Shark Fishing at New Smyrna Beach | 3-Hour Charter
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Gear Setup & Techniques
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.
Top Catches This Season
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.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated shark fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are