Montauk Offshore Fishing: Tuna & Shark Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target tuna or sharks 8-25 miles offshore from MontaukPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximumTrolling and chumming techniques used by experienced crew
Looking for some serious offshore action? Moondance Charters has you covered with their top-rated Montauk offshore fishing trips targeting tuna and sharks. We're talking about heading out 8-25 miles from shore where the real fish live – the kind that'll test your tackle and give you stories to tell for years. With Montauk's reputation as one of the East Coast's premier fishing destinations, you're in for world-class action whether you're chasing the silver rockets or battling apex predators.
Your day starts early at Montauk Harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on conditions and what's been biting. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you're not fighting for rail space like those crowded party boats. Once we clear the point and hit the open ocean, it's game time. The captain will read the water – looking for temperature breaks, bird activity, and bait schools that signal where the action is. Tuna fishing means covering water and staying alert for that telltale scream of a reel, while shark trips involve setting up a chum slick and waiting for the predators to show up. Either way, you're in for some serious fishing in some of the most productive waters on the East Coast.
For tuna, we're trolling spreads of cedar plugs, spoons, and ballyhoo at various depths to find where they're feeding. The captain will adjust speed and lure selection based on what the fish want that day. When one goes off, it's all hands on deck – these fish can peel line like you wouldn't believe. Shark fishing is a different game entirely. We'll set up a chum slick using bunker, mackerel, and fish scraps to bring them in close. Baits are fished on circle hooks with heavy wire leaders, and the waiting game begins. The boat provides all the heavy tackle you need – Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 50-80lb test, matched with quality rods that can handle the punishment. Just bring yourself, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included on this trip.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the holy grail of shark fishing around Montauk. These speed demons can hit 40+ mph and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Summer months from June through September offer the best shot at makos, with fish ranging from 100-400 pounds showing up in the offshore waters. What makes them special isn't just the aerial show – it's the sustained runs and incredible stamina that'll have your arms burning.
Yellowfin Tuna have been the customer favorite in recent seasons, moving closer to shore than anyone expected. These 20-80 pound torpedoes show up from July through October, feeding aggressively on squid and baitfish. Yellowfins are pure muscle – once hooked, they'll sound deep and fight every inch of the way to the boat. The meat quality is outstanding, making them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Bluefin Tuna are the king of the offshore scene, with fish ranging from schoolies in the 30-50 pound range up to giants pushing 200+ pounds. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action, particularly when water temperatures are in transition. Bluefins are notorious for their power and endurance – a big one can take an hour or more to land, testing both angler and tackle to the limit.
Blue Sharks are the most common species you'll encounter on shark trips, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're boring. These sleek predators can reach 6-8 feet and put on an impressive fight with long runs and acrobatic jumps. They're active all season long and often show up in numbers, making for non-stop action when conditions are right.
Thresher Sharks are the wildcards of Montauk waters, known for their distinctive elongated tail that can be as long as their body. These 100-300 pound fighters use that tail like a whip to stun prey, and they'll use every trick in the book when hooked. Summer months offer the best opportunities, and landing one is considered a badge of honor among local anglers.
Montauk offshore fishing doesn't get much better than this. With Moondance Charters, you're getting a quality boat, experienced crew, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the East Coast. Whether you're after the speed and power of tuna or the raw excitement of tangling with sharks, this trip delivers the goods. The 6-person limit means you'll have room to fight fish properly and enjoy the experience without feeling cramped. Book your spot now and get ready for some world-class offshore action that'll remind you why Montauk has such a legendary reputation among serious anglers.
This fully equipped offshore fishing boat gets you to the prime tuna and shark waters 8-25 miles off Montauk's coast in comfort. Built for serious angling with a fish finder to locate your targets and GPS navigation to mark the hot spots. The flybridge gives you an elevated view to spot bait schools and diving birds. Stay cool with onboard AC between fights, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and use the full kitchen to prep bait or cook your catch. VHF radio and radar keep you connected and safe in changing conditions. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers with room to move around while trolling for tuna or chumming for sharks. Onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, and the head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're pulling lines for yellowfin or waiting for that shark to take the chum, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are probably the most beautiful sharks out there with their deep blue backs fading to white bellies. They're curious fish, averaging 6-8 feet and 60-120 pounds, though the females get much bigger. Found in deeper water 15+ miles offshore, they prefer temps in the mid-60s and love following the warm water north in summer. What makes them fun to target? They're aggressive on the chum line and put up a decent scrap without being dangerous. Plus they're perfect for newer shark anglers to cut their teeth on. The key is keeping your bait at least 30 feet from the boat - blues will investigate anything, including your swim platform. Fresh mackerel or herring chunks work best in a good slick.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin are the holy grail - massive, powerful fish that can hit 400+ pounds and fight like freight trains. These blue-backed beauties are warm-blooded, so they stay active in our cooler Atlantic waters from late spring through fall. Most of our fishing happens 15-30 miles out in 60-200 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. The fight is legendary - long runs, deep dives, and pure strength that'll test your tackle and endurance. The meat brings top dollar at market, but many folks release these magnificent fish. Chunking with fresh herring or mackerel works well, but my go-to move is trolling small cedar plugs early morning. Keep your drag smooth - they'll find every weakness in your setup.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world, hitting 30+ mph and known for their crazy jumps - sometimes right into the boat if you're not careful! These silvery-blue rockets average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, cruising the surface waters 10-25 miles offshore. Summer and early fall are prime time when water temps hit the mid-60s and above. What makes them special? Pure adrenaline - they'll test every piece of gear you've got with blistering runs and aerial shows. The meat's excellent too, almost steak-like. My tip: when chumming, keep that boat in gear and ready to move. Once a mako commits to your bait, it might decide your transom looks interesting too.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique sharks you'll encounter - that tail can be as long as their body, sometimes reaching 15+ feet total. They use it like a whip to stun baitfish, creating quite a show when they're feeding. These blue-gray sharks prefer deeper water along the continental shelf, usually 20+ miles out where they hunt in the mid-water column. Summer into early fall is prime time when they follow bait schools north. Guests love them because they're powerful fighters that sometimes breach, plus they're relatively rare - a true trophy species. Here's the trick: they have small mouths for their size, so use 8/0 circle hooks with fresh mackerel. Drift fishing works better than trolling since they're often suspended mid-water chasing squid.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfins are built like torpedoes with bright yellow fins that give them their name. Most of what we catch runs 40-80 pounds, though 200+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise the upper 100 feet of water, often tight to temperature breaks and current edges. Here off Montauk, they've been coming in closer the past few summers - sometimes just 15 miles out. Peak season runs July through October when water temps stay warm. What guests love: these fish fight hard with long runs, the meat is world-class sushi grade, and there's always a chance at a real giant. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for birds working bait. If nothing's hitting up top, don't be afraid to drop jigs down deep where they're often feeding.
Montauk, NY