Hook Into Sharks in the World's Shark Bite Capital
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour shark fishing adventure in Central Florida watersCaptain Brad guides guests through the Shark Bite CapitalPrivate charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
New Smyrna Beach isn't called the Shark Bite Capital of the World for nothing – these waters are absolutely loaded with sharks year-round. Captain Brad has been working these productive inshore waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the big toothy critters that'll give you the fight of your life. This private 4-hour charter puts you and up to three buddies right in the thick of prime shark territory, where blacktips, bulls, and lemons cruise the surf looking for their next meal. You'll be fishing with a captain who lives and breathes these waters, using techniques that consistently put fish in the boat.
Captain Brad runs a tight ship, but the vibe is relaxed and focused on putting you on fish. You'll launch from New Smyrna Beach and head to his proven shark spots – areas where structure, current, and bait converge to create feeding zones that sharks can't resist. The boat is rigged specifically for shark fishing, with heavy tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Don't worry about experience level – Brad breaks everything down for first-timers while still keeping things interesting for seasoned anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to work multiple spots and adjust tactics based on what the fish are doing that day.
Shark fishing isn't your typical inshore game – you need serious gear and the right approach. Captain Brad's boat comes equipped with heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line, wire leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth, and circle hooks that ensure clean hooksets. The technique revolves around putting out big baits – chunks of fresh mullet, mackerel, or whatever's running thick – and letting the sharks find you. You'll deploy multiple lines at different depths, creating a scent trail that draws sharks from a wide area. The key is patience and being ready when that rod doubles over. Brad coaches you through the fight, helping you maintain pressure while the shark makes its runs. These fish are powerful, and even smaller sharks will test your endurance and technique.
Bonnethead sharks are the most cooperative species you'll encounter, ranging from 2-4 feet and providing steady action throughout the year. These smaller members of the hammerhead family are perfect for getting kids and beginners comfortable with shark fishing. They fight hard for their size and their unique shovel-shaped heads make them instantly recognizable. Spring and summer see the biggest concentrations, when they move into shallow water to feed on crabs and small fish.
Blacktip sharks are the aerial acrobats of the shark world, known for spectacular jumps when hooked. These 3-6 foot sharks are incredibly common in New Smyrna's waters, especially during their winter migration when massive schools move through the area. They're aggressive feeders that will absolutely crush a bait, and their initial run combined with those signature jumps creates some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. Peak season runs from December through March, but residents stick around year-round.
Lemon sharks bring serious power to the table, with fish ranging from 5-8 feet and occasionally larger. These bronze-colored predators are ambush specialists that prefer structure and shallow water where they can corner prey. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad tails to generate tremendous pulling power. Summer months offer the best shot at lemons, when they move into the shallows to feed and reproduce. Landing a big lemon shark is a bucket-list experience for any angler.
Bull sharks are the ultimate prize – thick, aggressive, and incredibly powerful fish that can exceed 8 feet in these waters. Bulls are notorious for their bad attitude and crushing bite force, making them one of the most respected predators in the ocean. They're equally comfortable in salt and fresh water, often moving far up rivers and into brackish areas. Summer and fall provide the best opportunities, when bulls move into the shallows following baitfish schools. Hooking into a bull shark is a test of both angler skill and tackle strength.
Thresher sharks are the wild cards – these unique sharks with their elongated tail fins are less common but absolutely spectacular when encountered. Threshers use their distinctive tails like whips to stun schools of baitfish, making for some of the most unusual feeding behavior you'll witness. They typically range from 6-10 feet in local waters and provide fights unlike any other shark species. Fall migration periods offer the best chances, when threshers follow bait schools along the coast.
Captain Brad's shark fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot. This private charter experience gives you exclusive access to his knowledge and prime fishing grounds, without having to share the boat with strangers. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to shark fishing or add to your personal best collection, these New Smyrna waters deliver consistent action with legitimate trophy potential. The 4-hour format hits the sweet spot – enough time to work the bite properly without wearing out first-time anglers. Don't sleep on this opportunity to fish with one of the area's top shark specialists in the heart of Florida's most productive shark waters.
