NJ's Best Shark Fishing | Smokin Reel Charters

NJ Charter Fishing: 10-Hour Shark Adventure

Get ready for the shark fishing trip of a lifetime off the Jersey Shore! Smokin Reel Charters is your ticket to an action-packed day targeting some of the ocean's most impressive predators. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or looking to cross this off your bucket list, our 10-hour adventure delivers the thrills you're after. We'll cruise both inshore and offshore waters, giving you the best shot at hooking into a variety of shark species that call these waters home.

What to Expect on the Water

Our shark fishing charters run from April through December, taking full advantage of the peak seasons when these toothy critters are most active. You'll be in good hands with our expert captain, who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We provide all the heavy-duty gear you'll need, including quality rods capable of handling the biggest sharks, plus all the chum and bait to get them fired up. With a max of 4 guests per trip, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention as we hunt for that trophy shark.

The day kicks off early, so come ready to put in some work. We'll start by heading to our captain's favorite shark grounds, which could be anywhere from a few miles offshore to well beyond the horizon, depending on where the bite's been hot. Once we find a promising spot, we'll set up our chum slick and get those shark-sized baits in the water. Then it's time to wait, watch, and be ready for when that reel starts screaming!

Shark Fishing 101

Shark fishing is a whole different ball game compared to your typical day of casting for stripers or fluke. We use specialized techniques to attract these apex predators and give you the best chance of hooking up. Our go-to method is chumming – creating a scent trail in the water that sharks can't resist. We'll deploy a chum bag filled with ground-up fish parts and oils that slowly disperse, drawing curious sharks from miles around.

While the chum does its work, we'll set out large baits on heavy-duty circle hooks. These could be whole fish, like mackerel or bluefish, or chunky pieces of oily fish that sharks love. The key is patience – it might take a while for a shark to find our spread, but when they do, hold on tight! You'll be using stout rods paired with big game reels spooled with hundreds of yards of heavy line. Trust me, you'll need every bit of it when a big shark decides to run.

Fighting a shark is an endurance test. These aren't your average fish – they're powerful, stubborn, and can fight for hours. Our crew will be right there to guide you through the battle, offering tips on how to work the rod and when to gain line. It's a team effort, and there's nothing quite like the rush when that dorsal fin finally breaks the surface after a long fight.

Species You'll Want to Hook

The waters off New Jersey are home to a variety of shark species, each offering a unique challenge and thrill. Here's a rundown of the main players you might encounter on our trips:

Dusky Shark: These bad boys are like the linebackers of the shark world. Duskies can grow up to 12 feet long and pack a serious punch. They're known for their endurance and will test your stamina with long, powerful runs. Duskies are most common in our waters during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Landing one of these giants is a true accomplishment for any angler.

Shortfin Mako Shark: If you're after pure speed and acrobatics, the mako is your target. These sharks are the sprinters of the sea, capable of bursting up to 45 mph in short spurts. Makos are famous for their spectacular jumps and aerial displays when hooked. They typically show up in our offshore waters as the water warms up in late spring and stick around until early fall. Hooking a mako is like strapping into a rollercoaster – get ready for some serious air time!

Bull Shark: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't just big and beefy. Bull sharks are known for their aggressive nature and willingness to investigate anything that catches their interest. They can grow up to 11 feet long and are built like tanks. Bull sharks are most common in our waters during the height of summer when water temperatures are at their warmest. Landing one of these bruisers is a true test of strength and will.

Blue Shark: Blues are the long-distance runners of the shark world. These sleek, torpedo-shaped sharks are known for their endurance and can be found in our offshore waters pretty much year-round. They're not the biggest sharks out there, typically maxing out around 10 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fighting spirit. Blues are often the most common catch on our shark trips, especially in the cooler months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about shark fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the raw power you feel when that rod doubles over and line starts peeling off the reel faster than you can imagine. Or perhaps it's the anticipation as you watch that slick, wondering what monster might be circling below. For many, it's the pure adrenaline rush of seeing a massive shark break the surface after a hard-fought battle.

Our trips aren't just about catching fish – they're about creating memories. Whether you're out with family, friends, or co-workers, a day spent shark fishing is guaranteed to give you stories to tell for years to come. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the bragging rights that come with landing a shark bigger than you are!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to test your skills against some of the ocean's top predators, now's the time to lock in your shark fishing adventure with Smokin Reel Charters. Our 10-hour trips give you the best shot at hooking into the shark of a lifetime, all while enjoying the beauty of the New Jersey coast.

Remember, our shark season runs from April through December, but spots fill up fast, especially during peak summer months. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or looking to check this off your bucket list, we've got you covered with all the gear, knowledge, and excitement you need for an unforgettable day on the water.

Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the heart-pounding thrill of shark fishing. Grab your spot on one of our upcoming charters and get ready to come face-to-face with some of the ocean's most impressive predators. Book now, and we'll see you on the water!