Portland Maine Charter Fishing | Full Day Shark Charter Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets groundfish and sharksExperienced crew guides guests to prime fishing locationsSmall group capacity of four guests maximum
Get ready for the ultimate predator fishing experience off the coast of South Portland, Maine. This isn't your typical groundfish charter – we're talking about an 8-hour shark hunting expedition that'll have you battling some of the ocean's most respected apex predators. With only 4 spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention from our seasoned crew as we chase makos, porbeagles, blues, and threshers in the rich waters of the Gulf of Maine. This is raw, adrenaline-pumping fishing at its finest, where every hookup could be the fish of a lifetime.
Your day starts early at the South Portland marina, where you'll meet your captain and crew who've been chasing sharks in these waters for years. We'll load up the boat with fresh bait, check all the gear, and head out to the productive offshore grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish roam. The first few hours usually involve setting up a proper chum slick and getting your baits in the water at the right depths. Don't expect instant action – shark fishing requires patience, but when it happens, it happens fast. You'll spend time watching the rods, scanning for fins, and soaking in the Maine coastline views while we work the prime fishing zones. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the underwater ledges where porbeagles cruise to the deeper blue water where makos hunt.
We run heavy-duty Penn and Shimano reels spooled with 80-pound test, paired with stout rods built for the job. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're safer for both angler and fish, and they hook up solid when a shark commits to your bait. We'll be using a mix of wire leaders and heavy fluorocarbon, depending on the species we're targeting. Fresh mackerel, bluefish chunks, and squid make up the primary baits, though we'll adjust based on what's working that day. The technique is all about proper bait presentation and patience – we'll set up a good chum slick using ground fish and fish oil to draw the sharks in, then deploy baits at various depths using different sinker weights. You'll learn to read the rods, feel the difference between a curious bump and a committed bite, and most importantly, how to fight these fish without burning yourself out.
The shortfin mako shark is the crown jewel of Maine shark fishing, and for good reason. These torpedo-shaped predators can hit 12 feet and 1,000 pounds, with explosive speed that'll strip line faster than you can believe. Makos are most active during the warmer months from July through September when water temperatures hit the 60s and 70s. They're built for speed and acrobatics – expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that'll test every knot in your rig. What makes them special is their intelligence and aggression; they'll often inspect your bait before committing, then absolutely crush it when they decide to feed.
Porbeagle sharks are the locals' favorite, showing up consistently from late spring through fall in Maine waters. These stocky, powerful sharks typically run 6-8 feet and are absolute bulldogs on the line. Unlike makos, porbeagles fight deep and dirty, using their broad shoulders and stamina to wear you down. They're more predictable than makos but no less challenging – think of them as the linebacker to the mako's wide receiver. Porbeagles love the cooler Maine waters and often feed around underwater structure where they ambush schooling fish.
Blue sharks are the most common catch and perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. They're beautiful, sleek fish that can reach 8-10 feet, with that classic shark silhouette and bright blue coloration. Blues are curious and aggressive feeders, often showing up in numbers once you get a good chum line going. They fight with more finesse than power, making long, steady runs rather than explosive bursts. What's cool about blues is their behavior – they'll often cruise right up to the boat, letting you get great photos before release.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of Maine waters, with that distinctive whip-like tail that's as long as their body. These fish are ambush predators that use their tails to stun baitfish, and they put on an absolute show when hooked. Threshers are less common than the other species but when you connect with one, you'll know it immediately. They're powerful jumpers and their unique fighting style – spinning and tail-whipping – makes them one of the most challenging sharks to boat. Most threshers we see run 8-12 feet and show up during the peak summer months when baitfish are thick.
This full-day shark charter represents the best of Maine offshore fishing, combining world-class shark populations with experienced local knowledge. With only 4 anglers per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and the best shot at hooking up with multiple species. The 8-hour format gives us time to travel to the productive grounds, set up properly, and really work the bite when it happens. Remember to bring your own food and drinks since meals aren't provided – you'll want to stay fueled for the fight of your life. These trips book up fast during peak season, especially on weekends, so don't wait if you want to experience what many consider the top shark fishing on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or looking to cross these apex predators off your bucket list, this charter delivers the goods in some of the most productive shark waters you'll find anywhere.
Get ready to battle sharks and groundfish aboard our 2009 Steiger Craft pilothouse boat, powered by twin 250HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the prime fishing grounds fast at 40mph. This offshore warrior comes loaded with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy Maine mornings, and a fish finder to locate your targets lurking in the depths. The spacious pilothouse design keeps you comfortable during the 8-hour hunt, complete with onboard facilities. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines and land those apex predators. Our experienced crew knows exactly where the big sharks cruise these Maine waters, putting you right in the action zone for an epic day of fishing that'll test your skills against some serious ocean predators.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the most common shark we see out here, and they're perfect for first-time shark anglers. These sleek, torpedo-shaped beauties are easy to spot with their deep blue backs fading to white bellies. They typically run 7-10 feet and stay in deeper water around 200+ feet, though they'll come up to feed. Summer and early fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 60-70 degrees. What guests love is their curious nature and willingness to take bait - they're not as aggressive as makos but still put up a solid fight. They're also stunning to see alongside the boat. The key is a good chum slick with ground mackerel or herring, then drift your bait about 20 feet back. Keep that distance - excited blues have been known to jump into boats, and nobody wants a 100-pound shark flopping around the cockpit.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water bruisers of the shark world, perfectly built for our Maine waters. These stocky, torpedo-shaped sharks average 5-7 feet but pack serious muscle, weighing 200-300 pounds. Look for that white patch behind their dorsal fin - it's their calling card. They prefer our deeper, cooler waters from 30-300 feet and show up best during summer months when they move onto the continental shelf to feed. What sets them apart is their incredible stamina and power - they'll give you a 2-hour fight and might even jump like a tarpon. They're also excellent table fare, considered a delicacy in many places. For success, drop a full mackerel down 50-100 feet and use heavy tackle - their abrasive skin will cut lighter lines. A good chum slick of oily fish really gets their attention too.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on a hook. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-13 feet and can hit 30+ mph, making them jump clear out of the water when hooked. We find them in open water around 100-400 feet deep, especially during summer months when they follow the warm current closer to our continental shelf. Their aggressive nature means they'll hit almost anything - live bluefish, mackerel, or squid work great. What makes them special? That speed translates to the hardest-fighting shark you'll encounter. They're smart too, often trying to use the boat to snap your line. My tip: keep heavy wire leaders and be ready for aerial shows - these guys can leap 20 feet high and have been known to land right in the cockpit if you're not careful.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the showstoppers of shark fishing - that tail is as long as their body and they use it like a whip to stun baitfish. These unique sharks average 12-16 feet and can weigh over 500 pounds, making them our largest regular catch. They prefer the continental shelf edge in 100-300 feet of water, especially where bait concentrates. Late summer into fall is when we see them most, following schools of mackerel and herring. What makes them special is their acrobatic ability - they'll leap completely out of the water during fights, putting on a show you won't forget. They're also surprisingly strong fighters for their build. The trick is finding the bait balls they're hunting and drifting live mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so use smaller 8/0 hooks and don't be surprised if hookups take patience.
Portland