When you go shark fishing in Maine just witnessing the sheer power and beauty of sharks first hand is a truly breathtaking experience which is hard to match.
Let's dive right in.
The Wonderful Shark Fishing in Maine
The adrenaline and excitement that comes with landing a big shark attracts thousands of anglers to Maine each year. All in search of that trophy catch.
Whether you are looking to land your first blue or have your eye on something bigger, the waters off the coast of Maine have a lot to offer.
The Shark Species in Maine
While shark fishing in Maine there are a number of shark species present with the most popular undoubtedly being the blue shark.
Blue Sharks
They are easy to spot with their distinctive dark blue top, light blue sides and white underbelly. The blue shark is found in relative abundance while shark fishing in Maine off the coast.
The majority of this species are around 6 to 8 feet in length, weighing in at anywhere between 50 and 200 pounds. Larger blue sharks are found occasionally with some growing up to 12 feet in length and hitting the 400 pound mark.
Porbeagle Sharks
Porbeagle sharks are less common, and can be recognized by their dark blue-grey top and white underbelly. They also have two caudal keels on their crescent-shaped tail fin, distinguishing them from mako and white sharks.
Porbeagle sharks are known as strong swimmers, making them more of a challenge than the smaller blue shark. Many of these species reach 10 feet in length and weigh in at an impressive 450 pounds.
While shark fishing in Maine you may be lucky enough to come across another of Maine’s highly prized shark species, the mako.
Mako Sharks
With a distinctive cobalt-blue top, white underbelly and streamlined body, the mako shark is known as a strong swimmer with a ferocious fighting ability.
They are also one of the largest species found off the coast of Maine. Many shortfin makos reach 12 feet in length and tip the scales at over a thousand pounds.
Thresher Sharks
Shark fishing in Maine can also involve threshers. They are also found off the coast and are again considered an excellent catch with many weighing in at over 350 pounds.
The Fishing Season for Shark Fishing in Maine
The most popular time for shark fishing in Maine is between July and October. However, many guides and seasoned veterans consider August to October as being the best period for big sharks.
Equipment Needed
In terms of equipment, harnessed rods with 30 reels are favored by many experienced shark anglers. Occasionally a 50 reel may be necessary should a large porbeagle or mako bite.
Attracting The Sharks
Chumming is the preferred method for attracting sharks. Popular mixtures include ground up mackerel, herring, menhaden and other small baitfish.
Creating a chum slick behind your boat using a perforated bucket or similar contraption is the most common method and is known to work well.
Some boats also have a bait box with a tap open to the water behind the boat from which chum can be dispensed. It may take up to an hour or two for sharks to locate your trail. But once they find the scent they more often than not follow it all the way to the source.
Where To Fish when Shark Fishing in Maine
Shark fishing in Maine is possible in many regions off the coast. However, many organized trips focus on areas around 10-15 miles offshore in the Gulf of Maine.
Here there is a relative abundance of blue sharks with the occasional mako, porbeagle or thresher to make things more challenging for the adventurous or experienced shark angler.
Happy shark fishing in Maine! Something you will not soon forget or want to!
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