4 Hour Coastal Shark Trip - Atlantic Coast
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour Atlantic coast shark fishing for up to six guestsTarget sharks plus redfish, trout, bluefish and Spanish mackerelShorter boat ride means maximum fishing time on water
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping on the Atlantic? This 4-hour coastal shark trip with Checkmate Fishing Charter puts you face-to-face with some of the ocean's most powerful predators. We keep things simple - get out to the productive waters fast, drop lines, and let the action begin. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, this customer favorite trip gives you serious bang for your buck with minimal travel time and maximum fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or looking to cross toothy critters off your bucket list, we've got you covered with a laid-back vibe and plenty of opportunities to learn the ropes.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're targeting apex predators that'll test your tackle and your nerves. The shorter run to our coastal shark grounds means more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might also tangle with redfish cruising the structure, stingrays gliding along the bottom, or schooling spanish mackerel and bluefish when they're fired up. We practice catch-and-release for most of our shark encounters, but any legal fish that hits the deck can go home with you. The atmosphere stays relaxed and educational - perfect for mixed groups with different experience levels. Our flexible approach means we can adjust tactics based on what you want to target and what Mother Nature's serving up that day.
Shark fishing is all about heavy tackle and patience. We'll rig you up with stout rods and reels capable of handling anything from 4-foot blacktips to monsters that'll make your arms burn. Fresh cut bait is the name of the game - we're talking bloody chunks of mackerel, bluefish, and whatever's running that'll get those sharks fired up. Circle hooks are mandatory for catch-and-release, and we'll show you proper fighting techniques to land these fish without exhausting them. When we're targeting other species, we might switch to lighter tackle and live bait or artificials depending on what's working. The key is staying versatile and reading the water - some days the sharks are aggressive and hitting everything, other days you need to finesse them with smaller baits and patient presentations.
Redfish are the bread and butter of our coastal waters, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to fight. Running anywhere from slot-size 18-inchers to bull reds pushing 40 pounds, these fish love structure and moving water. Spring through fall offers the best action, with big schools moving through our area during their seasonal migrations. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of structure and current to try breaking you off. Plus, the slot fish make excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat.
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world and absolute crowd-pleasers on light tackle. These athletic predators average 3-6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumping ability when hooked. They're most active in warmer months and love shallow coastal waters where baitfish concentrate. Blacktips hit baits aggressively and immediately start their aerial show - watching a 50-pound shark clear the water by 6 feet never gets old. They're perfect for beginners since they're manageable size but still pack serious attitude.
Tiger sharks represent the heavy hitters of our coastal shark fishery. These apex predators can stretch over 10 feet and pack incredible power with their broad heads and distinctive striping. Tigers are opportunistic feeders that'll eat almost anything, making them willing biters on a variety of baits. Summer months bring the best tiger shark action as they move into our coastal waters to feed. Landing a tiger shark is a true accomplishment - they're smart, powerful, and will test every knot in your rig.
Lemon sharks are the golden ghosts of our sandy bottoms and grass flats. These beautiful yellow-tinted sharks prefer shallow coastal waters and are incredibly photogenic for those hero shots. Lemons are curious and often approach the boat, giving everyone great looks at these magnificent predators. They fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and their unique coloration makes them a favorite target for shark enthusiasts. Spring through summer offers peak lemon shark opportunities.
Goliath grouper encounters are the stuff of legends - these massive bottom dwellers can exceed 400 pounds and live for decades. While they're protected and must be released immediately, hooking into a goliath is like being connected to a volkswagen with fins. They use their incredible bulk and knowledge of structure to try bulldozing straight back to their holes. The fight is more about raw power than speed, and successfully bringing one boatside for photos and release is a career highlight for many anglers. Summer months around structure produce the most goliath encounters.
This top-rated 4-hour shark adventure delivers serious action without breaking the bank or eating up your whole day. With Checkmate Fishing Charter's world-class local knowledge and commitment to putting you on fish, you're looking at one of the best shark fishing experiences on the Atlantic coast. The combination of shorter travel time, diverse target species, and our flexible approach means every trip offers something different. Whether you're chasing your first shark or your hundredth, these coastal waters deliver the goods. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly - but with our track record of putting clients on fish, you won't regret booking this customer favorite trip.
