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Here's my take on it.. Why bother??.. Really.. If you want to go fishing in the Mud Hole, for whatever, there are always six packs, open boats on weekdays, etc.. IMHO, its actually cheaper.. Think about it, 30 or more gallons of fuel, ramp fee if you trailer, tons of bait and chum.... If I had a 20 footer[I DO have an 18], I would keep it within 5-10 miles, as there is a LOT of excellent real estate inshore thats loaded with fish, including big stuff if you know where to look.

Want to get into blue water at times??.. I can relate, but I don't think you would be saving a nickel taking your own rig out.. In all likelyhood, you would spend more than if you went with a pro and a few other like minded fishermen..
I used to lament limited range, but no more.. As others have said, there are lots of sharks in close.. actually, if you want to catch sharks, there are tons of them in Great Bay most years, and they aren't hard to catch.... Why not utilize whats close to home and cheap?.. I also know for a fact there are plenty of sharks in Raritan Bay.. Pretty good size ones too, and several different species.
Reason very few know about it is twofold..
1-Very few people fish with a big bloody chum slick at night in the bay.

2- The few guys that do catch sharks in Raritan Bay at night don't want to broadcast it..

However, the sharks are there, and its REAL close to home.. Much safer to shark fish in your 20 footer at night in the bays, than out in the MH during the day, ... a lot cheaper as well!...


Leave the Mud hole to guys that are really geared up for it..Just my $.02..

Here's an interesting blog to support my claim of good shallow water/back bay sharking right in the bay,,,



Brown sharks of Great Bay N.J.
Aug 27, 2001
Review by lowtrtrip
Rated a Very Helpful Review

Pros:Great fighters on light tackle
Cons:Sharp teeth
The Bottom Line: Fun to catch.

The southern portion of the bay and the bottom shallows of Grassy Channel offer some rather unusual light tackle action for a back bay. During low tide in calm conditions brown sharks, otherwise known as sandbar sharks, can be viewed sunning themselves in the shallows. These fish can push the scales at 100 pounds or more, and can reach five feet or more in length.

The brown shark is a member of a group of fish known as cartilaginous fishes. This group lacks a swim bladder and maintains constant motion just to stay buoyant. The constant movement also keeps oxygenated water flowing pass the gills. At rest the animal will simply just ‘glide’ through he water.

Fishing for shark is quite simple in the bay. Best time of day is in the evening just after sunset.

For the boater, anchoring up and chumming heavily with bunker chum will consistently produce. Usually four ounces of weight on a very sturdy spinning outfit will suffice. Mackerel or bunker pieces place on a 9/0 hook at the end of a 20 inch steel leader will keep bite offs from ruining the fun.

Shore bound anglers can get in on the fun from the end of Great Bay Boulevard. A good surf outfit with the same terminal gear will snag a few after dark. Use about five ounces of weight and cast as far as you can from shore.

The best time of year to fish for brownies is the month of June.