Shark Fishing Adventure in Port Charlotte
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Bull and Blacktip Sharks in Southwest Florida watersInshore fishing charter accommodates up to three guests maximumAll fishing equipment and gear provided by charter service
Ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators? Captain Scotty Roe's shark fishing charters out of Port Charlotte deliver exactly what serious anglers are looking for. This isn't your typical day on the water – we're talking about matching wits with bull sharks and blacktip sharks in the productive waters of Southwest Florida. With all your gear provided and room for up to three anglers, this top-rated charter gives you everything needed to land the fish of a lifetime. The adrenaline rush of feeling a shark hit your bait and watching your drag scream is something every angler needs to experience at least once.
Captain Scotty knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right where the sharks are feeding. We launch from Port Charlotte and head to the prime shark hunting grounds in Charlotte Harbor and the nearby Gulf waters. The beauty of fishing here is the variety of structure – from grass flats to deeper channels, there's always somewhere productive to wet a line. You'll spend your day anchored up over the best spots, using fresh cut bait to draw these apex predators in close. Don't worry about bringing tackle – Captain Scotty provides all the heavy-duty gear you'll need, including circle hooks, wire leaders, and rods that can handle the punishment a big shark will dish out. The boat is equipped with everything from a quality fish finder to proper safety equipment, so you can focus on what matters most: catching fish.
Shark fishing is all about patience and preparation, but when it happens, it happens fast. We use a combination of bottom fishing and controlled drift techniques depending on conditions and where the fish are holding. Your captain will set you up with heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test line, paired with stout rods that won't fold under pressure. The terminal tackle is crucial – we're talking 400-pound steel leaders, 10/0 circle hooks, and enough weight to keep your bait in the strike zone. Fresh cut bait works best, and Captain Scotty typically brings along mullet, ladyfish, or whatever's been producing lately. The key is getting that scent trail in the water and being ready when a shark decides to investigate. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, including how to pump and wind effectively, because these fish don't give up easy. Safety is always the priority when dealing with sharks – proper handling techniques and release methods are part of the experience.
Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions of Southwest Florida waters, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 8 feet long and weigh well over 300 pounds, with jaws that can crush just about anything. What makes bulls so special around Port Charlotte is their willingness to move into shallow water and their year-round presence. They're most active during warmer months, but you can find them here virtually any time of year. Bulls are ambush predators that patrol everything from deep channels to surprisingly shallow flats, making them one of the most exciting sharks to target. When a bull shark hits your bait, there's no mistaking it – the initial run will test your drag system and your nerves. These fish fight dirty, using their bulk and strength to try every trick in the book.
Blacktip sharks bring a completely different energy to the fight. These athletes of the shark world are built for speed and acrobatics, often launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Running anywhere from 3 to 6 feet long, blacktips are more common during their spring and fall migrations through Southwest Florida waters. They travel in schools and feed aggressively, which means when you find one, you've usually found several. Blacktips prefer cleaner water and are often found around structure like artificial reefs or near passes where baitfish congregate. Their fighting style is pure entertainment – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of head shaking. They're also one of the best eating sharks if you decide to keep one within regulations.
This world-class shark fishing experience sells out regularly, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. Captain Scotty Roe has built his reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big fish or someone who's always wanted to try shark fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and local knowledge makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Port Charlotte's location gives you access to both inshore and near-shore shark populations, meaning there's always a Plan B if conditions change. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, and there's nothing worse than missing out on the trip of a lifetime because you waited too long to pull the trigger.
Your shark fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious angling in Port Charlotte's productive waters. This reliable fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need to target bull and blacktip sharks - GPS keeps you on the fish, radar cuts through morning fog, and the fish finder helps locate baitfish that draw in the big predators. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those intense fights. Built for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up when a shark makes its run. The boat handles Southwest Florida's inshore waters with ease, getting you to the shark zones quickly so you can spend more time with lines in the water. All fishing gear is provided, so just bring yourself and get ready for some serious rod-bending action chasing these apex predators in the Gulf waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - averaging 5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet. They're famous for their aerial shows, jumping clean out of the water at speeds up to 21 feet per second when hooked. You'll find them patrolling our artificial reefs and shallow flats in 30-100 feet of water, especially around muddy bays. They can be a bit skittish at first but turn into fighters once hooked. The black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and they're social feeders that often travel in groups. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively hunting. Set multiple lines with oily baits like mackerel or live sardines. Pro tip: once you get one blacktip fired up, keep your chum going - they'll call in their buddies for some serious action.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our local shark fishing - typically running 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. What makes them special is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them cruising shallow coastal areas, backwater creeks, and even up rivers. They're aggressive feeders with powerful jaws and a reputation that gets your heart pumping. The fight is intense - these guys don't give up easy. Best fishing happens in warmer months when they move into our shallower waters to hunt. We use heavy tackle with circle hooks and plenty of chum to draw them in. My go-to local trick? Fresh eel bait works better than anything else - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on your hook through their aggressive strikes.
Port Charlotte, FL