Quick Cast Shark Fishing Trip In New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Brad guarantees shark catches on this 3-hour tripExpert guidance and top-tier equipment provided for all skill levelsMaximum 4 guests for personalized inshore fishing experience
Ready to test your skills against some of the most powerful predators in Florida waters? Captain Brad's shark fishing charter out of New Smyrna Beach puts you face-to-face with the apex predators that cruise these productive inshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – it's three hours of pure adrenaline as you target bonnetheads, blacktips, lemons, and even the legendary bull sharks that call these waters home. With a maximum of four anglers aboard, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing spots that make all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Captain Brad knows exactly where to find the sharks, and his guarantee of success isn't just talk – it's backed by years of reading these waters and understanding shark behavior patterns around New Smyrna Beach. You'll be fishing the productive flats and channels where sharks actively hunt, using heavy tackle designed specifically for these hard-fighting fish. The three-hour timeframe keeps the action intense without wearing you out, perfect for both seasoned shark anglers and those getting their first taste of serious predator fishing. The boat stays close to shore but targets the deeper cuts and channels where sharks move with the tides, giving you access to multiple species without the long run times of offshore trips.
Shark fishing requires serious gear, and Captain Brad comes prepared with heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line and steel leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh bait – typically cut mullet, mackerel, or stingray – presented on the bottom or suspended in the water column depending on conditions and target species. The fighting technique is all about using the rod's backbone and letting the drag do the work, pumping and winding in a steady rhythm while the shark makes its powerful runs. Don't worry if you're new to heavy tackle – Captain Brad will coach you through proper technique, including how to handle the rod during those heart-pounding initial runs when a shark first feels the hook.
Bonnethead sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing, typically running 2-4 feet and putting up a scrappy fight that's manageable for most anglers. These smaller hammerhead cousins are abundant in the grass flats around New Smyrna Beach, especially during warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed on crabs and small fish. They're active year-round in this area, making them a reliable target that builds confidence before moving up to larger species.
Blacktip sharks bring serious attitude to the fight, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. Running 3-6 feet on average, with larger specimens pushing 100 pounds, blacktips are most active during spring and fall migrations when they move through New Smyrna Beach in impressive numbers. Their aerial displays make them a favorite among photographers and anglers alike – there's nothing quite like watching a 5-foot blacktip launch itself completely out of the water.
Lemon sharks are the bulldozers of the shark world, using pure power instead of speed to test your tackle and technique. These thick-bodied predators can exceed 6 feet and 150 pounds in local waters, preferring the sandy flats and mangrove edges where they ambush prey. Lemons are most active during summer months and are known for their stubborn fighting style – they don't jump like blacktips, but they'll dig deep and use every ounce of their strength to break your line or straighten your hooks.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge in New Smyrna Beach waters, with their massive heads, incredible strength, and reputation as one of the most aggressive shark species. These apex predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, moving into surprisingly shallow water to hunt stingrays, tarpon, and anything else that crosses their path. Bull sharks are present year-round but most active during warmer months when baitfish concentrate in the area. Landing a bull shark is a badge of honor among serious shark anglers – their raw power and determination make them one of the most challenging fish you can hook from a boat.
Captain Brad's shark fishing trips fill up quickly, especially during peak season when conditions are prime and the sharks are most active. This top-rated charter combines expert local knowledge with the right equipment and techniques to give you the best shot at hooking into multiple shark species during your three-hour window. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler seeking that next big rush, this trip delivers the goods without breaking the bank or eating up your entire day. The four-angler limit ensures everyone gets plenty of action and personalized instruction, making it perfect for small groups or serious anglers who want quality over quantity. Don't wait – secure your spot for what could be the most action-packed three hours of fishing you'll experience in Florida waters.
Captain Brad's 25-foot Dorado center console is your ticket to serious shark action in New Smyrna Beach waters. This 2012 custom build packs a 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 55 knots when needed. The boat's designed for up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight those big sharks without getting tangled up. You'll have everything needed for a successful shark hunt - GPS and radar keep us on track, while the fish finder helps locate the best spots. The wireless trolling motor lets us move quietly when positioning for the perfect cast. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 3-hour battle, and the multimedia system adds some tunes between hookups. The center console layout gives everyone clear casting lanes and easy access to the action. When a shark hits, you'll have the space and stability needed to land these powerful fish. This boat's built tough for offshore conditions but handles inshore waters perfectly for quick casting opportunities.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and those distinctive black-tipped fins. These muscular sharks typically run 3-5 feet and pack serious power for their size. You'll find them patrolling our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and drop-offs. They're most active during warmer months and love to feed on sardines, mackerel, and herring. What guests love about blacktips is their aggressive nature—they hit hard and fight dirty with multiple jumps that can reach 20 feet high. These sharks are social feeders, so when you hook one, there's usually more around. They're also great eating if you're keeping dinner. The key to landing blacktips is using oily baits like mackerel or live sardines, and always keep that drag loose when they go airborne or they'll throw the hook.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads are easily spotted by their shovel-shaped heads and greyish-brown coloring. These shy sharks average 3-4 feet and rarely weigh more than 20 pounds, but don't let their size fool you—they put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them in shallow waters year-round here in Florida, often schooling in groups of 10-15 around grass flats and sandy bottoms. They feed mainly on crabs and small fish, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. What makes them special is they're completely harmless to humans and great for families or first-time shark anglers. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab cut in half—hook it through a leg joint and let that scent trail work its magic. They're tough little fighters that'll give you a solid 10-minute battle on medium gear.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the heavy hitters—thick, muscular sharks that can handle both saltwater and freshwater, making them unpredictable and exciting to target. These bruisers average 8-10 feet and pack 200-300 pounds of pure muscle with an attitude to match. You'll find them in everything from deep channels to shallow flats, often pushing into brackish areas where rivers meet the sea. Summer months are prime time when they move inshore to feed and breed. What makes bull sharks legendary is their raw power—they're built like underwater bulldozers and fight with relentless determination. Guests love the challenge because landing a bull shark is a real accomplishment that tests both angler and equipment. The secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel—its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible, and it stays on the hook through their aggressive hits. Fish it on the bottom near structure or drop-offs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the golden beauties of our local waters, easily identified by their yellowish coloring and stocky build. These impressive predators average 6-8 feet and can push 200 pounds, making them serious adversaries on heavy tackle. They prefer shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and sandy areas where they hunt stingrays, crabs, and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one when they move into warmer inshore waters to feed and breed. What makes lemon sharks special is their intelligence and powerful fighting ability—they're known for long, determined runs that'll test your drag system. They're also curious by nature, often circling the boat before committing to a bait. Fresh stingray or big chunks of jack crevalle work best, but here's my secret: fish the edges of grass flats at dusk when they're actively hunting in just 6-10 feet of water.
Daytona Beach, FL