Private 3 Hour Shark Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Three-hour Atlantic Ocean shark fishing adventure for six guestsAll equipment, bait, tackle, and cold water provided onboardTarget coastal sharks while fishing for food and bait species
If you've been dreaming about tangling with some serious predators, this private shark fishing charter in the Atlantic Ocean is exactly what you need. Running Tide Charters puts you right where the action happens, targeting some of the most sought-after coastal sharks off our waters. This isn't your typical day of catching snappers—we're talking about apex predators that'll test your drag system and give you stories to tell for years. With everything provided from heavy tackle to fresh bait, you just need to show up ready to fight some serious fish.
This top-rated 3-hour adventure puts you and up to 5 other anglers in prime shark territory where these magnificent predators cruise the Atlantic waters. We'll anchor up in productive spots known for consistent shark action, but don't think you'll just be sitting around waiting. While we're chumming and waiting for the big boys to show up, we'll keep busy targeting baitfish and bottom species that often turn into dinner themselves. The beauty of this trip is the variety—one minute you might be battling a bull shark trying to spool you, the next you could be reeling in some quality table fare. Captain and crew handle all the technical stuff like setting up the chum slick, rigging the shark leaders, and positioning baits at different depths, so you can focus on what matters: making the hookset when that rod tip goes down.
We're talking serious gear here—heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. The technique revolves around creating an effective chum slick that draws sharks up from the depths and gets them feeding aggressively. We'll deploy multiple baits at various depths using circle hooks on wire leaders, because trust me, you don't want to tangle with a shark's teeth using regular mono. The crew sets up a spread that covers the water column from surface down to about 40 feet, using fresh cut bait and whole fish that really get the sharks' attention. When you're hooked up, it's all about keeping steady pressure, letting the drag work, and not trying to horse these fish to the boat. Patience pays off when you're dealing with something that's been perfecting its survival skills for millions of years.
Leopard sharks are one of our most consistent targets, typically running 3-4 feet and putting up a surprisingly good scrap for their size. These beauties are active year-round in our waters, though summer months tend to produce the best action when water temperatures climb. What makes them special is their gorgeous spotted pattern and the fact that they're perfect for anglers wanting to experience shark fishing without dealing with something that might require a back brace afterward. They're curious fish that respond well to our chum, and watching one circle your bait before committing is pure excitement.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller cousins to the hammerhead family, but don't let their 2-3 foot average size fool you—these fish are scrappy and aggressive feeders. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in nearshore waters. Their unique shovel-shaped head makes them instantly recognizable, and they're known for making multiple runs even after you think you've got them beat. Bonnetheads are perfect for newer shark anglers since they're manageable size-wise but still deliver that authentic shark fishing experience.
Blacktip sharks are the athletes of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs when hooked. These 4-6 foot torpedoes are most active during warmer months and are absolutely famous for their acrobatic displays once hooked. There's nothing quite like watching a blacktip launch itself completely out of the water while your drag screams—it's the kind of moment that converts casual anglers into shark fishing fanatics. They're also one of the most photogenic catches you'll encounter.
Tiger sharks represent the holy grail of this fishery—massive, powerful, and absolutely stunning with their distinctive stripe pattern. These apex predators can push well over 10 feet and several hundred pounds, making them a true test of angler skill and equipment. While less predictable than other species, when tigers show up, everyone on board knows it. They're most active during summer months and are known for their incredible power and determination. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience that separates casual fishing trips from legendary ones.
Bull sharks are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish swimming, with broad shoulders and an attitude to match. These stocky predators average 6-8 feet but pack incredible power in their muscular frame. They're year-round residents but seem most aggressive during summer months when baitfish are abundant. Bulls are known for their bulldogging fighting style—no fancy jumps, just pure brute strength trying to drag you down to the bottom. They're the fish that make your arms shake and your drag sing, earning respect from even the most experienced shark anglers.
This world-class shark fishing experience delivers everything serious anglers crave—variety, challenge, and the chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most impressive predators. Running Tide Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and this customer favorite trip consistently delivers the goods. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target specific species, this 3-hour adventure packs more action than most full-day trips. The private charter format means you're not sharing space with strangers, and the crew can tailor the experience to your group's skill level and preferences. Don't wait for the perfect conditions—book now and get ready to experience why shark fishing creates such passionate advocates. These trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so secure your spot and prepare for some serious bragging rights.
