready for a fight that can last over an hour. They're built for speed and endurance, making long runs that test both angler and equipment.
Blue Shark: Don't let anyone tell you blues aren't worth targeting – these sleek predators are beautiful fish and willing biters when conditions are right. They're typically smaller than the other species we target, ranging from 50 to 150 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers. Blues often travel in loose schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and the chance to work on their shark fishing technique without the marathon battles that bigger species demand.
Thresher Shark: The most unique shark we target, threshers are instantly recognizable by their incredibly long tail fin that can be as long as their body. These fish are typically caught from mid-summer through fall in deeper waters off Montauk. They're strong fighters that use that massive tail to their advantage, creating powerful leverage during the fight. Threshers in our waters typically run 100 to 200 pounds, and they're considered by many to be the most beautiful shark species we encounter. They feed heavily on schooling baitfish, using their tail to stun prey before feeding.
Captain Mark Assogna's shark charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are most favorable. This is serious offshore fishing that delivers memories you'll be talking about for years. The combination of Montauk's prime location, Captain Mark's knowledge, and the quality of sharks in these waters makes this trip a standout choice for anyone serious about shark fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add new species to your list or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing to the big leagues, this charter delivers the goods. Book early to secure your dates – the best shark fishing windows don't last long, and spots on quality boats like this one get snapped up quickly by anglers who know what they're after.
Get ready to chase sharks aboard this solid 36-foot Beal Cabin Cruiser from 2000. This Downeast-style fishing machine packs a serious 600HP Cat engine that'll cruise you out to the deep water at 18 knots, putting you right where the big predators hunt. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, with plenty of deck space for fighting those monster makos and hammerheads. Inside, you've got air conditioning to cool off between battles, a fridge to keep your drinks cold, and a full kitchen for when you work up an appetite. The GPS and radar systems keep you locked onto the best fishing spots, even when visibility gets sketchy offshore. With a proper head onboard, you can focus on what matters most – landing those apex predators that cruise Montauk's Atlantic waters. This setup gives you everything needed for a serious day targeting sharks in some of the East Coast's most productive waters.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the workhorses of our shark trips - beautiful deep blue backs fading to white bellies, and they show up consistently in deeper water around 100+ feet. They're curious sharks, averaging 7-10 feet, with females getting much bigger than males. We find them year-round but late summer into fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before moving south. What guests appreciate is their willingness to bite and decent fight, plus they're photogenic as hell. They love squid, mackerel, and tuna in the chum slick. These sharks are smart - they'll circle and investigate before committing. My trick is to keep the bait at least 50 feet from the boat and use a long wire leader. They've got a habit of rolling on the line, and that rough skin will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Patience pays off with blues.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are hands down the most athletic shark we target - the ocean's speed demons hitting 30+ mph and launching 20 feet out of the water when hooked. They average 10-13 feet and pack serious muscle at 130-300 pounds. These guys cruise the open Atlantic, usually near the surface but dive deep when hunting. Summer through early fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. What guests love is the pure fight - makos are relentless, smart, and will use every trick including trying to jump in your boat. The meat's actually excellent eating too, firm and mild. My go-to technique is drift with fresh bluefish chunks and heavy chum slick. Keep that drag loose initially - when a mako hits, it's going to make a blistering run and you need to let it go or it'll snap your line clean.
Sphyrna ZygaenaSmooth hammerheads are the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging around 11 feet and easily recognized by that distinctive curved head without the center notch. They're found in our Atlantic waters, typically staying in the upper 60 feet but can go deeper. These sharks prefer cooler temps than their cousins, making summer our prime season when they migrate north from warmer waters. What makes them special is watching them school up in massive groups during migration - hundreds sometimes. They're strong fighters with serious pulling power, and that unique silhouette makes for great photos. Their small mouths mean they're picky eaters, so I always use smaller baits like squid or small bluefish. Pro tip: when you see birds working baitfish, there's often hammerheads underneath using those electric sensors in their heads to hunt.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique shark we chase - that massive tail fin can be as long as their body, and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish at 50 mph. These guys average 12-16 feet and pack incredible power, making them a bucket-list catch for serious anglers. They patrol the continental shelf in 100-400 feet of water, moving inshore to hunt schools of mackerel and herring. Late spring through early fall is our window when they follow bait north. The fight is something else - they're acrobatic and will jump clear out of the water. Despite their size, they have relatively small mouths, so we use smaller hooks than you'd expect. My tip: look for diving birds and bait schools on the sonar. Threshers hunt by slapping their tails through the schools, so trolling large swimming plugs just above the bait often triggers strikes.
Montauk