3/4 Day Shark Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore shark fishing adventure 10-20 miles outComfortable 30' Sea Hunt boat accommodates up to 6 guestsAll equipment, bait, licenses and water provided by captain
Looking for a real fishing challenge? This 3/4 day shark fishing trip with Dirty Dolly Fish Company puts you right in the action, heading 10-20 miles offshore where the big predators patrol. Captain knows these waters inside and out, and he'll get you set up on his well-equipped 30' Sea Hunt Gamefish with twin outboards - plenty of power to get you out there fast and keep you comfortable all day. You'll be targeting some seriously impressive sharks, from lightning-fast makos to hard-fighting bulls, with all gear, bait, and licenses included. Just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks.
You'll meet up bright and early, then cruise out past the nearshore waters where the real shark action happens. The 30' Sea Hunt is a perfect platform for this kind of fishing - stable enough to handle the offshore swells but agile enough to chase down fast-moving fish. Captain provides all the heavy-duty tackle you'll need, plus fresh bait and circle hooks to keep things safe for both you and the sharks. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes depending on conditions, giving you time to get rigged up and ready. Once you hit the fishing grounds, it's all about reading the water, watching for bait schools, and getting your lines in the right spots. The twin outboards mean you can cover water quickly when the bite moves, and there's plenty of deck space for up to 6 anglers to work without getting tangled up.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup and patience. You'll be using heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with stout rods that can handle the initial runs these fish are famous for. The captain sets up a mix of baits - chunk baits on the bottom, live or cut bait in the mid-water column, and sometimes a few surface baits for the more aggressive species. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for conservation and safety - they hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and reduce deep hooking. Wire leaders are a must with these toothy customers. The technique is fairly straightforward: get your bait out there, keep it fresh, and be ready when something picks it up. Shark bites can be subtle at first - just a tap-tap before they really commit. When they do commit though, hang on tight because most species will make a blistering initial run that'll test your drag and your arms.
Thresher Shark: These are the acrobats of the shark world, famous for their incredibly long tail fin that can be as long as their body. Threshers use that tail like a whip to stun baitfish, and when hooked, they'll often launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular jumps. They're typically found in deeper water, making them perfect targets for this offshore trip. Best fishing is usually early morning or late afternoon, and they can reach 12-16 feet. What makes them so exciting is their aerial displays - no other shark puts on a show like a hooked thresher.
Shortfin Mako Shark: The speed demons of the ocean, makos are built like torpedoes and can hit 45+ mph when they want to. They're incredibly aggressive fighters, known for long, fast runs and spectacular jumps. Makos prefer deeper, cooler water, so this offshore trip puts you right in their wheelhouse. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations. Summer and fall are prime time, and a good-sized mako in the 6-8 foot range will give you a workout you won't forget. Their athletic ability and never-quit attitude make them a favorite among serious shark anglers.
Sandbar Shark: Don't let their more laid-back reputation fool you - sandbars are solid fighters that know how to use their weight and the current to their advantage. These are one of the more common species you'll encounter, but that doesn't make them any less fun to catch. They prefer sandy bottoms and structure, often found in schools. Sandbars can get up to 8 feet and are known for their broad, triangular dorsal fins. They're perfect for anglers new to shark fishing because they fight hard but aren't as unpredictable as some species. Peak season runs spring through fall.
Bonnethead Shark: The smallest member of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads are scrappy little fighters with a unique shovel-shaped head. They rarely get over 4 feet, but they're abundant and always willing to bite. What's cool about bonnetheads is they're actually omnivores - the only shark known to eat and digest seagrass along with their usual diet of crabs and small fish. They're perfect for getting kids or nervous first-timers comfortable around sharks, since they're manageable size but still give a good account of themselves on light tackle.
