Maine Shark Fishing Charter | 8-Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour Maine shark fishing expedition targeting 200300lb sharksInshore waters known for multiple shark encounters per tripSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests per charter
Ready to test your skills against some of Maine's most powerful predators? Our 8-hour shark fishing charter puts you right where the action is, targeting the toothy giants that cruise our productive waters. With Struggle is Reel Charters, you're not just another angler on the boat – you're part of a tight crew that lives and breathes big game fishing. We've been putting anglers on sharks averaging 200-300 pounds, and trust me, once you feel that first screaming run, you'll understand why shark fishing has become our signature trip. The waters off Maine might surprise you with their shark populations, and we know exactly where to find them when they're feeding.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading out for a full day of serious shark hunting. You'll be fishing with up to three other anglers, which keeps the boat manageable while giving everyone plenty of chances at hookups. We start early to maximize our time in prime shark territory, and with 8 hours on the water, we can cover serious ground to find the bite. The Maine coast offers some surprisingly productive shark fishing, especially when we hit the deeper water where these apex predators patrol for baitfish. Expect to see plenty of bait activity – when the pogies, mackerel, and herring are thick, the sharks aren't far behind. We'll spend time reading the water, watching for bird activity, and checking our electronics to put you in the best position for success. The scenery doesn't hurt either – Maine's rugged coastline provides a pretty backdrop while you're waiting for that rod to bend.
Shark fishing is all about heavy tackle and smart bait presentation. We run serious gear – think 50-80 pound class rods with reels that can handle long, powerful runs. Wire leaders are a must when you're dealing with razor-sharp teeth, and we use circle hooks to ensure clean hooksets and safe releases. Fresh bait is key, so we'll often start by catching our own mackerel, pogies, or bluefish to use as shark candy. We'll set up a chum slick to draw sharks in close, drifting whole baits back in the scent trail. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll know it – the rod loads up and line starts peeling off the reel like it's connected to a freight train. The fight is where things get real interesting. These fish have incredible power and endurance, often taking multiple long runs that'll test both your tackle and your technique. We're there to coach you through the fight, help you manage the fish, and make sure you get some great photos before a safe release.
Porbeagle sharks are the bread and butter of Maine shark fishing, and for good reason. These compact, muscular sharks typically run 150-300 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Porbeagles are active year-round in our waters but peak during summer and early fall when baitfish concentrations are highest. What makes them special is their incredible speed and agility – they'll make blistering runs and aerial displays that'll have you questioning your drag settings. The porbeagle's torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail make them one of the strongest fighting sharks pound-for-pound.
Blue sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These sleek, open-ocean wanderers can show up in impressive numbers when conditions are right, especially during late summer. Blues are built for endurance rather than power, often taking anglers on long, methodical battles that can last an hour or more. They're beautiful fish with that distinctive blue coloration and long pectoral fins. While they might not have the raw power of a porbeagle, their stamina and acrobatic tendencies make them fan favorites among shark anglers.
Thresher sharks are the holy grail of Maine shark fishing. These magnificent predators are known for their incredibly long tail fin, which can be as long as their body. Threshers use that tail like a whip to stun schooling baitfish, making them incredibly effective hunters. When you hook a thresher, you're in for a spectacular show – they're famous for their high-flying jumps and unpredictable fighting style. Threshers are less common than porbeagles or blues, but when we find them, it's always a red-letter day.
While we're primarily targeting sharks, don't be surprised if we run into some giant bluefin tuna. Maine's waters are world-renowned for trophy bluefin, and these fish often frequent the same areas as our target sharks. A big bluefin on shark tackle is an absolute handful – these fish can exceed 500 pounds and have the power to empty a reel in seconds. Bluefin are most active during summer and early fall, and when they're feeding on the surface, it's some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience.
This 8-hour shark charter represents some of the best big game fishing Maine has to offer. With our local knowledge, top-quality gear, and passion for putting anglers on fish, we're confident you'll have an amazing day on the water. The combination of Maine's productive shark populations and our proven techniques creates opportunities for the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced shark angler or looking to try big game fishing for the first time, we'll tailor the experience to your skill level while maximizing your chances at hooking something substantial. Space is limited to just four anglers per trip, ensuring everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Don't wait – prime shark fishing season books up fast, and you don't want to miss your chance at tangling with one of these incredible predators in Maine's pristine waters.
Our 25-foot Parker is built for serious shark fishing in Maine's productive waters. This sturdy 2002 motorboat runs on a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the best fishing spots at 35 knots, then idle smoothly while you're working big fish. The spacious cockpit gives up to 4 anglers plenty of room to fight those 200-300 pounders we regularly see out here. She's rigged with everything you need for a successful day targeting sharks - GPS to find the prime locations, radar for safety, VHF radio for communication, and a quality fish finder to locate bait schools and structure. When you need a break between battles, there's a comfortable bed below deck and a head for convenience during those long 8-hour trips. The boat handles Maine's coastal conditions well, whether we're drifting over rocky bottom or running to deeper water where the big sharks cruise. Her solid construction and wide beam provide stability when you're cranking on heavy tackle, and the open layout means everyone can get in on the action when multiple rods go off.
Prionace GlaucaBlue sharks are probably the most beautiful sharks we target - that deep blue color fading to white underneath is something else. They average 7-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, cruising the deeper waters around 100-400 feet out past the continental shelf. These curious sharks respond great to chum, especially when we're drifting in 60-70 degree water during summer and early fall. What guests love is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, spin, and put on a real show once hooked. They're also one of the more predictable sharks to target when conditions are right. The key is keeping your bait at least 50 feet from the boat when chumming - they get pretty excited in a feeding frenzy. Use mackerel, herring, or squid for bait, and make sure your leader can handle their razor-sharp teeth.
Thunnus ThynnusBluefin tuna are the holy grail of big game fishing. These torpedo-shaped giants average 200-400 pounds but can hit 800+ pounds in our waters. They're built for speed - hitting 40+ mph - with that classic blue-black back fading to silver sides. We find them in deep offshore waters, usually 100-300 feet down around temperature breaks and bait schools. Best fishing is summer through early fall when they're feeding heavy before migration. What makes them special is the fight - they'll make blistering surface runs then dive deep, testing every ounce of your tackle and stamina. Plus, the meat is world-class sashimi grade. My advice: troll with fresh herring or mackerel, and when one hits, tighten your drag gradually - don't horse them or they'll break you off.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the sharks that really know how to fight. These blue-grey torpedoes average 5-6 feet but can push 300-400 pounds, with that distinctive white patch behind their first dorsal fin. They love Maine's cold waters and hang out anywhere from 30 feet down to 300 feet, especially around continental shelves during summer. What makes them special is their warm-blooded system - they can keep their body temperature up in our chilly waters, making them incredibly strong fighters. Guests love them because they'll actually leap clear out of the water during the fight. For bait, full mackerel works best since that's their favorite meal. Pro tip: use heavy line - their skin is like sandpaper and will cut through lighter tackle in seconds.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the most unique sharks you'll ever see - that tail can be as long as their body, sometimes reaching 16+ feet total. They use it like a whip to stun baitfish, hitting speeds up to 50 mph with that strike. We find them in 100-600 feet of water around bait schools, especially during late summer when the water temperature hits that sweet spot of 60-70 degrees. What makes them special is watching them hunt - they'll actually leap completely out of the water while fighting. The challenge is their small mouth compared to their size, so you need to be patient setting the hook. They average 300-500 pounds and put up one heck of a fight. Best technique is trolling mackerel or sardines around 25-50 feet deep. Use a strong 8/0 hook - their mouth is small but their power isn't.
Saco, ME