What the Great South Bay Shark Tournament is and when it runs

The Great South Bay Shark Tournament is an annual fishing competition held in the waters off Long Island, New York, centered on the Great South Bay and surrounding Atlantic waters. The tournament draws recreational anglers who fish for sharks during a set period each summer, typically running for several weeks. The exact dates shift year to year, so checking with the tournament organizers directly — usually the local fishing clubs or marinas that host the event — gives you the current schedule before you plan your trip.

The tournament operates as a catch-and-release or catch-and-weigh format, depending on the rules set for that year's competition. Anglers compete in categories based on shark species and size, with prizes awarded to the largest fish caught during the tournament window. Entry fees vary, and registration typically happens through participating marinas or fishing clubs in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Great South Bay Shark Tournament runs for several weeks each summer, with exact dates announced by local marinas and fishing clubs that host the event.
  • You fish from your own boat or charter, and weigh your catch at designated tournament weigh stations to compete for prizes in species-specific categories.
  • Entry fees and registration requirements vary by year and by which marina or club you register through, so contact them directly for current details.
  • Sharks in Great South Bay waters include sand tigers, makos, and threshers, each with different seasonal patterns and preferred depths.
  • New York State fishing regulations apply to all tournament participants, including licensing requirements and any species-specific rules in effect that year.

How to register and what it costs

Registration for the Great South Bay Shark Tournament happens through the marinas and fishing clubs that organize and host the event each year. The primary weigh-in stations are typically located at marinas along the bay and nearby Atlantic ports. You contact the host marina or club directly to register, pay your entry fee, and receive your tournament packet with the official rules, weigh-in times, and locations.

Entry fees cover your participation in the tournament and access to the weigh stations. The exact amount depends on which year you're entering and which marina you register through, as different clubs may run separate divisions or partner events. Some tournaments offer single-angler entry and team entry options at different price points. Ask the marina whether your fee includes a ticket to any awards event or dinner held at the end of the tournament.

Shark species you're likely to encounter

Great South Bay and the waters immediately offshore hold several shark species that tournament anglers target. Sand tiger sharks are common in the bay itself and in nearshore waters, recognizable by their pointed snout and visible teeth. Mako sharks move into the area during warmer months and are prized for their size and fighting strength. Thresher sharks appear in deeper offshore waters and are identifiable by their long, flattened tail.

Seasonal patterns matter: sand tigers are present year-round but more active in warmer months, while makos and threshers show up as water temperatures rise in late spring and summer. Depth also determines what you'll find — sand tigers hunt in shallower bay waters and the continental shelf, while makos and threshers prefer deeper offshore channels. Knowing which species are running during the tournament dates helps you choose your fishing grounds and tackle accordingly.

Tackle and technique for bay and offshore shark fishing

Shark fishing in Great South Bay and offshore requires heavier tackle than most other saltwater fishing. A conventional reel with 50- to 80-pound braided line and a 100- to 150-pound monofilament leader handles most sharks you'll encounter. Your rod should be rated for the weight class you're targeting — a 6-foot to 7-foot boat rod with a reel that holds at least 300 yards of line works for most tournament situations.

Live bait and fresh-cut mackerel, bunker, or mullet are standard offerings. Sharks hunt by smell, so a chunk of oily fish drifting in the current or chummed into the water column draws them in. For bay fishing, anchor in known shark grounds and let your bait work. For offshore fishing, you may drift or troll depending on conditions and what the tournament rules allow. Set your hook hard when you feel the take — sharks have tough mouths and a solid hookset matters.

Fighting a shark requires patience and steady pressure. Keep your rod tip up, reel when you can gain line, and let the drag slip if the fish makes a hard run. Sharks often circle and dive repeatedly before coming to the boat. Wear gloves and use a gaff or net appropriate to the size fish you're landing, and never put your hands near the fish's mouth until it's completely secured.

New York State fishing licenses and regulations

All anglers fishing in New York State waters, including Great South Bay and offshore Atlantic waters, must carry a valid New York State saltwater fishing license. You can purchase a license online through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website, at sporting goods stores, or at many marinas. Licenses are available as short-term (three-day or seven-day) or annual permits, depending on how often you fish.

Beyond licensing, New York State maintains specific regulations for shark species — minimum sizes, possession limits, and seasonal closures can change year to year. The DEC publishes current rules on their website and in the annual fishing guide. The tournament organizers will also outline any species-specific rules for that year's competition. Check both sources before the tournament starts so you know which sharks you can keep and which must be released, and what size limits apply.

Charter boats and fishing access

If you don't own a boat, charter fishing boats operating out of Long Island marinas offer tournament access. Many charter captains are familiar with the Great South Bay Shark Tournament and time their trips to coincide with the competition. A charter typically runs a full day (six to eight hours) and costs between $600 and $1,200 depending on the boat size and how far offshore you're going. The captain handles navigation and often provides tackle, though you should confirm what's included when you book.

Booking a charter early — several weeks before the tournament — gives you better availability and lets the captain plan the best fishing grounds based on recent shark activity. Ask whether the charter is set up for tournament weigh-ins, meaning the captain knows the official weigh stations and can get you there on time with your catch properly handled. Some charters include ice and fish care as part of the service; others charge extra for those amenities.

Preparing your boat and gear before the tournament

If you're fishing your own boat, a pre-tournament check ensures everything works when you need it. Test your engine, check fuel capacity, inspect your battery and electrical systems, and make sure your navigation electronics are functioning. Shark fishing often means spending hours on the water, so confirm your boat's comfort features — shade, fresh water, a working head — are in order.

Stock your tackle box with extra leaders, hooks, and line. Bring more bait than you think you'll need — sharks can be selective, and having options matters. Pack a first aid kit, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Bring a cooler with ice for your catch and for keeping yourself comfortable. Check the weather forecast the night before and the morning of your trip, and don't fish if conditions are unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to release sharks or can I keep them?

That depends on the tournament rules for the year you're entering and on New York State regulations in effect at that time. Some tournaments are catch-and-release only, while others allow you to keep certain species if they meet size requirements. Check the official tournament rules and current DEC regulations before you fish.

What if I've never shark fished before?

A charter boat is your best option. The captain and crew know the grounds, have the right tackle, and can teach you technique as you fish. You'll learn faster and have a better chance of success than going out alone. Many charter captains welcome tournament newcomers and enjoy helping people catch their first shark.

When is the best time to fish for sharks in Great South Bay?

Late spring through early fall offers the warmest water and most active shark fishing. The tournament typically runs during this window. Water temperature, moon phase, and recent bait activity all affect shark feeding, so ask local captains or the tournament organizers what conditions have been like in the weeks leading up to the event.

Can I fish the tournament from shore?

Most shark tournament fishing happens from boats because sharks in Great South Bay and offshore waters are best reached by water. Some shore-based fishing for smaller sharks is possible, but check the tournament rules to see whether shore entries are allowed and whether they compete in the same categories as boat anglers.

What should I do if I hook a shark I can't handle?

Cut the line rather than risk injury to yourself or damage to your boat. Sharks are powerful, and a fish that's too large or too aggressive for your tackle and experience is not worth the danger. You can always fish again, and live to tell the story.