Step aboard our reliable 25-foot World Cat catamaran and get ready to chase sharks in Atlantic waters! This 2001 twin-hull fishing machine packs serious power with dual 150HP Yamaha engines, cruising smoothly at 30 knots to get you to the best fishing spots fast. The spacious deck easily handles up to 6 anglers, giving everyone room to fight their catch without getting tangled up. What makes this boat perfect for shark fishing? The stable catamaran design keeps you steady when battling big fish, while our fish finder pinpoints exactly where the action is lurking below. Stay comfortable between bites with onboard AC, and keep your drinks ice-cold in the built-in cooler. Our wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over prime fishing areas without spooking the sharks. GPS navigation ensures we hit the most productive offshore spots where coastal sharks patrol. Whether you're anchored up chumming for blacktips or drift fishing for sandbar sharks, this rig has everything covered. The twin engines provide the muscle needed to chase down schools of baitfish and get you back to port safely with your catch.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 8 feet. You'll spot them by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. They cruise in 30-200 feet over reefs and along drop-offs, often in small groups. Summer and fall are prime time when they're most active in our waters. Anglers love them for their aerial shows and strong runs - they're feisty fighters that'll keep you busy. They're also one of the more common sharks, so your chances are good. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks since these guys get excited and thrash hard. My go-to bait is oily fish like mackerel or sardines - chunk it up for chum and keep a fresh piece on your hook. The oil slick brings them in fast.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll catch, typically running 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They travel in schools through shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and sandy flats, usually in less than 30 feet. Summer brings them north to the Carolinas, but they head south to warmer waters come fall. What guests love about bonnetheads is their scrappy attitude - they'll put up a solid fight despite their size and have that unique hammerhead look that makes for great photos. They're also harmless and easy to release. These sharks are absolute suckers for fresh blue crab - cut it in half and hook it through a leg joint. The oily scent drives them crazy. Fish the bottom with a sliding sinker rig and be ready for multiple hookups since they school together.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bulldozers of coastal waters - thick, aggressive sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious power in that stocky frame. They love shallow, murky water around inlets, river mouths, and estuaries where they hunt in 10-50 feet. Summer through early fall is peak season when they cruise our coastal waters hunting for food. What makes bulls exciting is their reputation and raw strength - they're built like tanks and fight like it, making powerful runs and refusing to give up easily. They're also one of the more aggressive species, so landing one feels like a real accomplishment. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls - the high oil content and tough skin make it perfect bait. Cut mullet or mackerel works too, but always use a good chum slick to bring them in close.
Triakis SemifasciataLeopard sharks are one of the gentler sharks you'll encounter, reaching 4-5 feet on average with distinctive spotted patterns covering their slender bodies. They're bottom dwellers that cruise shallow bays and kelp forests, usually in 10-100 feet of water. These sharks are most active during warmer months and prefer cruising along sandy bottoms and rocky reefs. What makes them popular with anglers is their steady, determined fight - not explosive like other sharks, but they'll test your patience. They're also completely safe to handle. For bait, fresh squid or cut mackerel works best, but here's the key: use a fish finder rig with enough weight to keep your bait right on the bottom where they feed. They're curious but cautious, so let them take the bait before setting the hook.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators you're hoping to tangle with - massive sharks that can hit 12-14 feet and over 1,000 pounds. They patrol deeper waters around 100-300 feet but move shallow to hunt, especially near reefs and drop-offs. Those distinctive tiger stripes fade as they age, but the broad head and massive girth give them away. Warmer months bring the best action when they follow baitfish closer to shore. What makes tigers special is the pure power - once hooked, you're in for the fight of a lifetime with long, powerful runs. They're also apex predators, so landing one is a real achievement. Heavy tackle is mandatory - 100-pound test minimum with big circle hooks. Fresh tuna or mackerel fillets work great, but dip cut baits in tuna oil to boost the scent trail. Patience pays off with these giants.
Ocean City, MD