Belmar Shark Fishing: June's Hottest Bite
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target multiple shark species including Mako and Thresher sharksOffshore fishing adventure accommodates up to 6 guests maximumBattles with large sharks can last several hours
When the waters off Belmar heat up in June, the sharks start moving in serious numbers. This isn't your average day of fluke fishing – we're talking about apex predators that'll test every ounce of your strength and skill. Nearfall Fishing Charters runs one of the most popular shark trips along the Jersey Shore, targeting everything from scrappy brown sharks to the legendary mako. With just six anglers per boat, you get the personalized attention and elbow room needed when you're wrestling with something that could weigh more than your car.
We head out into the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off, typically 15-25 miles offshore from Belmar. This is prime shark habitat where the water temperature and baitfish concentrations create perfect hunting conditions. The trip starts early – sharks are most active during dawn and dusk hours, so expect a 5:30 AM departure. You'll spend 10-12 hours on the water, anchored over structure or drifting along temperature breaks where these apex predators cruise. The atmosphere is electric when that first rod doubles over and the reel starts screaming. With a small group of six anglers, everyone gets multiple shots at hooking up, and there's always someone ready to help when you're deep into a marathon fight with a big fish.
Shark fishing is all about heavy tackle and patience. We're using 80-130 pound test conventional reels spooled with braided line, matched to stout rods that can handle the punishment. The terminal tackle consists of wire leaders – sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in seconds. Fresh bunker, mackerel, and bluefish chunks are the go-to baits, rigged on 10/0 to 14/0 circle hooks. We'll set up a spread of lines at different depths, from surface baits for makos to bottom rigs for the bigger browns and duskies. The key technique is letting the fish run with the bait before setting the hook – circle hooks work best when the shark turns and starts swimming away. Once hooked up, it's all about maintaining steady pressure and working the fish in a rhythm that doesn't wear you out completely.
Dusky sharks are the workhorses of our June trips, running 100-300 pounds and putting up bulldogging fights that'll leave your arms burning. These powerful predators prefer deeper waters along the continental shelf and are most active during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. Duskies are notorious for their stamina – they don't make the blazing runs of a mako, but they'll pull steady and hard for what feels like hours. What makes them special is their sheer power and the way they test your endurance. Landing a 200-pound dusky after a two-hour battle is something you'll remember forever.
Shortfin mako sharks are the holy grail of offshore fishing – the fastest shark in the ocean and arguably the hardest fighting fish you can hook from a boat. June is prime time for makos off Belmar, with fish ranging from 100 to over 500 pounds cruising the warm water column. When a mako takes your bait, get ready for a show. These fish are famous for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that can strip 300 yards of line in seconds. The speed and athleticism of a hooked mako is something that has to be experienced to be believed. They're also excellent eating, making them a true prize fish for any serious angler.
Thresher sharks bring their own unique challenge with their distinctive whip-like tail that's nearly as long as their body. These fascinating predators use their elongated tail to stun schools of baitfish, and when hooked, they put on an aerial display that rivals any mako. Threshers typically run 150-400 pounds in our local waters and are most active during dawn and dusk periods. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable fighting style – they'll make sudden direction changes and use that massive tail to try to throw the hook. The visual of seeing a thresher jump with that distinctive silhouette is something that turns first-time shark anglers into lifelong addicts.
June represents peak shark season off the Jersey Shore, when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and baitfish are thick along the continental shelf. This world-class fishery is right in our backyard, and Nearfall Fishing Charters has the local knowledge and heavy tackle needed to put you on fish. With only six spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast once word gets out about the bite. Whether you're looking to cross a mako off your bucket list or just want to experience the raw power of a big dusky, this is your chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most impressive predators. The memories you make battling these apex predators in the deep blue will last a lifetime, and the bragging rights aren't bad either.
Get ready to battle some serious sharks off the Jersey coast aboard our fully rigged fishing machine! This 6-person motorboat is loaded with everything you need for an epic offshore shark hunt - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar to navigate safely to the hotspots, plus a VHF radio for communication. When you hook into a massive Mako or Thresher, you'll appreciate having ice boxes and a refrigerator to keep your catch fresh, along with a full kitchen and head onboard. The waters around Belmar are packed with Brown Sharks, Dusky, Finetooth, and those prized Makos ranging from 40 to over 1000 pounds. Some of these monsters will test your stamina with fights lasting hours, so the multimedia system helps pass time between hookups. Built for serious anglers who want to tackle Jersey's legendary shark population in comfort and style.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique sharks we target, easily recognized by that massive tail that's as long as their body. These guys run 12-16 feet on average, with some pushing 20 feet and over 500 pounds. You'll find them patrolling our shelf waters 25-100 feet down, using that whip-like tail to stun schools of mackerel and bluefish - they can generate 50 mph strikes with it. June through August is prime time when baitfish are schooled up. What makes threshers special is watching them hunt - they're like underwater acrobats, sometimes breaching completely out of the water. They fight different than other sharks, more like a giant tuna with long runs. Key tip: use smaller hooks than you'd think - they have surprisingly small mouths for such big fish, and that tail can wrap your line if you're not careful.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe mako is our "golden ticket" - the fastest shark in the ocean and hands down the most spectacular fighter you'll encounter off New Jersey. These blue-backed rockets average 6-10 feet but can hit 13 feet and 300+ pounds. They live in open water from the surface down to 400 feet, preferring the warm blue water beyond the continental shelf. June through September gives you the best shot when water temps hit 65-70°F. What sets makos apart is their aerial show - they'll launch 15+ feet out of the water and can hit 30 mph when they want to. Plus, they're one of the best eating sharks out there. Fair warning: makos are notorious for jumping into boats, so keep your head up during the fight. Use circle hooks and heavy wire - their teeth will slice through anything lighter.
Carcharhinus ObscurusThese bronze-gray bruisers are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find off Belmar in June. Running 8-12 feet and pushing 200-400 pounds, they cruise our continental shelf waters from 50-400 feet deep, hunting bluefish and squid. What makes duskies special is their stamina - they'll pull steady for hours without the flashy jumps, just pure bulldogging power. Their round snouts and sickle-shaped fins make them easy to spot when you get one boatside. Best fishing happens during the warmer months when baitfish are thick. Here's the thing about duskies: they're smart and will circle under the boat to break you off. Keep steady pressure and don't rush the fight - let them tire themselves out before you think about leading them to the boat.
Belmar, NJ