Blue Shark Charters - Nova Scotia Shark Fishing & Scientific Platform

About Us

Your Crew

Your Captain - Art Gaetan
You might say Captain Art Gaetan is an 'old salt', having spent most of his life on the water. As a young boy, he fished extensively with his father, a lobster fisherman from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. At the tender age of seventeen, Art joined the Canadian Navy, retiring after twenty years of service. Art has fished fresh and salt water species all over the world and is quick to say: "Atlantic Canada offers some of the most exciting saltwater fishing in the world and is arguably the best kept secret for the serious global angler." Art is Department of Transportation certified, and qualified in Marine Safety and CPR. He is currently a field tester for Shimano Canada's Saltwater Equipment Division. Art is also co-owner/presenter of Oceans Wild, an educational entertainment company.

Art's environmental tip: "Please do not use balloons for floats as balloons can kill leatherback turtles and ocean Sunfish. Please use re-usable floats that can be purchased (such as aqua gem floats)".

First Mate - Spencer Houston
Although Spencer’s early days were spent on freshwater lakes, a sailing trip from Halifax to Cuba a number of years ago solidified his real passion – the ocean! Since then he has spent almost a decade on the water -- fishing, guiding and marveling at the many diverse creatures that inhabit our oceans. Spencer also has a strong marine safety background, so you know you are in good hands! When Spencer isn’t fishing, he is traveling across Canada with Captain Art as a presenter with Ocean’s Wild, educating school kids about the ocean, marine diversity and conservation.

Spencer's environmental tip: "There are at least 100 million sharks killed every year worldwide. The overall shark population has been depleted 90% of what it was just 20 years ago."

First Mate - Zach Austin
Young Zach has been a fishing enthusiast all his life. His first shark fishing adventure was with his father on a charter aboard Art's boat. Since that day, he's been 'hooked'!! In a very short time, and under Art's strict tutelage, Zach has blossomed into a remarkably seasoned and competent first mate.

Zach's environmental tip: "Shark are found in every ocean of the world."

Bos'n Mate - Casey
Casey got her sea legs when she was just a pup! Although a bit shy, she enjoys meeting new people every day, especially when they bring out their lunch (chippies are her favorite!) She is also serves as a ‘therapy dog’ of sorts to those who may be suffering from the ‘roll of the ocean’. We have no idea why, but somehow she seems to bring relief from sea sickness. Who knew!?

Caseys environmental tip: "For every one square kilometer of ocean, there are roughly 18,000 pieces of plastic. Please do not litter our oceans."

Bos'n Mate - Finnigan (a.k.a. Fin, Finners)
Fin is a people dog – plain and simple. He absolutely loves to meet and greet all clients. Like Casey, he is especially social at lunch time! He is also not opposed to the occasional snuggle during mid-day siesta’s with clients. Fin enjoys watching sea birds and riding shotgun with Captain Art on the ride home.

Finnigan's environmental tip: "Use barbless hooks. They are easy to remove which makes it better for the environment and causes less stress on the fish."

Our Fleet

Interceptor 42 - Black Pearl

Our 42 ft Interceptor has a beam of 13' and the working cockpit of 20'. She is powered by a 500 hp Volvo D-9. Her crusing speed is 10-12 kts with a maximum speed of 18-19 kts. She is fully equipped and includes a generator, galley (microwave, sink, fridge), coffee maker, BBQ, stereo, full head with shower.

The following video was produced by the manufacturer and demonstrates the incredible capabilities of The Black Pearl. Your safety is our #1 priority. The captain makes the final decision for departure based upon the most current marine forecast.

34 ft Bayliner Sportfisherman

Our 34 ft Bayliner Sportsfisherman will provide you with the perfect fishing platform while offering all the necessary creature comforts for enjoying a long day on the water. We can accommodate up to ten people per trip or as few as one. Amenities include a full bathroom, two bedrooms, fridge, stove, microwave oven, coffee maker, and stereo.

Safety is always our priority. Our boat is Department of Transportation and Canadian Coast Guard certified. We carry all necessary onboard safety equipment with a crew trained in marine first aid.