Shark Fishing Adventure in South Portland, ME
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore shark fishing adventure in South Portland watersExpert crew guides guests to prime shark fishing locationsSmall group experience with maximum four guests per trip
Want to battle some of the ocean's most powerful predators? This 8-hour shark fishing charter out of South Portland puts you face-to-face with the apex hunters of the Gulf of Maine. With just 4 spots available, you'll get personalized attention from our crew as we head offshore to where the big sharks roam. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're talking about creatures that can strip line faster than you've ever seen and test every ounce of strength you've got.
Your day starts early at the marina in South Portland, where you'll meet your captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. We'll steam out to the deep water fishing grounds where the Gulf Stream currents bring in baitfish – and the sharks that follow them. The Pilot House is rigged specifically for shark fishing, with heavy tackle, wire leaders, and all the gear you need to handle these powerful fish. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen, layers for changing weather, and your camera. We've got everything else covered, from the rods to the bait. Plan on being out there all day – 8 hours gives us plenty of time to find the fish and put you on some serious action.
Shark fishing is all about patience and the right setup. We use heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-130 pound test line, because when a mako decides to make a run, it's going to happen fast and far. Our crew will set up a chum slick to draw the sharks in – that oily, fishy scent trail works like a dinner bell for miles around. We'll deploy multiple baits at different depths using circle hooks and wire leaders, since shark teeth can slice through mono like butter. When you get a bite, the crew will coach you through the fight. These aren't fish you can just horse to the boat – proper technique and steady pressure are what get the job done. Most sharks we catch get tagged and released to help with research, so you're contributing to conservation efforts while having the fishing experience of a lifetime.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of hitting 60 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. These sleek, torpedo-shaped predators average 6-8 feet in Maine waters and put up the most spectacular fight you'll ever experience. Peak season runs from July through September when water temperatures climb into the 60s. The moment you hook a mako, you'll know it – they typically make a blistering initial run that can peel off 200-300 yards of line before you even catch your breath. Their acrobatic jumps and never-quit attitude make them the most sought-after shark species for sport fishing.
Porbeagle Sharks are the cold-water cousins of great whites, perfectly adapted to Maine's chilly offshore waters. These stocky, powerful sharks can reach 10 feet and 400 pounds, with the muscle mass to back up their size. Unlike makos, porbeagles fight deep and strong, using their bulk to test your endurance in a straight tug-of-war. They're most active from late spring through fall, and their curious nature often brings them right up to the boat. Porbeagles have a unique ability to regulate their body temperature, making them one of the few shark species that actually thrive in our northern waters.
Blue Sharks are the marathon runners of the group – built for endurance rather than speed. These beautiful, slate-blue sharks are incredibly abundant offshore and provide consistent action throughout the summer months. While they might not jump like makos, their long, sustained runs and stubborn fighting style will definitely test your arms and back. Blues can stretch over 10 feet and have been known to follow the boat for hours once they get a taste of the chum. They're perfect for anglers who want guaranteed shark action and plenty of photo opportunities.
Thresher Sharks are the wild cards of Maine shark fishing, known for their distinctive whip-like tail that's nearly as long as their body. These unique predators use their tails to stun schools of baitfish, creating quite a show on the surface. Common threshers in our area typically run 12-16 feet overall, with roughly half of that being tail. When hooked, they put on an aerial display that rivals any gamefish, using that massive tail to throw the hook. Threshers are most common from mid-summer into early fall when mackerel and herring are thick offshore.
This top-rated shark fishing adventure fills up fast, especially during peak season when water temperatures bring the sharks close to shore. With only 4 anglers per trip, you're getting a premium small-group experience that bigger boats just can't match. The crew's local knowledge and years of experience targeting sharks in these waters give you the best shot at hooking into multiple species in a single day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge or someone who's always dreamed of battling a shark, this 8-hour adventure delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Book now and get ready to test your tackle against some of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Your shark fishing adventure starts aboard our rugged 2009 Steiger Pilothouse, a serious fishing machine built for Maine's offshore waters. Twin 250HP Suzuki engines push this 4-person boat to 40mph, getting you to prime shark territory fast. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable during long fights with big fish, while GPS and radar help navigate to productive fishing spots. When the bite gets hot, our fish finder pinpoints exactly where the action is. With a marine head onboard, you can focus on what matters – landing sharks without worrying about comfort. This boat handles rough seas like a champ, giving you a stable platform to work big baits and fight powerful fish. Whether you're targeting blues, makos, or threshers, you'll have everything needed for a successful day chasing Maine's apex predators.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are probably the most beautiful sharks we encounter - deep blue backs fading to bright white bellies with those long, slender builds. They typically run 7-10 feet and prefer the deeper offshore waters around 100+ feet where they hunt squid and small fish. These curious sharks respond well to chumming, especially with oily fish like mackerel or herring. While not the hardest fighters, they make up for it with their acrobatic displays and willingness to bite. The meat's decent eating, though not as prized as mako or porbeagle. What's really cool about blues is their migratory nature - we see them most during warmer months when water temps hit that 54-68°F range. They're found worldwide and can show up in good numbers when conditions align. Best strategy is drift fishing with a good chum slick and keeping your bait about 20 feet from the boat - blues can get aggressive in feeding frenzies and you don't want one landing on deck!
Lamna NasusPorbeagles are the cold-water cousins of the mako, built like torpedoes with that distinctive white patch behind the dorsal fin. These stocky fighters average 5-7 feet but can push 300+ pounds of pure muscle. They love our cold Maine waters, especially during summer when they move into shallower areas around 30-300 feet deep. What sets them apart is their dog-like tenacity once hooked - they'll fight hard and sometimes even breach like whales. The meat is considered top-shelf, especially in Europe and Asia. Unlike other sharks, porbeagles prefer staying in cooler water temps around 40-60°F, making our local waters perfect habitat. Summer months are prime time when they cruise the continental shelf looking for mackerel and squid. My go-to setup is heavy tackle with a full mackerel for bait - their favorite meal. Key tip: use extra-heavy leader material since their skin is incredibly abrasive and will cut through lighter lines during the fight.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe mako is hands down the speedster of our waters - hitting 30+ mph and known to leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked. These blue-gray torpedoes average 8-13 feet and pack serious muscle, making them the ultimate test for any angler. We find them in open water, usually near the surface where they hunt tuna and bluefish. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps hit their sweet spot. What makes makos special isn't just the raw power - they're smart fighters that'll use every trick to break free, including jumping right into the boat if you're not careful. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and mild like swordfish. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep tension steady but don't horse it - let the fish tire itself out with those spectacular jumps, then work it in slow and controlled. Heavy tackle is a must - 50lb class minimum with wire leaders.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique sharks you'll encounter - that massive tail can be as long as their body, reaching up to 20 feet total length. They use that tail like a whip, stunning schools of baitfish at speeds up to 50 mph before moving in to feed. These impressive predators prefer the edge of the continental shelf, usually 25-100 feet down where they hunt mackerel, herring, and squid. Despite their size (averaging 16 feet and 500+ pounds), they have surprisingly small mouths and teeth. Late spring through fall offers the best opportunities when they follow bait schools closer to shore. What makes them special is that incredible tail display - watching one hunt is like seeing a medieval flail in action. The fight is powerful but different from other sharks since they rely more on that tail for leverage. Smart tip: use smaller 8/0 hooks despite their size, and keep your bait in the 25-50 foot zone where they actively feed. Trolling slowly around bait balls works best.
Portland