Portland Maine Full Day Shark Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targets groundfish and sharksExperienced crew guides guests to prime fishing locationsSmall group experience accommodates up to four anglers
Get ready for eight solid hours chasing some of the ocean's most powerful predators off the Maine coast. This isn't your typical day of hauling up cod and haddock – we're talking serious shark fishing in waters that consistently produce trophy-class makos, porbeagles, blues, and threshers. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll test every ounce of strength you've got. With room for just four anglers, you're getting the personal attention and prime rod time that makes all the difference when a 200-pound mako decides to go airborne.
We'll be running offshore into deep water where the Continental Shelf drops off and the big boys cruise. This is blue water fishing at its finest – we're talking depths of 200 to 600 feet where the water temperature and baitfish concentrations create the perfect hunting grounds for apex predators. The boat ride out takes about an hour, but trust me, once you see the deep blue water and start seeing those first dorsal fins, you'll forget all about the ride. Our captain uses a combination of trolling and drift fishing techniques, depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. We'll have multiple lines out with different baits – fresh mackerel, bluefish chunks, and sometimes live bait when we can get it. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish.
We're fishing with heavy conventional tackle – think 50 to 80-pound class rods with reels that can handle serious drag pressure and long runs. The crew sets up a variety of rigs depending on what we're targeting that day. For makos and threshers, we'll often troll with wire leaders and large spoons or whole mackerel. When we're drift fishing for blues and porbeagles, we'll use chunk baits on circle hooks with heavy fluorocarbon leaders. The key is having the right bait in the right place – sharks are opportunistic, but they're also incredibly smart. We use a fish finder to locate baitfish schools and temperature breaks where predators like to hunt. Chumming is a big part of our strategy too – we'll put out a steady slick of ground fish and oil that draws sharks from miles away. When a shark shows up, you'll know it – the crew will coach you through the fight, but be ready for runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the crown jewel of New England shark fishing, and for good reason. These are the Formula One cars of the shark world – built for speed and famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Makos in our waters typically run 100 to 300 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 400-plus. They're most active from June through October when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 60 and 70 degrees. What makes them special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. A hooked mako will jump, run, and fight with an intensity that'll leave your arms shaking. They're also excellent eating, which makes them a top target for serious anglers.
Porbeagle Sharks are often called the "other mako" because they share similar body shape and fighting characteristics, but they're actually more common in our cooler Maine waters. These sharks love temperatures in the 50 to 65-degree range, making them prime targets from May through November. Porbeagles are incredibly strong fighters – they don't jump as much as makos, but they'll take you on long, punishing runs that test your endurance. Most fish we see run 150 to 250 pounds, and they have this habit of making powerful circles under the boat that can really work you over. What's cool about porbeagles is their curiosity – they'll often follow the boat or investigate the chum slick before committing to a bait.
Blue Sharks are the most abundant shark species we encounter, and while some people consider them "easier," don't let that fool you. Blues are long, lean fighting machines that can stretch 8 to 12 feet and put up battles that last 45 minutes or more. They're present in our waters from May through October, with peak numbers in the summer months. What makes blue shark fishing exciting is the numbers – it's not uncommon to hook six or eight blues in a single day, and they often show up in groups. They're also incredibly acrobatic, with a tendency to jump and tail-walk that's pure excitement. Blues are perfect for anglers who want steady action and the chance to improve their technique with multiple hookups.
Thresher Sharks are the wild cards of our shark fishing scene. These fish are famous for their incredibly long tail fins that can make up half their total length. Threshers in our area typically run 200 to 400 pounds and are most common from July through September when water temperatures peak. What makes them special is their feeding behavior – they use that massive tail to stun baitfish, creating opportunities for anglers who know how to read the water. Threshers are also notorious for their jumping ability and their tendency to throw hooks with violent head shakes. When you do land one, you're looking at one of the ocean's most unique predators and a fish that few anglers ever get to see up close.
This is world-class shark fishing right in our backyard, and spots fill up fast during peak season. The combination of experienced crew, prime fishing grounds, and small group size means you're getting the kind of personalized shark fishing experience that's hard to find anywhere else on the East Coast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to check sharks off your bucket list or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action and memories that keep people coming back year after year.
Get ready to chase sharks aboard our 2009 Steiger Craft Pilothouse, powered by twin 250HP Suzuki engines that'll cruise you out to the hunting grounds at 40mph. This offshore fishing machine comes loaded with GPS, radar, and fish finder technology to track down the apex predators lurking in Maine's deep waters. The pilothouse design keeps you comfortable during those long battles with groundfish and sharks, while the onboard facilities mean you can focus on what matters – landing the big ones. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. Our experienced captain knows exactly where the sharks patrol these waters, putting you right in the action zone for an epic 8-hour showdown with nature's most formidable fighters.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the most beautiful sharks you'll encounter - that deep blue fading to white underneath is something else. They typically run 7-10 feet and 60-200 pounds, with females getting much larger. These open-ocean wanderers prefer deeper water around 1,000+ feet but will come up to feed, especially in 54-68°F water temps. Late summer into fall is prime time when they follow the bait closer to shore. What makes them fun to target? They're aggressive feeders and put up a solid scrap, plus they're curious enough to investigate your chum slick. The key is drift fishing with a good bloody chum made from mackerel and herring. Keep your bait at least 20 feet from the boat - blues can get worked up and body-slam anything nearby. Use 200lb+ line because while they're not the strongest sharks, they're unpredictable and can surprise you with sudden bursts of speed.
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water bruisers of the shark world, built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch behind their dorsal fin. These guys average 5-7 feet and 300 pounds, but the big females can push 500+. They love our chilly Maine waters, especially 40-60°F temps, and cruise anywhere from 30 feet down to 600+ feet deep. Summer's your best bet when they move closer to shore along the continental shelf. What gets anglers hooked? Pure power and endurance - they'll leap clear out of the water and fight for what feels like hours. The meat's actually considered a delicacy too. Pro tip: use a whole mackerel for bait since that's their favorite meal, and don't be shy with the chum. Their skin is rough as sandpaper, so heavy mono (200-400lb) with a weak link is essential or they'll saw right through your line.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These blue-gray torpedoes average 8-13 feet but can hit 1,300+ pounds, and they'll clock 30+ mph when they want to. Found in open water from surface down to 400 feet, they're most active during our warmer months when water temps rise above 60°F. What makes them special? They jump - sometimes 20 feet out of the water - and fight like nothing else. Plus, they're actually great eating if you keep one legally. Here's the thing though: when you hook a mako, clear the deck fast. They're smart enough to use your boat against you, circling to snap the line or even launching themselves aboard. Heavy wire leaders and 50lb+ gear are non-negotiable, and keep that drag smooth - these fish can strip 300 yards in seconds.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the gladiators of the shark world with that massive tail that's as long as their body. These incredible fish average 16 feet and 500 pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun baitfish at 50mph before eating them. They cruise the continental shelf 40-50 miles offshore, anywhere from shallow water down to 2,000 feet, preferring 60-70°F temps. Late spring through fall gives you the best shot at one. Why chase them? The fight is legendary - they'll leap completely out of the water and battle for hours with pure power and grace. Despite their size, they have small mouths, so 8/0 hooks work fine. My go-to technique is trolling mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep around 2-4 knots near bait balls. Use heavy braid and multiple leaders because that tail can wrap your line in knots. When you see birds working, get ready - threshers are likely underneath.
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