World-Class Cape May Shark Fishing | Catterman

Guided Shark And Stingray Fishing Trip In Cape May

There's nothing quite like the rush of battling a shark in the dark waters off Cape May. This 6-hour nighttime adventure with Guide Kevin puts you right in the action during prime feeding hours when these apex predators are most active. Starting at 7:00 PM and running until 1:00 AM, you'll experience some of the best shark and stingray fishing New Jersey has to offer. The late evening departure gives you the perfect window to target these creatures when they move into shallower waters to hunt. Cape May's unique underwater topography and strong tidal flows create the ideal conditions for consistent shark action, and Kevin knows exactly where to find them.

What to Expect on the Water

Kevin keeps this trip intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. He provides all the heavy tackle, fresh bait, and circle hooks designed specifically for shark fishing. You'll be anchored up in productive zones where the continental shelf drops off, creating the perfect ambush points for hungry sharks and rays. The night fishing element adds an extra layer of excitement - there's something primal about not knowing what's on the other end of your line until you bring it to the boat. Kevin's approach focuses on sustainable catch-and-release practices, ensuring these magnificent creatures are handled with care and returned safely to fight another day. Don't worry about experience level - whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Kevin breaks down the techniques and helps you feel confident handling these powerful fish.

Techniques and Tackle Setup

This isn't your typical bottom fishing setup. Kevin uses heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line and wire leaders to handle the serious torque these fish can dish out. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and chunk baits like bunker, mackerel, and skate wings that really get the sharks fired up. The technique involves setting up a spread of lines at different depths and distances from the boat, creating a scent trail that draws predators in from miles away. Kevin positions the boat over structure and drop-offs where sharks patrol regularly, using his fish finder and years of local knowledge to put you on productive water. When a fish hits, you'll feel it immediately - sharks don't nibble, they commit. The fight can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on the species and size, so be ready for a workout. Kevin and his crew handle all the leader work and assist with landing, measuring, and releasing each fish safely.

What Anglers Are Saying

"am a fisherman myself, without a guide I've always been a fisherman. I'm not new to the scene and what's right or wrong. You cannot and will not go wrong with the catterman adventure. One of the most knowledgeable captains I've ever met, with an incredible first mate that will both work relentlessly into the night to ensure that you have that night of your life. We called him yesterday, the same day he took us out and we caught 1 shark every hour and had many more bites and caught other species as well. It was absolutely incredible and this is the norm for these guys. Well presented, very good at what they do. I 100% recommend them. They are great people that will 100% help you accomplish your dream. A great place to invest your hard earned money to have a relaxful night of shark fishing. You will be left sore and tired from too much fun. We have no regrets and I am more impressed then I've ever been fishing with someone else. They care about the sharks immensely and take the absolute best care of them while keeping you safe. Thank you Catterman 💪🏽 this trip was so much fun, that we are booking again only 4 days later." - Hunter

"Amazing!!! We caught sharks consistently throughout the night!! Kevin and his first mate Tony were awesome!! It's hard to describe the feeling of holding one of these creatures by the tail and feeling their power!! The safety of the sharks were of utmost importance to Tony. We can't wait to schedule our next trip!!" - Ken

"We had an incredible time fishing with Kevin, from The Catterman Adventures! My kids had been dreaming of landing some big fish on our vacation to the shore, but because of some inclement weather, our charter boat was cancelled at the last minute. I was fortunate enough to find The Catterman Adventures website and Kevin had us booked for the experience of a lifetime the very next day! Kevin worked tirelessly in the rain and wind to give my kids and I the most memorable and special fishing experience ever. We landed big beautiful sharks, as well as countless other fish, and learned a great deal about the ecology and biology of the area. Kevin is an amazing teacher and demonstrates the utmost care and concern for his clients, and more importantly, for the incredible ocean creatures he loves. I highly recommend this experience to anyone. Thanks Kevin!" - Keith

Species You'll Want to Hook

Dusky Smooth-Hounds are one of the most common catches on these night trips, and for good reason. These smaller sharks, typically ranging from 2-4 feet, are aggressive feeders that hit baits hard and fight with surprising strength for their size. They're most active during late spring through early fall, making them perfect targets for Cape May's prime fishing season. What makes them exciting to catch is their tenacious attitude - they'll grab a bait and run with it, giving you that heart-stopping initial hit that gets your adrenaline pumping.

Southern Stingrays bring a completely different fighting style to the table. These flat, disc-shaped creatures can span 3-5 feet across and use their wings to create massive resistance once hooked. They're bottom dwellers that love sandy areas near structure, and Cape May's mixed bottom provides perfect habitat. The best action happens during warmer months when they move into shallower waters to feed. Landing a big ray feels like trying to pull a manhole cover off the bottom - they'll test your back