Get ready for an unforgettable evening of land-based shark and ray fishing in the calm waters of Delaware Bay. Guide Kevin from Catterman Adventures is your ticket to experiencing the thrill of hooking into some of the ocean's most impressive creatures under the cover of darkness. This 4-hour trip runs from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, hitting that perfect bite window when these big predators come out to play. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, Kevin's got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how to maximize your chances of landing a monster.
As the sun sets over Lewes, Delaware, you'll meet up with Guide Kevin at a prime fishing spot along the bay. No need to worry about bringing your own gear – Kevin's got all the specialized tackle you'll need to target these toothy critters. You'll learn how to set up multiple rods with different baits and techniques, spreading out your chances of hooking into something big. The calm waters of Delaware Bay provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of fishing, with the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional splash of feeding fish adding to the excitement. Keep your eyes peeled for bioluminescence in the water, a magical sight that often accompanies nighttime fishing adventures.
Shark and ray fishing isn't your average cast-and-retrieve game. Guide Kevin will show you the ropes of setting up heavy-duty surf casting rods with specialized rigs designed to handle the power of these marine giants. You'll learn how to use circle hooks for better catch-and-release success, and how to properly deploy baits using kayaks or other methods to get them out beyond the breakers. The name of the game is patience – once the lines are set, it's a waiting game punctuated by sudden bursts of intense action when a fish takes the bait. Kevin will teach you how to recognize different types of bites and when to set the hook for the best chance of landing your catch.
Sand Tiger Shark: These fearsome-looking predators can grow up to 10 feet long, but don't let their rows of razor-sharp teeth fool you – they're actually quite docile. Sand tigers are known for their slow, methodical hunting style and are a favorite among anglers for their impressive size and relatively calm demeanor when hooked. They're most active in the warmer months, making summer evenings prime time for hooking into one of these prehistoric-looking beasts.
Spiny Butterfly Ray: With a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet across, hooking into a spiny butterfly ray feels like you've snagged a living kite. These graceful creatures put up a surprisingly strong fight, using their broad, flat bodies to resist being reeled in. They're most common in the bay during late spring and summer, often hanging out in sandy or muddy bottom areas where they feed on crustaceans and small fish.
Southern Stingray: Another ray species you might encounter, the southern stingray can grow to impressive sizes with some specimens reaching disc widths of over 5 feet. They're known for their powerful, whip-like tails and their ability to bury themselves in the sand, making them an exciting and challenging catch. These rays are present in the bay year-round but are most active in the warmer months.
Spinner Shark: True to their name, spinner sharks are famous for their acrobatic displays, often leaping and spinning out of the water when hooked. These high-energy predators can reach lengths of up to 9 feet and are known for their speed and agility. Spinner sharks typically show up in Delaware waters during the summer months, following schools of baitfish and providing anglers with heart-pounding action.
Blacktip Shark: Another species known for its aerial antics, blacktip sharks are a favorite among sport fishermen for their hard-fighting nature and tendency to make spectacular leaps when hooked. These sharks average around 5 feet in length but can grow larger. They're most common in the area during the warmer months, often venturing close to shore in pursuit of baitfish, making them an ideal target for land-based shark fishing.
There's something uniquely thrilling about fishing for sharks and rays from the shore. The anticipation builds as you wait for that telltale screaming of the reel, signaling that something big has taken your bait. When it happens, you're in for the fight of your life. The sheer power of these creatures as they pull against your line is an experience you won't soon forget. And there's nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline when you finally see that massive shape materialize in the surf. Guide Kevin's expertise ensures that even if you're new to this type of fishing, you'll have a real shot at landing the catch of a lifetime. Plus, with the trip running during prime evening hours, you'll get to experience the magic of fishing under the stars, away from the daytime crowds.
If you're looking for a fishing adventure that's a cut above the rest, this nighttime shark and ray trip in Lewes is hard to beat. With Guide Kevin's local knowledge, top-quality gear, and a perfect time slot for targeting these impressive species, you're setting yourself up for an epic outing. Whether you're a dedicated shark angler or just someone looking to try something new and exciting, this trip offers a unique opportunity to test your skills against some of the ocean's most formidable predators. Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience, so don't wait to lock in your spot. Get ready to create some serious fishing stories and maybe even land that monster catch you've always dreamed about. Book now and prepare for a night of fishing you'll be talking about for years to come!
Blacktip sharks are sleek, powerful predators typically growing to 5-6 feet long. You'll find them patrolling shallow coastal waters, often in less than 100 feet deep. They're most active here in Delaware Bay during the warmer months when they follow baitfish inshore. Anglers love targeting blacktips for their quick runs and acrobatic jumps - they can really get your heart racing! To catch one, focus on areas with good bait movement, like artificial reefs or channel edges. Fresh, oily bait like mackerel or mullet works best. Use a stout rod with 50-pound braid to handle their speed and power. Local tip: Chum the water to get them excited, but be ready - blacktips can get pretty worked up during a feeding frenzy and might even jump into the boat!
Sand tiger sharks are impressive predators, growing up to 10 feet long and 350 pounds. Despite their fierce looks, they're actually pretty docile. You'll find them hanging around sandy coastal areas, shallow bays, and reefs in depths from 6 to over 600 feet. They're bottom-dwellers, so look for them near structures and wrecks. Summer's the best time to target them here in Delaware Bay when they come in to feed. Anglers love going after sand tigers for the thrill - they put up a good fight but aren't too aggressive. To land one, use fresh, oily bait like rays or dogfish. A kayak can help place baits further out. Tie your bait to a rock to keep it on the bottom where these sharks feed. Be patient - it can take hours, but the wait is worth it for a chance at one of these prehistoric-looking beasts.
Southern stingrays are flat, kite-shaped creatures that can reach an impressive 5 feet across. You'll spot them gliding along sandy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries. They're most active in warmer months, preferring waters less than 20 feet deep. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these powerful swimmers - they put up quite a fight! To target them, focus on sandy flats and grass beds near shore. Use live bait like small fish or shrimp, fished right on the bottom. A medium-heavy spinning setup with 30-pound braid works well. When you hook one, be prepared for some serious pulling. Local tip: They have excellent smell and electrical sensors, so a bit of chum or scented bait can really draw them in. Just watch out for that barbed tail when landing them - always handle with care!
Spinner sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular leaps and spins out of the water. They typically grow to 6-7 feet long and can be found in warm, shallow coastal waters less than 100 feet deep. Summer's prime time for spinners as they follow baitfish schools close to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their high-energy fights and aerial displays. To catch one, use live bait like mullet or bluefish, or try fast-moving lures that mimic their prey. Medium-heavy tackle with 50-pound braid should handle most spinners. Local tip: Watch for birds diving on bait schools - spinners are often feeding below. When you hook up, be ready for anything - these sharks can go airborne at any moment, making for an exciting battle you won't soon forget!
The spiny butterfly ray is one impressive creature, with a diamond-shaped body stretching up to 6 feet across. You'll find these rays cruising sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, usually less than 100 feet deep. They're most active in warmer months when they move inshore to feed and breed. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their unique shape and powerful fight - they can deliver quite a punch with those muscular fins! To catch one, focus on areas with a mix of sand and structure. Use fresh bait like squid or small fish on the bottom. A stout rod and reel combo spooled with 50-pound braid should do the trick. When you hook up, be ready for some serious pulling. Local tip: Watch for their signature move - they'll often spin and whack prey with their fins before gulping it down.