Dana Point Shark Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Mako, Thresher, and Blue Sharks off Dana Point watersCatchandrelease practices ensure sustainable shark fishing conservationSixperson capacity with flexible departure times available
When you're ready to step up your game and go after some serious predators, Dana Point shark fishing delivers the goods. This isn't your typical weekend bass trip – we're talking about hooking into some of Southern California's most powerful apex predators. The waters off Dana Point are a hotspot for Blue Sharks, Thresher Sharks, and the legendary Shortfin Mako. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while making sure we practice responsible catch-and-release for these amazing creatures. With space for up to 6 anglers and flexible departure times, this charter fits your schedule and gives you the best shot at tangling with sharks that'll test your tackle and your nerves.
Your Dana Point shark fishing adventure starts before dawn or whenever works best for your crew – we're flexible because we know these fish don't punch a time clock. Once we clear the harbor, it's about a 30-45 minute run to the productive shark grounds where the Continental Shelf drops off into deep blue water. The crew will have the boat rigged and ready with heavy tackle that can handle these bruisers. You'll be fishing in 200-800 feet of water, where the thermocline creates perfect hunting conditions for pelagic sharks. The vibe is laid-back but focused – everyone's scanning the water for signs of life while the crew gets the spread set up. Don't expect constant action like you'd get on a rockfish trip, but when a shark shows up, your adrenaline will spike fast. These fish can appear out of nowhere and absolutely smoke your drag in seconds.
Shark fishing is all about patience and heavy gear. We use 50-80 pound class tackle with circle hooks and wire leaders – these fish have sandpaper skin and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono like butter. The crew sets up a chum slick using mackerel, sardines, and other oily baitfish to create a scent trail that draws sharks from miles away. You'll be fishing with whole mackerel, bonito chunks, or live bait when we can get it. The technique is pretty straightforward – let your bait drift back in the chum line and wait for something big to find it. When a shark takes your bait, don't strike like you would with other fish. Circle hooks do the work for you, so just come tight and hang on. The crew will coach you through the fight, which can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on the size and species you hook into.
Blue Sharks are your bread-and-butter species out here and definitely the most common shark you'll encounter. These beautiful indigo-colored predators typically run 3-6 feet long and are absolute acrobats when hooked. Blues are most active during spring and summer months when water temperatures climb above 60 degrees. They're curious fish that often cruise right up to the boat, giving you some amazing photo opportunities before release. What makes blues special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that respond well to chum, making them perfect for newer shark anglers who want consistent action.
Thresher Sharks are the holy grail for many Dana Point anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric-looking beasts use their massive tail fin – sometimes half their total body length – to stun schools of baitfish before feeding. Threshers can reach 12-16 feet and put up an incredible fight with powerful runs and jumps. Summer and early fall are prime time when they move into our waters chasing anchovy schools. Landing a thresher is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking for years. They're more finicky than blues, but when one decides to eat, you'll know it immediately.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are pure speed and power wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These are legitimately dangerous fish that demand respect – makos can hit 60 mph and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. They typically run 4-8 feet in our waters, but even a smaller mako will test your tackle and technique. Peak season is late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmest. Makos are less common than blues but way more aggressive fighters. If you manage to hook one, prepare for multiple jumps, long runs, and a workout you won't forget. The crew practices extra caution with makos due to their speed and unpredictable nature.
Dana Point shark fishing isn't something you do every weekend – it's a special trip that creates lasting memories and stories you'll tell for decades. Our experienced crew knows how to find fish while keeping everyone safe and respecting these apex predators through proper catch-and-release practices. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this adventure delivers world-class action in some of Southern California's most productive shark waters. With flexible scheduling and space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for groups who want to share the experience. Don't wait around – prime shark season books up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance to tangle with these legendary predators.
Captain William's 28' Desina RIB is your ticket to some serious shark action off Dana Point. This rigid inflatable boat packs a punch with its 300 HP Yamaha engine, cruising at 30 knots to get you to the prime shark grounds fast. Built for up to 6 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing Mako, Thresher, and Blue sharks. The fish finder will help locate baitfish schools where sharks hunt, while GPS and radar keep you on course and safe. A built-in live well keeps your bait lively, and the icebox handles drinks and any keeper fish. The RIB design means a stable fishing platform even when the Pacific gets bumpy, giving you the best shot at landing one of these apex predators. Perfect setup for catch-and-release shark fishing.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are probably the most beautiful sharks you'll encounter off Dana Point. These sleek, deep blue torpedoes average 7-10 feet and can hit surprising speeds when hooked. We find them in deeper water, usually 1,000+ feet, where they cruise looking for squid and small tuna. They're curious by nature, which makes them great targets for drift fishing with chum. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 60-65 degree sweet spot. What makes blues special is their willingness to take bait and their acrobatic fights - they'll make long runs and put on a show. Here's a tip: keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get pretty aggressive in a feeding frenzy, and you don't want one deciding to visit the deck uninvited.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are hands down the fastest sharks in the ocean, clocking 30+ mph and known to leap 20 feet out of the water. These muscular predators average 13 feet and pack serious attitude - they're aggressive hunters that'll eat anything from tuna to other sharks. We find them in open water from the surface down to 400+ feet, and they're active year-round thanks to being partially warm-blooded. What draws people back is the fight - makos are pure power and will test every piece of your gear. They're also excellent table fare, which is rare for sharks. The challenge is they're smart and will use your own boat against you, circling to break lines or even jumping aboard if they're really fired up. My advice: use at least 50lb gear with heavy wire leaders, and always be ready to clear the deck when you see one coming up hot.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for that massive tail that's nearly as long as their body. These blue-grey beauties average 16 feet and 500+ pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun schools of mackerel and sardines at 50mph. We target them 40-50 miles offshore in 200-2,000 feet of water where the continental shelf drops off. Late spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit 60-70 degrees. What gets anglers hooked is watching them breach completely out of the water during the fight - it's something you'll never forget. They're smart fighters that'll test your drag and stamina. Pro tip: use smaller hooks than you'd think - 8/0s work great since threshers have surprisingly small mouths for such big fish. Heavy braid and a long wire leader are essential.
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