Shark Fishing at New Smyrna Beach | 3-Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3-hour shark fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach watersExpert crew provides guidance on baiting, casting, and landing sharksSmall group experience accommodates up to 3 guests maximum
New Smyrna Beach isn't called the "Shark Bite Capital of the World" for nothing – these waters are absolutely teeming with sharks, and that's exactly what makes fishing here so darn exciting. When you book this 3-hour charter with Davy Jones Fishing Company, you're not just going fishing; you're targeting some of the most powerful predators swimming in the Atlantic. We'll take you to the best spots where hammerheads, bull sharks, and bonnetheads cruise the inshore waters, and trust me, when one of these beasts takes your bait, you'll know it instantly. The fight is real, the adrenaline is pumping, and the memories will last a lifetime.
This isn't your typical day of casting for snook or redfish – shark fishing requires patience, strategy, and some serious tackle. We'll head out from New Smyrna's pristine waters and position ourselves in areas where sharks naturally hunt and feed. The vibe is focused but relaxed, perfect for a small group of up to 3 anglers who want personalized attention from our experienced crew. You'll spend time learning proper shark fishing techniques while soaking baits in prime locations. Don't expect constant action like you might get with other species, but when a shark decides to take your offering, the payoff is worth every minute of waiting. The boat stays comfortable throughout the trip, and our captain knows exactly where to find these apex predators based on current conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns.
Shark fishing is all about heavy tackle and the right approach – we're talking serious rods, reels that can handle long runs, and wire leaders that won't get cut by razor-sharp teeth. Our crew will rig you up with circle hooks and fresh bait that sharks can't resist, typically using chunks of fish or whole baits depending on what we're targeting that day. The technique involves dropping baits to the bottom or suspending them at mid-depth, then waiting for that telltale run that signals a shark has found your offering. You'll learn how to set the drag properly, fight the fish without breaking it off, and most importantly, how to safely handle these powerful predators once they're boatside. We practice catch and release exclusively, so you'll also master the art of quick, safe releases that keep both you and the shark healthy.
The waters around New Smyrna Beach serve up an amazing variety of shark species, each bringing its own personality and fight to the table. Smooth hammerheads are absolute workhorses – these sleek predators typically range from 4 to 8 feet and put up a fight that combines power with endurance. They're most active during the warmer months and love cruising the nearshore waters where we fish. What makes them special is their distinctive head shape and the way they use their entire body to fight, making long runs and deep dives that test your tackle and technique. Bonnethead sharks might be smaller, usually running 2 to 4 feet, but don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters with tons of attitude. These guys are year-round residents and perfect for anglers who want consistent action and the chance to perfect their shark handling skills.
Bull sharks are the real deal – thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless once hooked. These apex predators can reach impressive sizes in our waters, often pushing 6 to 10 feet, and they fight like nothing else you've experienced. They're most common in the spring and summer months when the water warms up, and they have zero quit in them once the fight starts. What guests love most about bull sharks is their raw power and the way they test every aspect of your fishing skills. Scalloped hammerheads round out our target species list and represent the holy grail for many shark anglers. These beautiful sharks are less common but absolutely worth the wait, featuring the classic hammerhead profile and a fighting style that combines speed, power, and acrobatics. When you hook into a scalloped hammerhead, you'll understand why serious shark anglers travel from around the country to fish these waters.
There's something special about shark fishing that gets into your blood – maybe it's the anticipation, the raw power of these ancient predators, or just the satisfaction of mastering one of fishing's most challenging pursuits. This 3-hour charter gives you the perfect introduction to the world of shark fishing without the commitment of a full-day trip. Our experienced crew will make sure you're comfortable with the techniques, safe around the fish, and positioned in the best possible locations for success. New Smyrna Beach offers some of the most consistent shark fishing on the East Coast, and there's no better way to experience it than with local guides who know these waters inside and out. Don't wait around – shark fishing spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, and you definitely don't want to miss your chance to tangle with some of Florida's most impressive predators.
Get ready to battle sharks from our well-equipped 26' Sailfish! This motorboat handles up to 3 anglers comfortably while you target New Smyrna Beach's legendary shark population. Our boat comes loaded with everything serious shark fishermen need - advanced fish finder to locate feeding areas, GPS for precise positioning over productive spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. Keep your drinks cold in the onboard icebox during the action, and the multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short. All safety gear included, and kids must be 6+ to join the hunt. This isn't your typical fishing trip - you'll be targeting some serious predators in waters famous for shark activity. Our experienced crew knows exactly where to find them and will teach you proper shark fishing techniques from baiting to fighting these powerful fish.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerhead species, typically running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty common in our shallow waters - you'll find them in bays, estuaries, and near-shore areas where they hunt crabs and small fish. These sharks are most active during warmer months when they migrate up from south Florida, usually April through October. What guests love about bonnetheads is they're perfect for families since they're harmless and put up a scrappy fight for their size. They travel in schools of 10-15, so once you hook one, there's usually more around. They're also the only sharks that show sexual dimorphism - males have a bulge on their head that's pretty cool to see. Best local trick is using fresh blue crab cut in half - hook it through one of the legs and let it sit on the bottom. Works every time.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate inshore predator, running 8-10 feet and packing serious muscle. These thick-bodied bruisers can handle both salt and freshwater, so you'll find them everywhere from the surf to brackish backwaters. They're year-round residents here, but summer brings the best action when they move into shallower water to feed. What makes bulls special is their aggressive nature and raw power - when one hits, you know it. They're built like linebackers and fight just as hard, making for some of the most intense battles you'll have with any shark species. The gray-and-white coloration with dark fin tips makes them unmistakable. Around here, they love structure like jetties and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. My secret weapon is fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through their initial strikes. Set your drag tight and hold on.
Sphyrna LewiniScalloped hammerheads are the most recognizable of the hammerhead family with their distinctly notched head shape. Females can reach 8 feet while males stay closer to 6 feet, but both pack plenty of fight. These sharks prefer deeper coastal waters during the day, often 100-300 feet down, then move shallower at night to hunt. Peak season runs May through September when water temps are warmest. What makes scalloped hammerheads special is their shy nature and unique hunting style - they use that hammer-shaped head to pin stingrays against the bottom. Guests love the challenge since they're wary and require patience to hook. They've got incredible sensory abilities that let them detect buried prey using electrical fields. Note that these sharks are protected in many areas due to declining populations. When targeting them, use circle hooks and practice quick release techniques to ensure their survival.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest hammerhead species, averaging 8-10 feet but capable of reaching nearly 12 feet. You'll recognize them by their curved, wide head without the central notch that other hammerheads have. These sharks prefer our warmer surface waters, usually staying in the top 60 feet, though they'll go deeper when needed. Around New Smyrna, they're most active during summer months when water temps hit that sweet spot between 70-80°F. What makes them popular with clients is their powerful fight and that iconic hammerhead silhouette when they surface. They school up in large numbers during migration, making for some exciting action when you find them. My go-to technique is using fresh cut bait on a wire leader - their electroreceptors zero in on struggling prey, so keep that bait moving to trigger strikes.
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