Half Day Shark Fishing Trip - Punta Gorda
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour guided shark fishing adventure in Gulf watersTarget various shark species from smaller fighters to giantsSmall group experience with maximum 3 guests aboard
There's nothing quite like feeling a shark hit your line in the waters around Punta Gorda. This isn't your typical fishing trip where you're hoping for a bite - when you're targeting sharks, you know something big is coming. Our 6-hour shark fishing adventure kicks off at 8 AM and puts you right in the action with some of the Gulf's most powerful predators. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next challenge or someone who wants to test their skills against nature's ultimate fighters, this trip delivers the kind of raw fishing experience that keeps you talking for years.
We're talking about a full-contact fishing experience here. Six hours gives us plenty of time to find the fish and work different spots around Charlotte Harbor and the nearby Gulf waters. The beauty of shark fishing in this area is the variety - you never know if you're going to hook into a scrappy bonnethead that'll give you a fun fight, or tie into a bull shark that's going to test every bit of your strength and patience. With only three anglers on board, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference when you're learning to handle these fish. Captain and crew stay right with you through every hookup, making sure your drag is set right and walking you through the fight. The waters around Punta Gorda are perfect for this kind of fishing - deep enough channels mixed with shallow flats where sharks come to feed, and the structure changes keep things interesting all day long.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup, and we've got you covered with heavy-duty gear that can handle whatever shows up. We're talking sturdy rods with serious backbone, reels spooled with heavy braid, and wire leaders that won't get cut through when these fish start thrashing. The technique is part patience, part strategy - we'll anchor up in productive spots and put out multiple baits at different depths. Fresh cut bait works best, and we know exactly what these sharks want to eat. Circle hooks are the way to go for shark fishing - they hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking, which is better for the fish and safer for everyone on board. You'll learn how to set the drag properly, because when a big shark takes off on its first run, having that drag set right makes the difference between landing the fish and watching your line disappear. We use heavy sinkers to keep baits on the bottom where the big sharks cruise, and the waiting game becomes part of the fun.
Bonnethead sharks are the perfect starter sharks for anyone new to this style of fishing. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet and put up a solid fight without being overwhelming. They're common in our area year-round and love the grass flats and sandy areas where we fish. What makes bonnetheads special is their unique diet - they're one of the few sharks that actually eat a lot of vegetation along with crabs and small fish. When you hook one, expect a spirited fight with some good runs, but nothing that'll leave you completely exhausted. They're also beautiful fish with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes for great photos before release.
Lemon sharks are the stars of the show when it comes to combining size with attitude. These golden-colored sharks can reach 6-8 feet in our waters and they've got the personality to match their size. Lemons are known for being curious and aggressive, which makes them exciting to target but also means you need to respect them completely. They love the shallow waters around mangrove areas and grass flats, especially during warmer months. When a lemon shark hits your bait, you know it immediately - they don't nibble, they grab and run. The fight is steady and powerful, with long runs that'll test your endurance. What really gets anglers excited about lemons is their intelligence - they'll use every trick in the book to try to break free, including rolling up in your line.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge in our local waters. These stocky, powerful sharks can exceed 8 feet and are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish you'll ever hook. Bulls are known for their aggressive nature and incredible strength, making them the fish that serious shark anglers dream about. They're most active during summer months but can be caught year-round in our area. When you hook a bull shark, prepare for a battle that could last 30 minutes or more. These fish make incredibly powerful runs, often heading straight for structure where they can break you off. The key is staying patient, letting your drag do its work, and never trying to horse them to the boat. Bulls also have a habit of making last-second runs right at the boat, keeping you on your toes until they're safely released.
This half-day shark fishing trip with Chum em up charters gives you everything you need for an authentic Gulf Coast fishing adventure. Six hours on the water targeting some of the most respected predators in the ocean, expert guidance through every step of the process, and the kind of personal attention you only get with small group sizes. Whether you land a scrappy bonnethead or battle it out with a monster bull shark, you're going to walk away with stories and maybe some sore arms. The waters around Punta Gorda offer some of the best shark fishing on Florida's Gulf Coast, and there's no better way to experience it than with a captain who knows these fish and these waters inside and out. Ready to test your skills against some real fighters? Book your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing that reminds you why you love being on the water.
This 23-foot Shoalwater cuts through the Gulf waters with authority, powered by a reliable 200hp Yamaha that gets you to the shark grounds quickly. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers without anyone getting tangled lines or cramped quarters. When you're battling a big bull shark, you'll appreciate the stable platform and room to move around the fish. The onboard fish finder helps locate baitfish schools where sharks patrol, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Stay connected with the VHF radio and move quietly into position with the wireless trolling motor. Between hookups, keep your drinks cold in the icebox and enjoy the multimedia system. The boat's shallow-water capabilities open up inshore flats and backcountry areas where blacktips and spinner sharks hunt. Built for serious fishing, this rig handles the Gulf's conditions while giving you the best shot at hooking into Florida's apex predators during your 6-hour adventure.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smaller hammerheads are one of our most common catches here in Punta Gorda waters. Running 3-4 feet on average, they've got that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to spot. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, bays, and near-shore waters in schools of 10-15 fish. Fall through spring is prime time when they migrate down from the Carolinas to our warmer Gulf waters. What guests love about bonnetheads is their scrappy fight - they're way stronger than their size suggests and will give you a solid battle on lighter tackle. They're also the shyest sharks you'll encounter, making them perfect for first-time shark anglers. My go-to trick is fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg joint - bonnetheads can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate power fish in these Gulf waters - thick, muscular sharks that average 6-8 feet but can push 10+ feet and 300+ pounds. They patrol shallow coastal waters, river mouths, and even venture into brackish areas where fresh and salt water mix. Summer months are peak season when they move inshore to feed and spawn. What draws anglers to bulls is their raw strength and aggressive nature - these sharks will test every piece of your tackle and give you the fight of a lifetime. They're also unique because they can handle freshwater, making them one of the most adaptable predators around. For consistent success, nothing beats fresh eel on a stout circle hook. The high oil content drives bulls crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits and smaller fish.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of the most rewarding targets we see around Punta Gorda's shallow waters. These golden-colored predators typically run 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. You'll find them hunting grass flats, mangrove edges, and sandy channels in 3-15 feet of water where they ambush prey. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when water temps climb and baitfish are thick. What makes lemons special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll make powerful runs and test your drag system hard. They're also curious sharks that often circle the boat, giving everyone a good look. The key to hooking up consistently is using large live pinfish or jacks on the bottom. Position your bait near structure transitions where grass meets sand - that's where lemons patrol most.
Punta Gorda, FL