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World-Class Cape May Shark Fishing | Catterman
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Cape May, NJ
- $425 - $750 price range
Summary
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Sharks After Dark
Mastering the art of surf casting in the iconic Cape May waters!
Land-Based Shark Fishing: Cape May's Night Bite
Ready for some serious after-dark action? Strap in for a 6-hour shark fishing adventure that'll have you reeling from sunset to midnight. We're talking big game, folks – the kind that'll make your arms ache and your heart race. Guide Kevin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the gear and know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a total newbie, this trip's got your name on it. Let's dive into what makes this Cape May shark fishing experience one for the books.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're standing on the beach as the sun dips below the horizon, rod in hand, waiting for that telltale tug. That's when the real fun begins. From 5:30 PM to midnight, you'll be targeting some of the ocean's most powerful predators right from shore. No boat needed – just you, the sand, and the endless possibility of what's swimming beyond the breakers. Guide Kevin's got all the gear you need, plus the local intel to maximize your chances. He'll show you the ropes, from baiting up to playing out these formidable fish. And trust me, when you're going toe-to-fin with a shark, you'll be glad you've got an expert by your side.
Shark Fishing 101
Forget about those dinky rods you use for summer flounder – we're talking heavy-duty surf casting gear here. You'll be slinging out large baits on circle hooks, designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth for easy release. Kevin's a stickler for conservation, so it's catch-and-release all the way. He'll teach you how to read the beach, looking for cuts and sloughs where sharks like to cruise. Patience is key in this game – you might be in for some downtime between bites, but when that reel starts screaming, hold on tight! You'll learn the fine art of playing these powerful fish without tiring them out too much. And when it comes time for a photo, Kevin's got the technique down pat to keep both you and the shark safe.
Reel Talk from Happy Anglers
"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
"This was the fourth year my son and I fished with Catterman. We keep coming back and we're never disappointed!" - Bill
The Big Boys (and Girls)
Let's talk targets. Cape May's waters are teeming with some serious toothy critters, and each one's got its own quirks and challenges. Here's the lowdown on what you might tangle with:
Dusky Smooth-Hound: Don't let the name fool you – these sharks are anything but smooth when they hit your bait. Averaging 3-4 feet, they're like the linebackers of the shark world: stocky and powerful. They love cruising close to shore, especially in the warmer months. What makes them a blast to catch? Their tenacity. Once hooked, they give a fight that'll make you earn every inch of line.
Southern Stingray: Okay, not technically a shark, but these flat pancakes with attitudes are a common catch and a real treat. They can span up to 5 feet across and put up a deceptively strong fight. The cool part? Feeling that unique pull as they use their broad wings to resist. Just watch out for that barbed tail when you're unhooking them – Kevin will show you how to handle these graceful creatures safely.
Spinner Shark: Now we're talking acrobatics! These high-flyers are known for their spectacular leaps and spins when hooked. Growing up to 9 feet long, spinners are fast, agile, and put on one heck of a show. They're most active in the warmer months and love to chase bait fish close to shore. Landing one of these is like reeling in a circus act – you never know what tricks they'll pull next.
Sandbar Shark: These are the bruisers of the bunch. Sandbars can top out at over 8 feet and are built like tanks. They're a staple of Cape May's shark fishing scene, especially from late spring through fall. What makes them special? Their sheer power. Hooking into a big sandbar is like trying to stop a submarine – it's a true test of your tackle and your stamina.
Blacktip Shark: Fast, agile, and known for their distinctive black-tipped fins, these sharks are the sprinters of the shark world. They average around 5-6 feet but fight well above their weight class. Blacktips are often found in shallower waters, making them a prime target for shore-based fishing. Their quick runs and sudden direction changes will keep you on your toes all night long.
Time to Get Your Shark On
Look, I could go on all day about the rush of shark fishing in Cape May, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Kevin's trips book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't sit on your hands. Whether you're looking to check "catch a shark" off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler wanting to test your mettle against some of the ocean's top predators, this is your chance. The night is calling, the sharks are waiting, and Kevin's ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready for a night you'll be talking about for years to come. Trust me, once you feel that first run, you'll be hooked for life.
