Shark Fishing at New Smyrna Beach | 3-Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target sharks in New Smyrna Beach's renowned fishing watersExpert crew provides guidance on baiting and shark techniquesSmall group charter accommodates maximum three guests
New Smyrna Beach isn't called the "Shark Bite Capital of the World" for nothing – these waters are absolutely loaded with sharks year-round, making it one of the best places on Florida's coast to test your skills against some serious apex predators. This 3-hour charter with Davy Jones Fishing Company puts you right in the action, targeting everything from lightning-fast bonnetheads to massive bull sharks that'll make your drag scream. With just 3 anglers max, you're getting personalized attention from our crew who know exactly where these fish hang out and what they're biting. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or ready to graduate from snapper fishing, this trip delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps people coming back.
We launch right from New Smyrna's inlet and head to proven shark zones where the Mosquito Lagoon meets the Atlantic. The beauty of fishing here is the variety – shallow flats holding bonnetheads and blacktips, deeper channels where bulls cruise, and structure that attracts hammerheads. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading tides, bait movement, and water conditions to put you on fish. The boat stays mobile, so if one spot isn't producing, we're moving to the next honey hole. You'll be fishing in anywhere from 6 to 30 feet of water, which means when a shark takes your bait, you're going to feel every head shake and run. The adrenaline rush when your rod doubles over and line starts peeling off the reel never gets old – that's what shark fishing is all about.
Shark fishing requires heavy tackle and the right approach, which is why we provide all the gear you'll need. We're talking 7-foot heavy action rods paired with reels loaded with 50-80 pound braid, because when a bull shark decides to make a run, you need equipment that can handle the pressure. Circle hooks are mandatory – they're safer for the fish and way more effective at staying hooked up during long fights. We use a variety of baits depending on what's working: fresh cut mullet, ladyfish chunks, and stingray wings are all proven producers. The technique involves deploying baits at different depths using sliding sinker rigs, then waiting for that telltale tap-tap-run that signals a shark has found your offering. Our crew handles the wire leaders and unhooking – your job is to fight the fish and enjoy the experience. We practice catch-and-release for all sharks, using proper handling techniques to ensure these magnificent predators swim away healthy.
The Smooth Hammerhead is the crown jewel of New Smyrna shark fishing, and these prehistoric-looking predators are absolutely incredible fighters. Running anywhere from 3 to 8 feet, smooth hammers show up consistently in our waters, especially during spring and fall migrations. What makes them special is their distinctive head shape and the way they fight – long, powerful runs followed by head-shaking bulldogging near the boat. They're curious fish that often cruise in small groups, so where you find one, there's usually more. The best part about hooking a hammerhead is watching them come to the surface during the fight – that unmistakable silhouette breaking the water is something you'll never forget.
Don't let their smaller size fool you – Bonnethead Sharks are scrappy little fighters that punch way above their weight class. These 2-4 foot sharks are actually the smallest members of the hammerhead family, and they're abundant in our shallow waters year-round. What's cool about bonnetheads is they're one of the few sharks that eat seagrass along with crabs and small fish, making them unique in the shark world. They travel in schools, so when you find them, fast action is almost guaranteed. Kids especially love catching bonnetheads because they're manageable size-wise but still give that authentic shark fishing experience. Peak season runs from spring through early fall when water temperatures are warmest.
Bull Sharks are the heavyweights of this fishery and the fish that serious shark anglers dream about. These stocky, aggressive predators can reach 8 feet and 300+ pounds in our waters, and they're built like underwater bulldozers. Bulls are unique because they can tolerate fresh and saltwater, often pushing way up into the Mosquito Lagoon system where most other sharks won't venture. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable nature – they might tap the bait gently before a crushing takeoff, or slam it so hard they nearly pull the rod out of your hands. Summer months are prime time for big bulls, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively hunting. Landing a mature bull shark is a bucket-list experience that'll test every aspect of your fishing skills.
