Shark Fishing Off Connecticut: Blue Sharks, Makos, and Offshore Trips
Offshore shark fishing from CT is a legitimate fishery that gets overlooked compared to more famous striper and bluefish action. Run 20–40 miles offshore from New London, Niantic, or Westbrook in July and you'll find yourself in blue shark territory with mako encounters possible. It's a different kind of day on the water — and an unforgettable one.
Connecticut Shark Season
Shark fishing off CT is primarily a July–September fishery, tied to water temperature and the Gulf Stream influence:
- **Blue sharks:** The most abundant offshore shark in CT waters. Available from late June through early October. Most productive in 65–70°F water, typically 20–40 miles offshore. - **Mako sharks:** Less common but present July–August, often farther offshore (40–70 miles). Water temps above 68°F required. - **Thresher sharks:** Occasional catch, usually deeper water (60+ miles out). Long tail is unmistakable. - **Sand tigers and spinners:** Inshore species that appear closer to shore in late summer, especially around structure and bluefish schools.
Check NOAA and CT DEEP regulations before your trip — federal shark regulations are complex and some species are prohibited from retention.
Offshore Departure Points
**New London/Waterford:** Access to the Race and eastern sound, then offshore toward Coxes Ledge and the Hill-Dump. Major marinas with offshore charter operations.
**Niantic:** Popular offshore departure for western CT anglers. Multiple marinas with offshore capable boats. Target Block Canyon (60+ miles) for mako; closer structure for blues.
**Westbrook/Old Saybrook:** Connecticut River mouth area. Good offshore access from here, with shorter runs to blue shark territory than from western CT ports.
**Trip length:** A full-day offshore shark trip runs 10–14 hours. Most serious trips depart before dawn. Charter rates for 6 anglers typically run $1,500–$2,500 for a dedicated shark trip.
Shark Fishing Basics: Chumming
Chumming is the foundation of offshore shark fishing. You're essentially creating an underwater scent trail that draws sharks to the boat:
**The chum slick:** A 5-gallon bucket of frozen ground menhaden hung over the side, thawing and releasing oil and ground fish into the current. Position the boat up-current and let the slick run downwind/downcurrent for maximum reach — a good slick can be detected by sharks a mile away.
**Chum deployment:** Cut the bottom of the frozen block with a knife, hang it off a stern cleat so it drips steadily. Don't dump it — a slow steady release is far more effective than a big splash.
**Chunk baits:** Complement the chum with whole or chunked menhaden on the hooks. Fresh bait outperforms frozen. Many shark crews also use large mackerel, herring, or bluefish as hook baits.
**Drift fishing:** Most shark fishing is done at drift — engine off, drifting with the current while the chum slick streams behind you.
Tackle and Rigging for Sharks
**Blue shark setup:** - 50–80 lb class conventional rod and reel (Penn Senator, Shimano Tiagra) - 80–100 lb monofilament or 65–80 lb braid with heavy mono top shot - 10–15 ft of 480 lb single-strand wire or heavy monofilament leader - 8/0–10/0 circle hook (circle hooks strongly recommended for conservation) - Wire leader: essential — sharks will bite through mono/fluoro of any strength
**Mako setup:** Step up to 130 lb class gear for makos. They're explosive fighters — capable of jumping 15+ feet — and will destroy lighter equipment.
**Floats:** Balloon floats keep baits at specific depths. Run one bait at 10 ft, one at 30 ft, one deeper — covering the water column increases bites.
**Gaffing and release:** Most anglers now practice catch and release for makos. Blue sharks are abundant and sometimes kept but rarely eaten by most anglers. Circle hooks make release easier — sharks typically don't get gut-hooked.
Regulations and Conservation
Federal shark regulations govern all offshore shark fishing, not state regulations. Key points:
- **Blue sharks:** HIGHLY regulated. Blue sharks are the most commonly encountered species but have a strict 1 shark per vessel per trip limit for recreational anglers (confirm current regulations with NOAA). - **Shortfin mako:** Federal regulations have shifted significantly. As of recent seasons, mako retention has been prohibited or highly restricted. Check current NOAA regulations before your trip. - **Prohibited species:** Several shark species are completely prohibited from retention, including white sharks and sandbar sharks. Release immediately. - **NOAA Shark HMS permit:** Required to land any shark. Your captain must have this permit. - **Required kill reporting:** Any retained shark must be reported under NOAA's reporting requirements.
Always verify current regulations at fisheries.noaa.gov before your trip — federal shark regulations change frequently.
Check our charter boat fishing guide for booking tips and what to expect on your first offshore trip.
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