Full Day Shark Fishing Adventure in Barnegat Light
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore shark fishing adventure in Barnegat LightExpert crew provides guidance and ensures safe fishing experienceSmall group capacity of four guests for personalized attention
Ready to tangle with some serious predators? Our full-day shark fishing trip out of Barnegat Light puts you face-to-face with some of the Atlantic's most powerful fish. We'll head offshore to proven shark grounds where the action gets real, and the fights are legendary. This isn't your typical day on the water – when a big shark takes your bait, you'll know why anglers travel from all over to fish these waters.
We launch early from Barnegat Light and cruise out to deeper waters where sharks patrol the drop-offs and structure. The boat holds up to four anglers, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention from our crew. We'll set up a solid chum slick to draw them in, then it's game on. Expect to fish multiple rods with different baits – fresh bunker, mackerel, and bluefish work magic out here. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused, perfect for both seasoned shark hunters and first-timers looking to check this off their bucket list. Pack your own lunch and drinks since we're staying out all day, and trust me, you'll work up an appetite hauling in these beasts.
We run heavy-duty Penn reels spooled with 80-pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the punishment. Our terminal tackle includes circle hooks and wire leaders – safety first when dealing with razor-sharp teeth. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll anchor up on productive structure, lay out a chum slick, and fish cut baits at different depths. Some sharks cruise the surface, others hug the bottom, so we cover all the zones. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but we'll teach you proper fighting techniques and how to work the drag when a shark makes its run. Photos and safe releases are standard – these apex predators deserve respect and conservation.
Tope sharks are scrappy fighters that show up consistently in our area, typically running 20-40 pounds with occasional bigger specimens. They're active year-round but peak in late spring through fall. What makes them special is their tenacity – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest sharks you'll encounter, making long runs and testing your endurance.
Blacktip sharks bring explosive surface action that'll get your heart pumping. These acrobatic fighters often jump when hooked, putting on a show that's pure adrenaline. Summer months are prime time for blacktips, and they average 30-50 pounds in our waters. Their speed and aerial displays make them a customer favorite – there's nothing quite like watching a blacktip clear the water with your line screaming off the reel.
Bull sharks are the heavy hitters – thick, powerful, and built like underwater bulldozers. These bruisers can top 200 pounds and will test every knot in your tackle. They prefer warmer water, so late summer into early fall gives you the best shot. Bulls are notorious for their raw power and stubborn fighting style, often heading straight for the bottom when hooked. Landing one is a serious accomplishment that'll have you talking for years.
Blue sharks are the marathon runners of the shark world, known for their beautiful coloration and long, sustained fights. They're most common in late summer and early fall when the water temperature is right. Blues average 50-100 pounds and are surprisingly athletic, making multiple runs and testing your patience. Their striking blue coloration makes for incredible photos before release.
Thresher sharks are the holy grail of our shark trips – massive, powerful, and equipped with that distinctive long tail. These giants can exceed 300 pounds and put up fights that become legendary fish stories. Threshers are less common but show up consistently enough to keep things exciting. When you hook into a big thresher, you'll understand why serious shark anglers consider them the ultimate prize. Their unique appearance and incredible size make every encounter memorable.
This top-rated shark fishing adventure fills up fast, especially during peak season when the big sharks are most active. Our experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, and with only four spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone ready to experience the rush of shark fishing for the first time, this trip delivers the goods. The memories you'll make battling these ocean predators will last a lifetime – book now and get ready to discover why Barnegat Light shark fishing has such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Get ready to chase sharks aboard our freshly restored 2023 Sea Hunt 25ft center console! This beast cuts through Barnegat Light waters with twin Yamaha engines pushing 40 knots when we need to cover serious ground to reach the hot bite. The spacious center console design gives all 4 anglers room to work big fish without tangling lines or bumping elbows during the fight. We've loaded her with everything needed for successful shark fishing - GPS keeps us on the productive spots, radar cuts through morning fog, and our fish finder marks bait schools that draw in the predators. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long battles. Plus there's a head aboard for those extended offshore runs. This setup is built for serious shark fishing, not just casual bay cruising. The twin power lets us run hard to where the big ones hunt, and the stable platform gives you confidence when a monster hits your bait. Perfect for small groups who want to focus on fishing instead of being packed in with a crowd.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are exciting sharks that average 5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet, easily recognized by those signature black fin tips. They're social fish with excitable personalities - sometimes they'll even jump right into the boat during feeding frenzies! You'll find them in 100-200 feet of water around artificial reefs and muddy bottom areas. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively hunting sardines, herring, and mackerel. Guests love blacktips because they put up a great aerial show, jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Despite being feisty fighters, they can be surprisingly timid around other shark species. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks - at least 20-50 pound test. Here's my go-to trick: pound up some oily mackerel for chum and use live sardines as bait.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the most beautiful sharks we target - that deep blue color fading to white underneath is stunning. These sleek predators average 7-10 feet and can hit 400 pounds for big females. They're open ocean cruisers, typically found in deeper water around 1,000+ feet where they hunt squid and tuna. Blues show up best during warmer months when water temps hit 54-68°F. What makes them special is their curious nature and spectacular torpedo-shaped design built for speed. They're fantastic fighters that'll test your drag system with long runs. The key to blues is drift fishing with a good chum slick made from mackerel, herring, or sardines mashed into bloody porridge. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - these curious sharks have been known to jump aboard during the chaos of a feeding frenzy.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of the shark world - thick, aggressive, and built like tanks. These gray-topped predators typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds, making them serious opponents on heavy tackle. What's unique about bulls is they can handle both salt and freshwater, so we sometimes find them in brackish areas near inlets. Summer months from June through September give you the best shot when they move into our coastal waters. Anglers love targeting bulls because they're pure power - no fancy moves, just raw strength that'll test your gear and stamina. They're not picky eaters but respond well to cut bait like mackerel, bonito, or barracuda. My secret weapon? Fresh eel - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls while staying on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers of shark fishing with that incredible tail that's as long as their body - sometimes reaching 20 feet total and over 1,000 pounds. These blue-gray sharks use that massive tail like a whip to stun baitfish, creating some of the most dramatic strikes you'll see. They prefer deeper continental shelf waters, 40-50 miles offshore in 25-2,000 feet. Late spring through fall gives you prime time when they're actively hunting. What guests love about threshers is watching that tail work and feeling the raw power when they hit at 30 mph. Despite their size, they have surprisingly small mouths, so use strong 8/0 hooks with heavy leaders. Here's the key: troll mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep around baitfish schools, keep your boat moving slow at 2-4 knots, and be ready for a fight that'll push your tackle to the limit.
Galeorhinus GaleusTope sharks are solid fighters that typically run 4-5 feet and up to 100 pounds, with their sleek torpedo shape and distinctive notched tail making them easy to ID. These houndsharks cruise our temperate waters year-round but peak during spring and fall when they're actively feeding. You'll find them anywhere from shallow bays to deeper offshore waters - they're not picky about depth. What makes tope fishing fun is their strong, steady fight once hooked, plus they're completely safe to handle. They'll hit oily baits like herring, sardines, or mackerel. Pro tip: get your chum bloody and fish it heavy - these sharks rely on scent more than sight, so the stronger the smell, the better your chances of drawing them in from a distance.
Barnegat Light