Belmar Shark Trip - June's Prime Hunting Season
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target multiple shark species including Mako and Threshers offshoreBattles with fish ranging from 40 to over 1000 poundsSmall group charter accommodating up to 6 guests maximum
When June rolls around, the waters off Belmar come alive with some of the Atlantic's most sought-after predators. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip – we're talking serious shark action where you'll battle fish that can tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds. With only 6 anglers per trip, you'll have plenty of room to work and the personal attention you need when that rod doubles over. The local waters here are absolutely loaded with Brown Sharks, Dusky, Finetooth, Threshers, and if you're really lucky, the golden ticket – a Mako. Fair warning: depending on what grabs your bait, you could be strapped in for a fight that lasts hours.
This is big game fishing at its finest, and June is when these waters really turn on. We'll head out to the proven shark grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the blue water begins. The boat stays small with just 6 spots available, which means you're not fighting for deck space when something serious grabs your line. Expect to be out there for the long haul – shark fishing isn't a quick hit kind of deal. We're talking about patient, methodical fishing where you might wait for hours between bites, but when it happens, everything changes in a heartbeat. The camaraderie on deck is something special too, especially when someone's locked into a fish that's testing every ounce of their strength and determination.
We're fishing with heavy tackle designed to handle serious weight and power. Think 50-80 pound class rods with reels that can hold enough line for those long, screaming runs. The terminal tackle is built to withstand teeth that can slice through lighter gear like butter – heavy wire leaders, circle hooks, and weights that'll get your bait down to where these apex predators cruise. We'll be using a mix of fresh and cut baits, often bluefish, bunker, or other oily fish that create a scent trail in the water. The technique involves setting up a spread of lines at different depths and waiting for that telltale screaming drag. When a shark picks up your bait, there's usually no mistaking it – the rod will load up and the fight of a lifetime begins.
Dusky Sharks are the workhorses of these waters, and June is prime time for them. These fish typically run 100-300 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights – long, sustained battles that'll test your endurance. They're not flashy jumpers, but they make up for it with pure power and determination. Duskies prefer the deeper waters along the continental shelf, exactly where we'll be fishing. What makes them so appealing to serious shark anglers is their size consistency and fighting ability – you know when you hook a good Dusky, you're in for at least an hour-long battle.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the crown jewel of shark fishing, and for good reason. These are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of hitting 40+ mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. June brings Makos into our local waters as they follow the warming currents and baitfish migrations. A typical Mako can range from 100 to over 400 pounds, and their acrobatic fights are legendary. When a Mako takes your bait, expect multiple jumps, blistering runs, and a fight that combines speed with raw power. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to bring dinner home.
Thresher Sharks are the most unique fighters you'll encounter on this trip. Known for their incredibly long tail fins that can equal their body length, these sharks put on a show unlike any other species. June is excellent for Threshers as they move into our area chasing schools of bunker and other baitfish. They typically range from 150-400 pounds and are famous for their tail-slapping surface fights. What makes Threshers so exciting is their unpredictable behavior – they might sound deep, then suddenly explode on the surface, using that massive tail to try and throw the hook. The visual aspect of fighting a Thresher is something that stays with anglers long after the trip ends.
This June shark trip offers something you won't find on every charter boat – the chance to tangle with legitimate big game fish in a small group setting. With only 6 anglers aboard, you'll get the personalized coaching and deck space needed to properly fight these powerful fish. The species mix in our local waters during June is simply outstanding, giving you real shots at multiple species including the highly coveted Mako. Remember to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided – you'll want to stay fueled up for what could be an all-day battle. These trips book up fast once word gets out about the June bite, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. Whether you're after your first shark or looking to add to an impressive list, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime.
Get ready to battle some serious sharks off the Jersey coast aboard this fully-rigged 6-person fishing machine. This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for an epic offshore adventure - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The onboard kitchen and fridge keep your crew fed during those marathon fights, while the ice box preserves your catch. When you hook into a massive Mako or monster Brown Shark in these waters, you might be in for an all-day war that'll test every angler on board. With sharks ranging from 40 to over 1000 pounds lurking in Belmar's deep waters, this boat's got the space and gear to handle whatever giants you pull up from the depths.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique sharks you'll target - that massive tail fin is half their body length and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish. Most run 12-16 feet and 400-500 pounds, making them serious gamefish. They cruise the continental shelf edge, usually 30-50 miles out in 100-500 feet of water. June through September is peak season as they follow mackerel and herring schools north. What makes them special is watching that tail work - sometimes they'll even breach completely out of the water. They're strong, steady fighters that won't quit easily. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so don't go overboard on hook size. The trick is finding the bait schools first - birds working and bait showing on the sounder. Once you locate the food, threshers won't be far behind.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the holy grail - fastest shark in the ocean and they'll prove it when hooked. These torpedoes average 10-13 feet and 200-400 pounds, but big ones push 1000+ pounds. They love open water, usually 20+ miles offshore in the blue stuff, staying near the surface but diving to 400 feet when hunting. June's prime time as they follow the warm water north chasing tuna and bluefish. What guests love most? The jumps - makos can leap 20 feet out of the water and will absolutely wreck your day if you're not ready. Their meat's actually excellent too. Speed and intelligence make them tricky. My tip: keep your drag smooth and boat crew alert. When you see that first jump, tighten up because they'll try to throw the hook on every leap.
Carcharhinus ObscurusDusky sharks are solid fighters that'll test your gear and patience. These blue-gray bruisers average 8-11 feet but can push 14 feet and 700+ pounds. You'll find them cruising the continental shelf in 50-400 feet of water, from right off the beach to well offshore. June's perfect timing since they're moving through our area chasing baitfish. What makes them special is that round snout and those long pectoral fins - plus they'll give you a steady, powerful fight without the crazy jumps. They're not picky eaters, going after everything from bluefish to squid. Here's the key: use fresh oily bait like bunker or mackerel and fish it mid-column. They're often suspended, not always on the bottom like you'd think.
Belmar, NJ