Get ready to chase sharks along the Atlantic coast aboard our custom 34' Stuart Angler! This beast packs a 450 HP Cummins engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, leaving more time with lines in the water. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - outriggers and downriggers for versatile fishing setups, plus a fish finder to locate your targets. Navigate confidently with GPS and radar systems, while the flybridge gives you perfect visibility of the action below. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and take breaks in the private toilet when needed. With space for 6 anglers, this vessel handles both nearshore runs and deeper offshore adventures with ease. The shorter transit time means maximum fishing time targeting sharks, though you might hook into redfish, trout, bluefish, or Spanish mackerel depending on what's biting. This floating fishing platform delivers speed, comfort, and all the gear needed for a productive day on the water.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world - you'll know when you've hooked one because they love to jump and spin right out of the water. These medium-sized sharks typically run 3-6 feet and cruise in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and drop-offs. They're pretty social and can get worked up into feeding frenzies, which makes for exciting fishing. Despite their energy, they're actually a bit timid and will often circle your bait before committing. Spring through fall are best when they move inshore following baitfish. The fight is fast and furious but doesn't last too long. My go-to setup is a 7/0 circle hook with fresh cut mackerel or live sardines - the oilier the better. Get your chum going and be patient; once they find you, the action can be non-stop.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath grouper are the giants of the reef - these monsters can reach 8 feet and 400+ pounds, making them the ultimate test of tackle and technique. They hang around structure in 20-100 feet, especially wrecks, ledges, and coral heads where they ambush prey. These fish are curious and fearless, often following divers and investigating boats. Summer spawning season brings them together in groups, making for better fishing. The initial strike will nearly rip the rod from your hands - they fight straight down trying to reach cover. All goliaths must be released immediately, but the fight and photos make it worthwhile. Bring your heaviest gear: 80+ pound tackle with 20/0 circle hooks. Pro tip: anchor close enough to entice them out but far enough to pull them off structure. Use whole fish baits and bounce them off bottom to create noise.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for anglers wanting a solid shark fight without the massive size of tigers. These yellow-bronze beauties typically run 6-8 feet and prefer shallow, sandy areas around 20-60 feet deep. They're drawn to structure like reefs and wrecks but also cruise flats looking for stingrays and fish. Lemons are surprisingly smart and can be cautious around baits, often making several passes before taking it. Warmer months see them move closer to shore for pupping and feeding. The fight is steady and determined - they're strong swimmers that use their broad pectoral fins for leverage. Most are catch-and-release here. Key tip: use a wire leader and fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel. They have excellent eyesight, so keep your tackle clean and avoid bright colors on cloudy days.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most reliable targets in these shallow coastal waters. You'll recognize them by their copper-red backs and distinctive black eyespots near the tail - that spot tricks predators into attacking the wrong end. These fish typically run 20-35 inches and love hanging around oyster bars, grass flats, and dock pilings in 1-4 feet of water. They're not picky eaters and will hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The fight is strong but manageable, and the meat is excellent - mild and flaky. Best tip: work your bait slowly along the bottom and listen for that telltale "thump" when they inhale it. They feed year-round here, but fall months are prime time when they school up.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the bulldozers of the shark family - massive, powerful, and built for deep water hunting. These giants average 11-14 feet but females can push 16+ feet and over 1,000 pounds. They're nomadic hunters that follow warm currents, usually staying in deeper water around 100+ feet near reefs and drop-offs, though they'll move shallow to feed. The dark stripes fade as they age, but that broad head and stocky build are unmistakable. Summer months bring them closer to shore. The fight is incredible - pure power that'll test your tackle and your back. They're strictly catch-and-release, but landing one is a lifetime memory. Bring heavy gear: 100-pound mono, 10/0 circle hooks, and big baits like whole mackerel or tuna. Once hooked, they fight deep and strong.
Fort Pierce