What Mako Fever Means to Jersey Anglers
Mako fever is the seasonal obsession that grips New Jersey's shark fishing community when shortfin makos move into the continental shelf waters off the coast, usually from late May through October. These sharks are built for speed — they can hit 60 miles per hour — and they fight with a violence that makes them the most prized catch for anglers willing to fish deep water and heavy tackle. A mako hooked on the right gear will jump repeatedly, strip line, and test everything you brought to the boat.
The fever is real because makos are rare enough to feel like a genuine accomplishment, but common enough in Jersey waters during the season that serious anglers can plan a trip around them. Unlike the blues and sandbar sharks that school predictably, makos are solitary hunters that show up where baitfish concentrate — and when they do, the fight is nothing like anything else in the Atlantic.
Key Takeaways
- Shortfin makos arrive off New Jersey between late May and October, with peak season in July and August when water temperatures reach 70 degrees or higher.
- Mako fishing requires offshore boats, heavy tackle rated for 50 to 80 pounds, and live or fresh mackerel, bunker, or herring as bait.
- The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers club organizes tournaments and group trips that connect you with experienced mako fishermen and current bite information.
- A successful mako trip means fishing at least 20 to 40 miles offshore on the continental shelf, where water depth runs 200 to 600 feet.
- Makos are federally regulated with a one-fish daily limit per angler, and you must follow current size and tagging requirements before keeping one.
When Makos Move Into Jersey Waters
Shortfin makos follow the warming water and the baitfish that concentrate on the continental shelf. In New Jersey, that means they typically arrive in late May as water temperatures climb toward 65 degrees, but the real bite — the one that triggers mako fever — happens when the ocean hits 70 degrees or warmer. July and August are the peak months, though September and early October can still produce if the water stays warm.
The timing matters because makos are not year-round residents. They move north from deeper Atlantic waters as the season warms and retreat south as fall cools the shelf. Knowing when they arrive in your area means the difference between a trip where you see one mako and a trip where you see three. Local charter captains and the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers track water temperature and bite reports constantly — that information is worth following if you are serious about connecting with one.
Tackle and Bait for Mako Fishing
Mako fishing is not bluefin tuna, but it is not light tackle either. You need a conventional reel spooled with 50- to 80-pound braided line, a rod rated for that weight, and a wire or heavy monofilament leader that can handle the mako's rough mouth and gill plates. Many anglers use 200-pound-test leader material and tie it to the main line with a Bimini twist or an Albright knot. The reel itself should hold at least 300 yards of line — makos will take it if they get the chance.
Bait is live or fresh mackerel, bunker, or herring, rigged on a circle hook sized 8/0 to 12/0. Circle hooks are standard because they hook the corner of the mako's mouth rather than deep in the throat, which means you can release the fish if you choose to and the mako has a better survival rate. Fresh bait works when live bait is not available, but live mackerel or bunker will draw strikes faster. Some anglers chum with bunker chunks to create a scent trail, though the real key is positioning your bait where makos are already hunting.
Where to Fish and How Far Offshore
Makos hunt on the continental shelf, the underwater plateau that extends from the New Jersey coast out to the shelf break. That means fishing 20 to 40 miles offshore in water 200 to 600 feet deep. The exact distance depends on where you launch — from Cape May or Atlantic City you might fish closer to 30 miles out, while from northern Jersey ports like Belmar or Manasquan you could be 40 miles offshore. The shelf itself is the target, not the deep water beyond it.
Specific structure matters less for makos than it does for other sharks. They hunt wherever baitfish concentrate, which means you are looking for areas where the bottom contour changes, where current flows strong, or where other boats are marking fish on sonar. The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers and local charter captains know the productive zones — joining a club trip or booking a charter gives you access to that knowledge without spending a season learning the shelf yourself.
The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers Community
The Jersey Coast Shark Anglers is the main organization connecting mako fishermen across the state. They run tournaments throughout the season, organize group trips to productive grounds, and maintain a network of captains and experienced anglers who share bite reports and current conditions. Membership gives you access to that community and to the collective knowledge of people who fish makos every week during the season.
The club tournaments are structured around weight and size, with separate divisions for different tackle classes. Participating in a tournament is a way to fish alongside other serious anglers, learn new techniques, and understand what the current bite looks like. Even if you do not compete, the club's social events and fishing reports are valuable — mako fishing is a small community, and word travels fast when someone connects with a good bite.
Federal Regulations and Size Limits
Shortfin makos are federally regulated, which means there are rules about how many you can keep and what size they must be. The current limit is one mako per angler per day, and the shark must meet the minimum size requirement set by NOAA Fisheries. Size requirements change periodically, so check the current regulations before you fish — the NOAA Fisheries website and the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers both post updates when rules change.
If you keep a mako, you are required to report it through the Recreational Fisheries Information Network (RecFIN) or through your charter captain if you booked a boat. Some anglers tag and release makos instead of keeping them, which contributes to research on mako migration and population. Either way, understand the regulations before you leave the dock — enforcement happens, and the penalties are real.
Preparing for Your First Mako Trip
Your first mako trip should be on a charter boat or with an experienced angler who knows the grounds. Offshore fishing is different from inshore work — the boat motion, the distance from land, the depth of water, and the size of the fish all demand preparation. Bring seasickness medication if you are prone to it, wear layers because the ocean is cooler than the air, and bring sunscreen and a hat. The sun reflects off the water and burns faster than you expect.
Talk to the captain or experienced anglers about what to expect. A mako fight can last 30 minutes to an hour or more, and it is physically demanding — you will be holding a heavy rod, fighting the boat's motion, and managing line pressure the whole time. Knowing what is coming means you can pace yourself and enjoy the fight instead of being shocked by how hard it is. Bring water, snacks, and realistic expectations about the weather. Offshore conditions change fast, and some trips get cancelled or cut short because of wind or seas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to fish for makos off New Jersey?
July and August are peak season when water temperatures are warmest and makos are most active. Late May through June and September through early October can also produce, but the bite is less consistent. Water temperature is the key — makos move in when it hits 70 degrees and leave when it drops below that.
Do I need my own boat to fish for makos?
No. Charter boats out of ports like Cape May, Atlantic City, and Belmar run regular mako trips during the season. Joining a Jersey Coast Shark Anglers group trip is another option. Both give you access to experienced captains and the offshore grounds without owning or operating a boat yourself.
How much does a mako charter cost?
Charter prices vary by boat, trip length, and season, but expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 per person for a full-day offshore mako trip. Half-day trips are less expensive but less likely to produce. Call local charter captains directly for current pricing — many offer discounts for groups or multiple trips.
Can I release a mako if I hook one?
Yes. Circle hooks make release easier because they hook the corner of the mouth rather than deep in the throat. Keep the fight as short as possible, use wet hands or gloves when handling the shark, and cut the line if the hook is deep. Some anglers tag and release makos to contribute to research programs.
What happens if I catch a mako that is undersized?
You must release it immediately. Handle it carefully, keep it in the water as much as possible, and cut the line if the hook is difficult to remove. Check current size requirements before you fish — they change, and the regulations posted by NOAA Fisheries are the ones that matter.