Shark Fishing Charter Cape Canaveral
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour shark fishing adventure offshore Port Canaveral watersTarget various shark species within 6 miles of portAccommodates up to 6 guests for inshore fishing experience
Nothing gets your blood pumping quite like feeling a big shark take your bait and make that first powerful run. Here at Defiant Offshore Fishing Charters, we've been putting anglers on some of Port Canaveral's most aggressive sharks for years, and let me tell you - this 4-hour trip is pure adrenaline from start to finish. We'll head out just 6 miles from the port where the water's deep enough to hold some serious predators, but close enough that we're not burning half the day getting there. Whether you've been chasing sharks your whole life or you've never felt that bone-jarring strike, this top-rated charter delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
We keep it simple but effective on these shark trips - no need to overcomplicate things when you're dealing with apex predators. Once we hit our fishing grounds, we'll drop anchor in 40-60 feet of water where the current runs just right and the baitfish stack up. The sharks know where the easy meals are, and so do we. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle - think 7/0 to 9/0 circle hooks on 80-100 pound leaders because these fish don't mess around. We run a maximum of 6 anglers, so everyone gets plenty of room to fight their fish and multiple shots throughout the trip. The boat stays put while we fish, letting you focus on what's happening below instead of dealing with boat movement. When that rod tip goes down and line starts peeling off the reel, you'll know exactly why shark fishing has such a loyal following around here.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup and fresh bait - cut corners on either one and you'll be going home empty-handed. We fish with conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the initial runs these fish are famous for. The key is circle hooks - they hook cleaner, fight better, and make releasing sharks way easier if that's your plan. We'll have you fishing on bottom with enough weight to hold in the current, using fresh cut bait that gets their attention from way down the water column. Bonita, mackerel, and jack crevalle make excellent shark candy, and we'll have plenty on ice. The waiting game is part of it - sharks move when they want to move - but when they do show up, they usually bring friends. Don't be surprised if we get multiple hookups at once when a school moves through our spread.
Bonnethead sharks are probably the most common catch on these trips, and don't let their smaller size fool you - they're scrappy little fighters that know how to use their shovel-shaped heads to their advantage. Most run 2-4 feet long and they're perfect for kids or first-time shark anglers since they don't require superhuman strength to land. They're year-round residents here, but spring and summer seem to bring the biggest numbers. What makes them special is how they school up - catch one and there's usually a dozen more down there waiting for their turn.
Blacktip sharks bring serious attitude to the table and they're not shy about showing it. These guys average 3-5 feet but can push 6 feet or better if you get lucky. They're known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked - sometimes clearing the water completely - and their powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when the water warms up. They're aggressive feeders that will hit everything from cut bait to live pinfish, and once you hook one, you'll understand why they're considered one of the most exciting sharks to catch in Florida waters.
Lemon sharks are the heavyweights of this lineup, and when one decides to eat your bait, you're in for a real workout. These golden-colored bruisers can reach 6-8 feet and pack the muscle to match their size. They prefer warmer months and are most active during summer when water temperatures climb into the 80s. What makes lemon sharks special is their intelligence - they're curious, cautious, and incredibly strong once hooked. They don't jump like blacktips, but they make up for it with bulldogging power that tests both your tackle and your endurance. Landing a good-sized lemon is definitely a bucket-list experience for any serious angler.
Bull sharks earn their reputation as one of the most respected predators in these waters, and for good reason. They're thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. Most bulls we see run 4-7 feet, but they're built like underwater tanks with massive shoulders and heads to match. They're less predictable than other species - sometimes they show up, sometimes they don't - but when they do, everyone on the boat knows it. Bull sharks hit hard, run deep, and have the stamina to keep fighting long after other sharks would give up. They're most active during warmer months but can show up year-round if conditions are right. Catching a bull shark is something you'll be talking about for years.
Shark fishing off Port Canaveral delivers world-class action without the long boat rides or huge expense of offshore trips. Four hours gives you plenty of time to get into fish while still leaving most of your day free for other activities. Our experienced crew knows these waters inside and out, and we'll put you on fish while sharing the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. Whether you're visiting the Space Coast or you're a local looking for some weekend action, this charter consistently produces the kind of customer-favorite memories that keep our calendar booked. Give us a call and let's get you hooked up with some of the best shark fishing Florida has to offer.
This brand new 36' Calvin Beal pilothouse boat is your ticket to some serious shark action off Port Canaveral. Built in 2022, she's powered by a muscular 650HP Caterpillar engine that'll cruise at 22 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. The enclosed pilothouse keeps you comfortable with AC while you're waiting for that rod to bend, and there's plenty of space for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fish. She's loaded with everything you need for a successful shark hunt - GPS and radar for navigation, fish finder to locate the action, and an icebox plus refrigerator to keep your bait fresh and drinks cold. The multimedia system helps pass time between bites, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Within 6 miles of port, you'll be anchored up and baited for blacktips, spinners, and whatever else is cruising these waters. This modern fishing machine delivers comfort and performance when you're battling these powerful predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks we target, known for their acrobatic jumps that can reach 20 feet out of the water. These streamlined fighters average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet when you get lucky. They cruise in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure, feeding heavily on mackerel, herring, and sardines. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action as they move through our area in good numbers. What guests love most is watching these sharks launch themselves skyward when hooked - it's something you never forget. They're also social feeders, so where you find one, there's usually more around. They can even jump right into the boat if you're not careful! Pro tip: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines, and have your chum ready. Once you get them fired up in a feeding frenzy, the action can be non-stop.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead you'll encounter, bonnetheads are easy to spot with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads and brownish-gray coloring. Most run 3-4 feet, though we've seen some push close to 5 feet. They're gentle sharks that travel in small schools, feeding on crabs and small fish in shallow waters. You'll find them year-round in our area, but winter months bring the biggest concentrations as they migrate south from the Carolinas. What makes them special is that unique head shape and how they fight - scrappy little things that'll give you a solid battle on lighter tackle. They're also the only shark species where males and females have different head shapes. My go-to tip: cut blue crab in half and hook it through a leg. The oily scent drives them crazy, and that natural presentation is hard for them to resist.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the heavyweight champions we target - thick, powerful sharks that average 6-8 feet but can reach 11+ feet and over 300 pounds. These gray bruisers are built like trucks with massive shoulders and serious attitude. They patrol shallow coastal waters year-round, but summer brings peak action when they move into estuaries and nearshore areas to feed. What sets bulls apart is their unique ability to handle both salt and fresh water, plus they're among the strongest fighters you'll encounter. They'll make blistering runs and test every piece of your tackle. The thrill factor is huge - these are apex predators with serious pulling power. They feed on everything from stingrays to tarpon, so they're not picky eaters. My secret weapon is fresh eel - the oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, and it stays on the hook through their initial strikes. Heavy tackle is a must with these guys.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are impressive predators that stand out with their distinctive yellow-bronze coloring and stocky build. These sharks typically run 6-8 feet around here, with some pushing 10+ feet and over 200 pounds. They prefer shallow, sandy areas and mangrove edges in 10-50 feet of water where they hunt stingrays, crabs, and baitfish. Summer brings the most consistent action, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is their intelligence and incredible stamina - they'll test your drag and fighting skills like few other sharks can. They're also curious fish that often circle the boat before committing to a bait. Guests appreciate both the visual spectacle of that golden color and the serious fight they provide. Best approach is using fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel on the bottom, and be patient. Lemons take their time investigating before they bite.
Port Canaveral