The Scalloped Hammerhead represents the ultimate prize for local shark fishermen, and New Smyrna is one of the few places where you have a realistic shot at one. These magnificent predators can exceed 10 feet and are distinguished by the scalloped front edge of their hammer-shaped head. They're more oceanic than their smooth cousins, typically showing up when cleaner blue water pushes close to shore. Scalloped hammerheads are incredibly strong fighters that make blistering runs and spectacular jumps – yes, hammerheads can jump! They're more common during cooler months when bait schools are thick, and hooking one is considered the pinnacle of achievement in Florida shark fishing. The combination of size, power, and rarity makes every scalloped hammerhead encounter special.
This top-rated shark fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 26' Sailfish, perfectly equipped for New Smyrna Beach's legendary shark waters. This comfortable motorboat handles up to six anglers while maintaining the maneuverability needed to chase feeding sharks in the surf zone. The wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish, while our fish finder reveals what's lurking below. When the action heats up and lines start screaming, you'll appreciate the spacious deck layout that gives everyone room to fight their catch. The onboard icebox keeps your bait fresh and drinks cold during the Florida heat, and the multimedia system adds to the atmosphere between bites. GPS navigation ensures we hit the prime shark grounds efficiently, maximizing your fishing time. A convenient head means longer stays on the water without heading back to shore. Built for serious fishing with comfort in mind, this boat gets you into the heart of some of the East Coast's best shark action.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead in our waters, bonnetheads are perfect for anglers wanting to tangle with something unique. They typically run 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that's more rounded than their bigger cousins. You'll find them in shallow bays and nearshore waters year-round here in Florida, often schooling in groups of 10-15. They're surprisingly scrappy fighters for their size and completely harmless to humans - only one recorded bite ever. Guests love them because they're easier to handle for photos and kids can safely participate. They feed mainly on crabs and small fish, staying close to structure where their prey hides. My go-to trick is cutting blue crab in half and hooking it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and that natural crab smell is irresistible to bonnetheads cruising the flats.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate inshore predator - thick, powerful, and built for a fight. These guys run 6-10 feet and can weigh 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What makes them special is their ability to hunt in both salt and fresh water, so you'll find them in rivers, bays, and surf zones. They're here year-round but peak action happens in warmer months when they move shallow to feed. Guests love the intense battle these sharks provide - they're incredibly strong and won't give up easy. Bulls eat everything from stingrays to tarpon, so they're aggressive when they hit your bait. The meat's actually pretty good eating too, unlike some shark species. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bull sharks - the high oil content and tough skin makes it perfect bait that stays on the hook and sends out that scent trail they can't resist.
Sphyrna LewiniThese are the shy members of the hammerhead family, but when you hook one, you'll know it. Scalloped hammerheads run 4-8 feet typically, with females getting larger than males. They're distinguished by the scalloped front edge of their hammer-shaped head. You'll find them in deeper coastal waters during the day, then they move shallow at night to hunt. They're more common during spring and fall migrations when water temps are right. What guests love is their unique look and the way they use that wide head to pin down stingrays in the sand - it's fascinating to watch. They're strong swimmers with high energy needs, so they hit baits aggressively when feeding. Since they're protected in many areas, it's all catch and release. Night fishing with cut bait works best - they rely on those electroreceptors to hunt in darkness.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead species, these impressive sharks average around 8-10 feet but can push 11 feet. What sets them apart is their smooth, curved head without the notch you see on other hammerheads. They're strong fighters that prefer our cooler surface waters, usually staying within 60 feet of the top. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they move through our area following baitfish. They're active predators feeding on rays, smaller sharks, and squid, so they hit baits hard and give guests a real battle on heavy tackle. Their unique hammer-shaped head makes for great photos and bragging rights. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel on a sliding rig - these sharks rely heavily on their electroreceptors to find food, so fresh, oily bait really draws them in from a distance.
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