Top Rated Shark Fishing Adventures with Captain Doug Hicks
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday offshore shark fishing charter from New Smyrna Beach.Accommodates up to six passengers with all equipment included.All skill levels welcome with live bait and cleaning provided.
New Smyrna Beach isn't just famous for its waves—it's a shark fishing paradise that draws serious anglers from across Florida. When you book with Capt. Doug Hicks, you're getting a half-day offshore charter that puts you right in the action where bull sharks, spinners, and blacktips cruise the Atlantic waters. This isn't your typical fishing trip; we're talking about targeting apex predators in their own backyard, just miles from one of Florida's most shark-rich coastlines.
Your shark fishing adventure kicks off from New Smyrna Beach, where we'll head offshore to prime shark territory. This half-day charter accommodates up to six passengers, though the guest capacity is set at two for a more personalized experience. You don't need to worry about bringing anything—Capt. Doug supplies all fishing licenses, tackle, live bait, and handles the fish cleaning afterward. We've got US Coast Guard approved safety equipment on board, so you can focus on what matters: getting those sharks to bite. The boat runs various techniques depending on conditions—bottom fishing, trolling, and even Gulf Stream opportunities when the current lines up right. If you're thinking about night fishing, give us a call since those trips require special arrangements. Whether you've never caught a shark or you're chasing your personal best, this setup works for all skill levels.
Shark fishing offshore demands heavy-duty gear and the right approach, which is exactly what you'll get on this charter. We're running circle hooks with wire leaders—sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular mono in a heartbeat. For bait, live offerings like blue runners and Spanish sardines work best, though fresh-cut bait has its place too. The technique varies based on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. Sometimes we're anchored up chumming over structure, other times we're drifting baits in the current. Bottom fishing puts us on the bigger bull sharks, while working the mid-water column often produces those acrobatic spinners. When conditions allow, we might even work the Gulf Stream edge where the deep water species roam. The rods are stout enough to handle serious fish, but not so heavy that you can't feel the fight. Circle hooks mean better hook-ups and easier releases if you choose to let your catch swim away.
Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions of New Smyrna's offshore waters, and they're here year-round. These thick-bodied bruisers can push 200-300 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Bulls prefer the deeper channels and structure, especially when the water temperature stays consistent. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and raw power—once hooked, they'll make long runs and test every knot on your rig. Summer and fall offer the best shot at trophy-sized bulls, though smaller ones show up throughout the year.
Spinner sharks bring the aerial show that gets everyone's attention. These sleek predators earned their name by literally spinning out of the water when hooked, often multiple times during a single fight. They're smaller than bulls, typically ranging from 30-80 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure excitement. Spinners are most active during the warmer months and often travel in schools, so catching one usually means more are nearby. Their acrobatic displays make them a favorite for anglers who want both action and a show.
Blacktip sharks are the speed demons of the bunch, known for their lightning-fast runs and impressive jumps. These sharks typically run 20-60 pounds and are perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Blacktips are aggressive feeders and often the first to hit your bait when you're chumming. They're present year-round but peak during spring and summer migrations. What makes blacktips special is their willingness to bite and their habit of putting on a jumping display that rivals any tarpon. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within legal limits.
New Smyrna Beach shark fishing offers something you won't find everywhere—consistent action in relatively shallow water with species that actually want to bite. Capt. Doug Hicks has dialed in the local patterns and knows where to find these predators throughout the season. The full-service approach means you show up ready to fish, and everything else is handled. Remember that rates are cash only, with credit cards carrying a 5% upcharge. This top-rated charter fills up quickly during peak season, especially when the shark bite is hot. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your bucket list or add to your collection of personal bests, this half-day offshore adventure delivers the goods. Don't wait until the perfect conditions align—book now and let Capt. Doug put you on some of Florida's most exciting fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect starter sharks - typically 4-5 feet with those signature black fin tips that give them their name. They're excitable fish that love shallow water around 30-100 feet, often hunting near artificial reefs and structure where baitfish gather. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding on sardines, herring, and croaker. What makes them fun is their personality - they're curious and will jump right out of the water when hooked, sometimes even landing in the boat! They're also social, so where you find one, there's usually more. Heavy braided line with circle hooks works best since they get pretty animated. My secret is using oily cut mackerel for chum, then switching to live sardines once you get them fired up and feeding.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our local waters, running 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. These thick-bodied bruisers pack serious power and aren't picky about where they hunt - they'll cruise everything from shallow inshore flats to deeper offshore structure. What makes them special is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them year-round in our area. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit cut bait hard, especially mullet, mackerel, or bonito. The fight is pure muscle - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging power that'll test your gear. My go-to trick is fresh eel when I can get it. The high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through smaller fish.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are the acrobats of shark fishing - sleek 6-7 foot sharks that'll launch clean out of the water spinning like a torpedo when hooked. They cruise our waters in 30-100 feet, usually following bait schools during spring and early summer migrations. These gray sharks with black-tipped fins have poor eyesight but incredible noses, so scent is everything. What guests love most is the aerial show - they can hit 46 mph and rotate three times before crashing back down. We find them best on live pilchards or cut bonito, since the oily blood trail pulls them in from distance. Pro tip: when you see birds diving on bait balls, spinner sharks are usually working underneath. Get your lines down fast and hold on tight.
New Smyrna Beach