4.3(4 Reviews)Apex Predator Encounter: Heavy Tackle Shark Fishing
4.3(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 3hour inshore charter targeting blacktip and lemon sharksCaptain Joe provides all gear, licenses, and expert guidance includedAccommodates up to six anglers with tarpon fishing opportunities
Looking for a serious fishing adventure in the Florida Keys? Captain Joe's 3-hour private inshore charter out of Islamorada puts you face-to-face with some of the most powerful predators swimming these waters. This isn't your typical light tackle trip – we're talking heavy gear, big baits, and the kind of fish that'll test your drag system. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who's always dreamed of tangling with sharks, this charter delivers the goods without the all-day commitment. You'll be fishing the productive flats and channels around Islamorada where blacktip sharks, lemon sharks, and massive tarpon cruise looking for their next meal.
Captain Joe keeps this charter intimate with just six anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention. The boat launches right from Islamorada, putting you in prime shark territory within minutes. These inshore waters are perfect for targeting apex predators – the flats drop into deeper channels where sharks patrol, and the grass beds hold plenty of baitfish to keep the food chain active. You'll spend your three hours working different zones depending on tides and fish activity. The captain reads the water constantly, moving between shallow flats where lemons cruise and deeper edges where blacktips hunt. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license – all tackle, bait, ice, and cold water are included. The beauty of this trip is its accessibility for all skill levels while still delivering legitimate shots at trophy-class fish.
This is where things get serious. We're using heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, matched to stout rods that can handle the initial surge of a hooked shark. Captain Joe rigs everything with circle hooks and wire leaders – essential when dealing with fish that have mouths full of razor-sharp teeth. The technique varies based on conditions, but expect to see a mix of live bait fishing and chunk baits. Live pilchards, pinfish, and small jacks work great for attracting sharks, while fresh cut baits like bonito or mackerel create scent trails that draw predators from distance. You'll learn proper shark fighting techniques – letting the fish make its initial runs while maintaining steady pressure, pumping and winding when the fish tires, and most importantly, safe handling practices for catch and release. The gear might look intimidating, but Captain Joe walks everyone through the setup and technique, making sure even first-timers feel confident when that rod doubles over.
"Cap. Joe and Jess took myself and 16 year old son and 10 year old out on 8 hour trip. Kids said it was the best fishing trip we have been on (and we have gone on alot). 1st mate Jess was fantastic with the kids and wass patient and explained everything they were doing. Did great with my daughter. Highly recommend for a family trip. Kids want to come back and go out again next year. Caught tuna, king mackerel, snapper, and bonito. Thanks!" - Tim
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These aggressive predators typically run 20-60 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones show up regularly. Blacktips are notorious for their aerial displays – when hooked, they'll often launch completely out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. They're most active during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk, but Islamorada's population is strong enough that you can find them throughout the day. What makes blacktips so exciting is their speed and athleticism. That first run will strip line off your reel like you wouldn't believe, and their tendency to jump makes every hookup a visual spectacle.
Lemon sharks bring a different kind of challenge to the table. These yellowish predators are built like bulldogs – thick, powerful, and incredibly stubborn fighters. Lemons in the Keys commonly reach 50-100 pounds, with some real giants pushing 150-200 pounds in deeper water. They prefer the grass flats and sandy areas around Islamorada, often cruising in surprisingly shallow water. Unlike blacktips, lemons tend to stay deep and fight with brute force rather than acrobatics. They're also curious fish – it's not uncommon to see them following the boat or investigating baits for several minutes before committing. The combination of their size, power, and the shallow water they inhabit makes lemon sharks one of the most sought-after species for serious shark anglers.
Tarpon aren't technically sharks, but they're definitely apex predators in their own right. The "silver king" is arguably the most prized gamefish in Florida waters, and the channels around Islamorada hold some monsters. These fish can exceed 150 pounds and are famous for their incredible jumping ability and stamina. Tarpon fishing requires patience – they're notorious for following baits, rolling on the surface, and generally driving anglers crazy before finally eating. But when one does hit, you'll know it instantly. The initial jump often happens before you even realize you're hooked up, and then you're in for a battle that can last 30 minutes or more. Tarpon are catch-and-release only, but landing one of these prehistoric giants is a bucket-list experience that serious anglers travel from around the world to achieve.
This 3-hour shark fishing charter hits the sweet spot between serious angling and manageable time commitment. Captain Joe's reputation for putting clients on quality fish speaks for itself, and his patient approach makes this trip perfect for introducing kids or nervous spouses to big game fishing. The heavy tackle might seem intimidating, but there's nothing quite like the feeling of a 50-pound shark making its first run while you're connected to it with nothing but fishing
Your shark fishing platform is a classic 1978 Harris 38-footer that's built for serious angling in Florida Keys waters. This diesel-powered workhorse runs on a reliable 500hp Caterpillar engine, giving you steady cruising at 15 knots to reach the best shark grounds around Islamorada. The spacious deck accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of room for heavy tackle setups and fighting big predators. After battling blacktips and lemons in the backcountry, you'll appreciate the onboard shower to rinse off and a proper head for comfort during longer fights. The sturdy construction handles the pull of serious gamefish, while the classic design provides stability when you're locked up with a monster. Captain Joe knows these waters and this boat's capabilities - perfect for targeting apex predators that call these flats home.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are feisty fighters that average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet. You'll spot them by those signature black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. Around Islamorada, we find them cruising shallow flats and channels in 10-30 feet of water, especially near structure where baitfish gather. They're most active during warmer months and moving tides. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, spin, and put on a real show. These sharks respond well to cut bait like mackerel or live sardines. My tip: use a 20-30lb braided line with circle hooks, and when you see one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip to keep tension without pulling the hook.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are aggressive predators that get their name from that distinctive yellowish coloration. Most run 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds, making them serious fighters on heavy tackle. We find them in shallow waters around mangrove creeks, sandy flats, and nearshore reefs in 8-40 feet around Islamorada. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months and dawn/dusk periods. What makes lemons special is their bold nature - they'll come right to the boat and put up a strong, determined fight without the flashy jumps of other species. They're curious sharks that often investigate baits thoroughly. Fresh cut bait like bonito, mackerel, or stingray works well on circle hooks with 50-80lb tackle. Local trick: fish near mangrove edges on an outgoing tide when they're hunting in the shallows for crabs and small fish.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate gamefish experience here in the Keys. These silver giants typically run 80-100 pounds but can hit 200+ and stretch over 6 feet long. We target them on the flats, in channels around the smaller keys, and along the Atlantic and Gulf edges in 6-15 feet of water. Peak season runs April through July when they're migrating through, though we see them year-round. What gets anglers hooked is watching a 100-pound fish launch 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're catch-and-release only due to their bony meat and conservation status. Live pinfish, mullet, or crabs work best. Pro tip: when that tarpon jumps, immediately bow to the fish by pointing your rod at them - it prevents the hook from pulling out during their aerial show. Medium tackle works fine; it's all about technique.
4.3 out of 5.0Cap. Joe and Jess took myself and 16 year old son and 10 year old out on 8 hour trip. Kids said it was the best fishing trip we h...
Jeff Mullins, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.you and your famil...
Had an absolute blast Amazing captain & first mate; friendly, funny and knowledgeable Tons of action with both tarpon, shark, bar...
Islamorada, FL