Customer Reviews
Shark Night Thrills
Hunter K
July 30, 2024
Jaw Dropping Adventure
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 K
July 14, 2024
Loyal Shark Chasers
This was the fourth year my son and I fished with Catterman. We keep coming back and we’re never disappointed!
Bill White
July 7, 2025
Unforgettable Catch
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 Kaplan
July 14, 2024
Learn more about the animals
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are known for their energetic behavior and those distinctive black-tipped fins. They typically run 4-5 feet long, with a streamlined build perfect for quick bursts of speed. You'll often find them in coastal waters, especially around reefs and in bays. Summer's the best time to target blacktips off Cape May. Anglers love 'em for their fighting spirit - they're known for dramatic jumps and runs that'll really test your gear. It's an exciting catch that's manageable for most skill levels. To improve your chances, use fresh, oily bait like mackerel or mullet. Chum the water to attract them, then float your bait at different depths. Here's a local tip: if you see fish jumping frantically at the surface, there's a good chance blacktips are feeding nearby. Head that way and get ready for some fast action!
Dusky Smooth-Hound
Dusky smooth-hounds are bottom-dwellers that hang out in shallow waters, usually less than 60 feet deep. They're on the smaller side for sharks, typically 3-4 feet long. You'll often find them cruising slowly near the seafloor, but don't let that fool you - they can put on a burst of speed when they need to. These guys aren't picky eaters, chowing down on crabs, lobsters, and small fish. Summer's the prime time to catch 'em off Cape May. Folks love targeting smooth-hounds because they're great for beginners - not too big or aggressive. Plus, they put up a decent fight on light tackle. To improve your chances, try presenting your bait right on the bottom. I like using squid or mackerel strips. Just remember, these sharks have flat, grinding teeth instead of the razor-sharp ones you might expect, so they're not much threat to humans.
Sandbar Shark
Sandbar sharks are hefty coastal predators, with females growing up to 8 feet long. They're easily identified by their tall first dorsal fin and brownish-gray coloring. You'll often find them cruising near the bottom in 60-200 feet of water, especially around sandy areas and bays. These sharks are a popular target in the warmer months. Anglers love 'em because they put up a strong, determined fight without the extreme size of some other shark species. Plus, they're generally not aggressive towards humans, which makes handling them a bit less nerve-wracking. To land a sandbar, you'll need heavy tackle - at least 50-pound line and a sturdy rod. Fresh, oily bait works best. Try mackerel, bluefish, or squid. Here's a tip: when you're setting up, put out baits at different depths. Sandbars often swim at mid-depths, so covering the water column can improve your odds.
Southern Stingray
Southern stingrays are kite-shaped bottom-dwellers that can get pretty big - females can reach up to 6 feet across and 50 pounds. You'll usually spot them in shallow bays or near beaches, often partially buried in the sand. They use their "wings" to uncover small fish, crustaceans, and worms to eat. These rays are a blast to catch, especially in the warmer months. They put up a strong, steady fight that'll test your gear and skills. Folks get a kick out of their unique shape and that long, whip-like tail. Just watch out for that venomous barb! To land one, use a sturdy rod and at least 30-pound line. Try drifting a chunk of squid or fish near the bottom. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a bite, give it a few seconds before setting the hook. Stingrays often grab bait and move it around before fully committing.
Spinner Shark
Spinner sharks are known for their acrobatic feeding style - they'll leap and spin out of the water while chasing fish. These sleek predators usually run 6-7 feet long and can hit speeds up to 46 mph. Look for them in shallower coastal waters, especially near schools of baitfish. Spring and early summer are prime times to target spinners off Cape May. Anglers love 'em for their spectacular aerial displays and hard-fighting nature. It's a real rush when one goes airborne on your line! To boost your chances, use live bait like mullet or bluefish. Cast near feeding schools and be ready for explosive strikes. Here's a local trick: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance spinners are pushing bait to the surface. Head that way and get ready for some action!
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.