Hit the waters of New Smyrna Beach aboard this custom 25-foot Dorado center console, built to handle whatever sharks are lurking in these famous waters. The 300HP Suzuki engine gets you to the fishing grounds fast, while the fish finder helps locate your targets beneath the surface. Captain Brad knows exactly where to find the big ones in the Shark Bite Capital of the World. The boat's spacious layout comfortably fits your crew of four, with an icebox to keep drinks cold during the action and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches. GPS and radar keep you on course, while the multimedia system adds some background tunes between bites. Whether you're after blacktips, bulls, or spinners, this rig has everything needed for a serious shark fishing adventure off Central Florida's coast.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese are some of the most exciting sharks you'll target in our waters. Blacktips average 4-5 feet but can hit 8+ feet, and they're famous for those signature black fin tips and their aerial shows - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water along the continental shelf, often around structure and reefs. They're year-round residents here in Florida, but spring and summer bring the best action when bait schools are thick. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights. They're not shy about taking baits and will put on a real show once hooked. These sharks have serious stamina, so be ready for a long battle. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines and make sure you're running at least 50-pound test - when they get excited, they can really test your gear.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads are perfect for first-timers wanting to experience shark fishing. These guys run 3-4 feet on average with that distinctive spade-shaped head that sets them apart. They're pretty mellow compared to other sharks, but don't let that fool you - they'll still give you a solid fight. You'll find them in shallow waters near shore, especially around grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt for crabs and small fish. Fall through spring are prime months when they migrate down to our warmer Florida waters. What makes them special is they're harmless to humans and travel in small schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through one of the legs - they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate challenge for any angler - thick, aggressive, and absolutely powerful. These stocky sharks typically run 8-10 feet in our waters and can weigh 300+ pounds. What makes them unique is they'll move into brackish and even fresh water, so we find them in the surf, inlets, and even up rivers. They're year-round residents but summer brings peak action when baitfish are abundant. Bulls are apex predators with massive bite force, so expect a brutal fight that'll test you and your equipment. They're not picky eaters but respond well to fresh mullet, bonito, or cut mackerel. The key is heavy tackle - I recommend 80-pound test minimum because these fish will try to break you off immediately. One local secret: fish during moving tides around structure or drop-offs where they ambush prey. Bulls don't play games - when one hits, you'll know it.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of Florida's most recognizable species with that bright yellow-bronze coloration that makes them stand out. These bruisers typically run 6-8 feet and are built like tanks - thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless fighters. They love shallow, warm waters around mangroves, sandbars, and grassy areas where they hunt stingrays and smaller fish. Summer months are peak season when they're most active in our area. What makes them special is their intelligence and tenacity - they'll test every piece of your gear and never give up easily. Many anglers consider them pound-for-pound one of the strongest sharks in our waters. They're also curious fish that will often circle the boat before committing to a bait. My best advice: use heavy tackle with at least 60-pound test and fresh stingray or jack crevalle for bait. Once you hook one, settle in for a long, tough fight.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most spectacular shark you can hook - they're built like torpedoes with that incredible tail that's as long as their body. These pelagic hunters average 12-16 feet and are absolutely gorgeous fighters that will leap completely out of the water. We target them in deeper water, usually 100-500 feet offshore where they hunt baitfish schools. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps are in the 60-70 degree range. What makes them special is that tail - they use it like a whip to stun prey, and it makes their fights absolutely wild to watch. They're also surprisingly smart with small mouths, so you need the right approach. Despite their size, they're actually pretty gentle sharks. Pro tip: troll mackerel or sardines at 25-50 feet deep around bait schools, and use smaller 8/0 hooks since their mouths are compact. When you hook one, get ready for the show of a lifetime.
Daytona Beach, FL