Expert-Guided Cape May Shark Fishing | Catterman

Full Evening Shark And Stingray Fishing In Cape May

Looking for something different than your typical day on the water? Guide Kevin's got you covered with this top-rated evening shark and stingray adventure right from the beach in Cape May. We're talking 8 solid hours of fishing in comfort, waiting for those perfect hits while watching the sunset over one of New Jersey's most beautiful coastlines. This isn't your average surf fishing trip – we've got a mosquito-proof enclosure set up with comfortable beach chairs, so you can actually relax and enjoy the experience instead of swatting bugs all night. With dinner included and all gear provided, you just need to show up ready to fish. Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand and has been putting anglers on fish consistently, making this a customer favorite for anyone wanting to try something new or experienced shark fishermen looking for their next trophy.

What to Expect on the Water

This evening trip starts when the day crowds head home and the real action begins. We'll set up multiple rods with different baits deployed into the open sea, giving you the best shot at hooking into various species. The beauty of this setup is that you're not cramped on a boat – you've got room to move around, stretch your legs, and really enjoy the fight when something big takes your bait. Kevin brings all the heavy tackle you'll need, from the rods and reels capable of handling big sharks to the wire leaders and circle hooks that keep everyone safe. The mosquito-proof enclosure is a game-changer here in Cape May – you can focus on fishing instead of constantly dealing with bugs that usually make beach fishing miserable after dark. With comfortable beach chairs set up, you can settle in for the long hauls these fish are famous for, and dinner keeps your energy up throughout the night. This is world-class shark fishing made accessible and comfortable.

Techniques & Gear Setup

Kevin runs a serious operation when it comes to shark and stingray fishing from the beach. We're using heavy conventional reels spooled with high-test line, paired with rods that can handle the initial runs these fish make. The key is deploying multiple baits at different depths and distances – some baits sit right in the surf zone where stingrays cruise, while others get cast way out to where the bigger sharks patrol. We use a variety of fresh baits depending on what's been working, from bunker chunks to bluefish heads, all rigged on circle hooks with heavy wire leaders. The rod holders are positioned strategically along the beach to cover maximum water, and each setup gets its own drag setting based on what we're targeting. Kevin handles all the technical stuff – rigging baits, adjusting drags, and knowing when to let a fish run versus when to put pressure on them. You'll learn proper shark handling techniques for safe catch and release, plus how to read the signs that tell you when something big is out there. The best part is having multiple lines in the water means non-stop action potential all evening long.

Species You'll Want to Hook

The Dusky Smooth-Hound is one of the most reliable catches on these evening trips, and they're perfect for getting your shark fishing legs under you. These smaller sharks typically run 2-3 feet long but fight way above their weight class with quick, darting runs that'll test your reflexes. They're most active during the warmer months and love the shallow waters right off Cape May's beaches. What makes them special is their incredible bite – they've got crushing power that can surprise even experienced anglers, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit a variety of baits.

Southern Stingrays are the crowd-pleasers of this trip, and Cape May's sandy bottom is perfect habitat for these amazing fish. We're talking rays that can span 3-4 feet across, and when one of these hits your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs along the bottom that'll have your drag screaming, and the fight is completely different from anything else you'll catch. Late spring through fall is prime time for stingrays here, and they're most active in the evening hours when we're fishing. The best part about catching rays is how prehistoric they feel – you're literally connected to something that's been around for millions of years.

Spinner Sharks bring the acrobatics to your evening, and these fish are pure excitement when they're on the line. True to their name, they'll jump clear out of the water and spin like a torpedo, putting on a show that'll have you talking about it for years. They typically run 4-6 feet in these waters and are incredibly fast, making blistering runs that'll test your equipment and your nerves. Peak season for Spinners is mid-summer through early fall, and they often hunt in small groups, so catching one might mean more are around. Kevin's seen trips where multiple Spinners hit different rods within minutes of each other.

Sandbar Sharks are the heavyweights of this fishery, and landing one is a real achievement. These powerful sharks can reach 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle, making runs that'll have you questioning whether your tackle is up to the task. They're year-round residents in Cape May waters but most active during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. What makes Sandbars special is their fighting style – they're not flashy jumpers, but they use their size and strength to make long, steady runs that test your endurance. These are the fish that create those legendary fishing stories.

Blacktip Sharks round out the target species list and bring their own unique excitement to the trip. These sharks are known for their aerial displays when hooked, often jumping multiple times in spectacular fashion. They're typically smaller than Sandbars but make up for it with speed and agility, making rapid direction changes that keep you guessing. Blacktips are most common during the summer months and are often the most cooperative when it comes to taking baits. They're perfect for photography before release, with their distinctive black-tipped fins making them easily identifiable an