Maine Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Licensed commercial tuna vessel offers authentic offshore fishing experienceSmall group capacity of 4 guests ensures personalized charter serviceActive participation required for potential massive bluefin tuna catches
Step aboard the F/V Josey Wales and get ready for some serious big-game action off the Maine coast. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're pulling in stripers from shallow water. We're talking about heading way offshore into deep Atlantic waters where the real monsters live. Captain and crew at Outlaw Adventure Charters run a tight ship - literally a licensed commercial tuna vessel that doubles as your gateway to world-class fishing. With space for just four anglers, you'll get personal attention and prime fishing spots without dealing with crowded boats. Fair warning though: these trips demand everything you've got. The fish out here don't come easy, but when you hook into a giant bluefin or battle a mako shark, you'll understand why serious anglers keep coming back for more.
Forget about leisurely casting from the dock - offshore fishing with Outlaw Adventure Charters means business from the moment we leave port. The Josey Wales cuts through Maine's coastal waters heading for the deep blue, where water temperatures and currents create perfect hunting grounds for pelagic species. You'll be working alongside the crew, not just sitting back waiting for fish to bite. This hands-on approach is what separates real fishing adventures from tourist trips. The boat operates under federal regulations as part of the commercial tuna fishery, so you're fishing with pros who know these waters like the back of their hand. Expect long runs to productive areas, active participation in rigging baits and fighting fish, and the kind of adrenaline rush that only comes from battling apex predators in their own territory. Pack your stamina and leave the expectations of easy catches at the dock.
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling with heavy-duty gear designed for fish that can weigh hundreds of pounds. The boat's equipped with commercial-grade rods, reels, and tackle that can handle whatever we encounter. You'll learn to work with circle hooks, wire leaders, and baits that range from fresh mackerel to specialized lures that trigger aggressive strikes from predatory species. Trolling spreads cover multiple depths and distances behind the boat, maximizing our chances of connecting with feeding fish. When something hits, the real work begins - fighting chairs and harnesses help distribute the load when you're locked into a marathon battle with a giant bluefin or powerful shark. The crew will coach you through proper fighting techniques, but be ready to put your back into it. These aren't fish you can muscle to the boat quickly. Proper technique, endurance, and teamwork between angler and crew make the difference between landing a trophy and watching it swim away.
The waters off Maine serve up some of the most sought-after gamefish on the East Coast, and each species brings its own set of challenges and rewards. Bluefin tuna are the crown jewel of these fishing grounds - massive, intelligent fish that can exceed 800 pounds and fight for hours. These giants migrate through Maine waters during summer and fall, following baitfish and feeding heavily before their spawning journey. What makes them special isn't just their size, but their raw power and endurance. A big bluefin will test every piece of equipment and every ounce of determination you have.
Shortfin mako sharks represent pure speed and aggression in fish form. These apex predators can hit 45 mph in short bursts and are known for spectacular jumps when hooked. Makos typically range from 100-300 pounds in these waters, with occasional monsters pushing much larger. They're most active during warmer months when water temperatures climb, and they follow the same baitfish that attract tuna. Fighting a mako means dealing with sudden direction changes, powerful runs, and the constant threat of those razor-sharp teeth.
Porbeagle sharks offer a different kind of challenge - they're built more like submarines than sports cars. These cold-water specialists thrive in Maine's cooler temperatures and can be targeted year-round, though spring and fall often produce the best action. Porbeagles are incredibly strong and stubborn fighters that prefer deep water battles over flashy surface displays. They're also excellent table fare for those looking to keep their catch.
Blue sharks are the most common offshore species you'll encounter, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're boring. These sleek predators are perfectly designed for open ocean life, and while they're typically smaller than makos or porbeagles, they make up for it with numbers. Some days you might hook multiple blues, making for non-stop action. They're also important for beginning offshore anglers to cut their teeth on proper shark fishing techniques.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of Maine offshore fishing. These unique predators use their elongated tail fins like whips to stun baitfish, creating one of nature's most specialized hunting strategies. They're less common than other shark species but absolutely unforgettable when you connect with one. Threshers put up a unique fight, often using their distinctive tails during the battle in ways that keep anglers guessing.
Maine's offshore fishing season peaks during summer and early fall, when water temperatures climb and baitfish concentrations draw in the big predators. The F/V Josey Wales operates as both a commercial fishing vessel and charter boat, meaning you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting access to professional-level knowledge and equipment. With only four spots available per trip, spaces fill up fast during prime season. These aren't casual fishing trips where you can show up unprepared. Come ready to work, learn, and push yourself beyond typical charter boat experiences. The payoff is access to some of the best big-game fishing on the East Coast, guided by a crew that makes their living on these waters year-round. Book early, pack your determination, and get ready for the kind of fishing stories that last a lifetime.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are some of the most beautiful predators we encounter offshore - that deep blue color fading to white underneath is something to see. They typically run 7-10 feet and 100-200 pounds, with females getting bigger than males. We find them in deeper water, usually 200+ feet, from late spring through early fall when water temps hit the mid-60s. Blues are curious and aggressive feeders, making them exciting targets for folks who want shark action without the expense of targeting bigger species. They put up a solid fight with their speed and endurance. The key is good chum - ground mackerel and herring work best. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat since these guys will come right up to investigate, and you don't want one jumping aboard.
Thunnus ThynnusAtlantic bluefin are the ultimate prize - these torpedo-shaped giants average 6-8 feet and 400-600 pounds, but the real monsters can hit 1,000+ pounds. We target them in deep offshore waters from June through October, when they're chasing bait schools near the surface. What makes bluefin special is the combination of their raw power, incredible speed, and the fact that they're worth serious money - top-grade fish bring premium prices. The fight is legendary: long surface runs followed by deep dives that'll test your endurance and tackle. The meat quality is world-class sashimi grade. Success comes down to finding the right water temperature breaks and bait schools. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for bird activity and temperature changes - that's where we find feeding fish.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are Maine's cold-water sharks, built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch behind their first dorsal fin. These guys average 5-7 feet and 200-300 pounds, though we've seen some push 400. They love our chilly waters from spring through fall, hanging in 100-600 feet over the continental shelf. What sets porbeagles apart is their dog-like tenacity when hooked - they'll fight for hours and sometimes leap clear out of the water. The meat's considered a delicacy, with a firm texture that's great grilled. They're opportunistic feeders, so whole mackerel works great for bait. Here's the key: use heavy line since their skin is like sandpaper and will cut through lighter tackle during the fight.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe shortfin mako is Maine's fastest shark, hitting speeds up to 30mph and known for launching 20 feet out of the water when hooked. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-12 feet and 200-400 pounds, with that classic blue-gray back and white belly. We find them in open water from late spring through fall, usually in the top 100 feet but they'll dive deep when chasing food. What makes makos special is their intelligence and pure fighting power - they'll use every trick including circling the boat to break your line. The meat's actually pretty good eating too. My tip: when you hook one, keep that drag smooth and be ready for multiple jumps. Heavy wire leaders are a must since their teeth are razor sharp.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are probably the most unique predators we target - that tail can be as long as their body, reaching 16+ feet total length and 400-500 pounds. They use that massive tail like a whip to stun baitfish, hitting speeds of 30mph. We find them over deep water during summer months, usually 25-100 feet down over the continental shelf where they're hunting mackerel and herring schools. What guests love about threshers is watching them hunt and their acrobatic fights - they'll leap completely out of the water. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so strong 8/0 hooks work well. The secret is finding bait balls and drifting nearby. Fresh mackerel or sardines are top baits, and patience pays off since they can be picky feeders.
South Freeport, ME