Quick Cast Shark Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Brad guarantees shark catches using expert local knowledgeThreehour inshore trips accommodate up to four guests maximumToptier equipment and guidance provided for all skill levels
Ready to feel your heart racing as you battle some of the ocean's most powerful predators? Captain Brad's Quick Cast Shark Fishing Trip puts you right in the action with New Smyrna Beach's top-rated shark fishing experience. This isn't your typical day on the water – it's three hours of pure adrenaline as you go toe-to-toe with bonnetheads, blacktips, lemons, and bulls in their own backyard. Whether you've been chasing sharks for years or you're ready to cross this off your bucket list, Captain Brad's got the local knowledge and gear to make it happen. Fair warning though – spots disappear fast because word gets around about trips this good.
This 3-hour charter keeps things moving from the moment you step aboard. Captain Brad doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish – he's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where the sharks are hanging out on any given day. You'll be fishing in a small group of just 4 anglers, which means personalized attention and more shots at landing that trophy. The boat's rigged with heavy-duty equipment that can handle whatever decides to take your bait, from smaller bonnetheads that'll give you a good scrap to bull sharks that'll test every ounce of your strength. Don't worry if you're new to shark fishing – Captain Brad walks everyone through the techniques and safety protocols before lines hit the water. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused, with plenty of coaching to help you make the most of every hookup.
Shark fishing requires serious tackle, and Captain Brad's boat comes loaded with everything you need for success. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test, circle hooks that ensure proper hooksets, and wire leaders that can handle those razor-sharp teeth. The rigs are simple but effective – usually running a fish finder setup with fresh bait like mullet, mackerel, or bluefish depending on what the sharks are hitting that day. Captain Brad handles all the rigging, but he's happy to show you the ins and outs if you want to learn. The technique is all about patience and timing – once that rod starts loading up and line starts screaming off the reel, it's game on. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, how to use your legs and back instead of just your arms, and when to apply pressure versus when to let the fish run. The key is staying calm and listening to your captain's coaching throughout the fight.
The bonnethead sharks around New Smyrna Beach are perfect for getting your feet wet in the shark fishing world. These smaller cousins of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're curious and aggressive feeders, often the first to find your bait when you're chumming. Blacktip sharks bring the real excitement – these athletic predators are known for their aerial displays when hooked, often launching themselves completely out of the water in spectacular fashion. Most blacktips you'll encounter range from 3-6 feet and have the speed and stamina to make long runs that'll test your endurance. Lemon sharks are the bulldozers of the bunch, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to wage war in the depths before reluctantly coming to the boat. They're typically the largest sharks you'll tangle with on this trip, sometimes pushing 6-8 feet and providing arm-burning battles that can last 20 minutes or more. Bull sharks represent the ultimate prize – these apex predators are built like underwater tanks and have the attitude to match. When you hook into a bull, you know you're connected to something special. They're incredibly strong, surprisingly fast, and absolutely relentless fighters that'll push you and your equipment to the limit.
Captain Brad's Quick Cast Shark Fishing Trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – consistent action, expert guidance, and the chance to battle some of Florida's most exciting predators. The 4-person limit means you're not fighting crowds for rod time, and Captain Brad's local expertise puts you on fish instead of just hoping for the best. Whether you land a scrappy bonnethead or go to war with a monster bull shark, you're guaranteed to walk away with stories and maybe some sore arms. These trips book up quickly, especially during peak shark season, so don't wait around if you're ready for some real fishing action. Grab your crew, bring your camera, and get ready to find out why New Smyrna Beach has earned its reputation as one of the East Coast's premier shark fishing destinations.
Captain Brad's 25-foot Dorado center console is your ticket to serious shark action off New Smyrna Beach. This custom fishing machine packs a 300HP Suzuki 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 55 knots when conditions are right. The boat's built for up to 4 anglers who want to tangle with toothy predators in comfort. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful shark hunt – fish finder to mark bait schools, GPS to hit the hot spots, and radar for those afternoon storms. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning over structure. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox while you wait for that rod to double over. The flybridge gives Captain Brad a commanding view of the water to spot birds working baitfish. This center console design means easy movement around the boat when fighting fish, plus plenty of room to work big sharks boatside. Whether you're after blacktips, spinners, or bulls, this Dorado has the power and fishability to put you on them.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks we target, known for their signature black-tipped fins and aerial jumps that can reach 20 feet out of the water. These streamlined fighters typically run 4-5 feet but can get up to 9 feet, packing serious muscle. You'll find them cruising our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and artificial reefs where they hunt sardines, mackerel, and herring. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love is their aggressive nature and spectacular fights - they're fast, strong, and love to jump. The key to hooking up is using oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines. Get a good chum slick going with ground mackerel and they'll come right to the boat looking for an easy meal.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads are easy to spot with their shovel-shaped heads and greyish-brown coloring. These shy sharks typically run 3-4 feet long and travel in schools of 10-15 fish, making them pretty common in our shallow coastal waters and bay systems. They're year-round residents here in Florida waters, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish along the bottom. What makes them fun to target is their scrappy fight despite their size - they'll put up a solid battle on lighter tackle. Most guests love that they're harmless and perfect for first-time shark fishing. Pro tip: fresh chunked blue crab is your best bet for bait. Cut it in half and hook it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate power fighters - thick, muscular sharks that average 6-8 feet but can push 300+ pounds of pure muscle. These aggressive predators love shallow coastal waters, river mouths, and anywhere fresh and salt water mix. Summer brings the best action when they move into our warmer inshore waters to feed and breed. What makes bulls legendary is their raw strength and stubborn fighting style - they'll dig deep and slug it out until the very end. No fancy jumps, just brute force that'll test every piece of your tackle. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit almost anything, but fresh eel is absolute gold for bulls. The high oil content drives them wild, and eel's tough skin stays on the hook through their initial runs. Fish it on heavy tackle near structure or in 20-40 feet of water.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are easily recognized by their distinctive yellowish coloring and stocky build. These powerful predators typically range 6-8 feet in our waters, with some reaching over 10 feet. They prefer shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and nearshore waters where they hunt stingrays, crabs, and various fish species. Summer months offer the best action when water temperatures peak and they're most active. What makes lemons special is their incredible strength and endurance - they'll give you a long, grinding fight that tests your gear and stamina. They're also curious sharks that often circle the boat before committing to a bait. My go-to setup is fresh stingray or bonita chunks on a fish finder rig. Fish it near structure or drop-offs where they patrol, and be patient - when a lemon takes your bait, you'll know it.
Daytona Beach, FL