Blacktip Shark: Fast, aggressive, and always ready to put on a show, blacktips are named for the distinctive black markings on their fins. They're known for their spectacular jumps and spinning aerial displays when hooked. These sharks are built for speed and agility, often found chasing baitfish in shallow water but also ranging offshore. They typically run 4-6 feet and are incredibly acrobatic fighters. Blacktips are also curious sharks that will often investigate the boat, giving you great photo opportunities even when you're not hooked up.
Lemon Shark: These golden-colored sharks are known for their intelligence and curious nature. Lemons are typically found in warmer waters and can get quite large - up to 10 feet. They're powerful swimmers with a reputation for being one of the more predictable shark species, making them great for photography and observation. What sets
Get ready to chase sharks aboard this well-equipped 30' Sea Hunt Gamefish! Twin outboards power you 10-20 miles offshore where the big predators roam. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - advanced fish finder to locate your targets, GPS for precise navigation, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy positioning when you're working a hot spot. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh, while the head ensures comfort during those long battles. With space for 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight multiple sharks without getting tangled lines. All tackle, bait, and licenses are included, plus bottled water to keep you hydrated under the sun. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and your game face - these apex predators don't give up easy. The captain knows where to find them and how to put you on the fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are easy to spot with those distinctive black-tipped fins and streamlined build. They average around 5 feet but can reach over 9 feet and 270 pounds. These sharks have personality - they're known for jumping and can get pretty excited during feeding, sometimes even jumping into boats! They prefer shallow water around 100 feet, hanging around reefs and structure where they hunt sardines, herring, mackerel, and grouper. In the Gulf, they seem to love Atlantic croaker. They're social feeders, so where you find one, you'll often find more. The action can get wild when they're in a feeding mood. Use 20-50lb braided line with circle hooks. Start a chum line with ground mackerel and herring - the oil really draws them in. Live sardines work great too since they're naturally oily and put out that scent these sharks can't resist.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads with that unique shovel-shaped head that sets them apart. They typically run 3-4 feet long, with females getting a bit bigger than males. These are actually pretty docile sharks - only one recorded attack ever. They travel in schools of 10-15, especially during spawning runs, which makes for exciting action when you find them. You'll catch them in shallow bays, estuaries, and channels, rarely needing to go far offshore. They migrate seasonally - north in summer, south to Florida and the Gulf in winter following warmer water. The fight is scrappy for their size, and they're actually kind of fun to catch on lighter tackle. Fresh blue crab cut in half is hands down the best bait - hook it through one of the legs and let that scent work its magic.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are thick, powerful sharks that pack a serious punch. These guys typically run 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water - you'll find them in rivers, bays, and offshore waters. They're aggressive feeders with a reputation, so they demand respect. The fight is intense and bulldogging - they don't give up easy. Bulls are around year-round in warmer climates but become more active in summer months. They'll eat just about anything but respond well to oily baits and chum. Use heavy tackle - 50-80lb line minimum with strong leaders and big circle hooks. They're surprisingly smart and will test your drag hard. My secret weapon is fresh eel - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, plus it stays on the hook through their powerful runs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are easy to identify with their distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottom. These are solid sharks, typically running 8-10 feet and around 200 pounds when mature. They're actually pretty mellow compared to other species, but don't let that fool you - they'll still give you a good fight. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, mangroves, and around structure in 20-100 feet. They prefer warmer water, so summer months are usually best, though in southern waters they're around year-round. What makes them interesting is they're one of the few sharks that actually return to the same nursery areas where they were born. They feed on fish, rays, and crustaceans. Use medium-heavy tackle with 30-50lb line. Fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel works well, but live bait really gets their attention. Key tip: fish the tide changes around structure - that's when they're most active.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbars are some of the biggest coastal sharks around, with females reaching 8 feet and males around 6 feet. They're heavy-bodied sharks with that distinctive tall dorsal fin and shorter snout. You'll find them hanging around continental shelves in 60-200 feet of water over sandy bottom - hence the name. They're not aggressive toward people but put up a solid fight once hooked. These sharks are pretty consistent year-round in warmer waters, though they do migrate seasonally. They feed on bottom fish, rays, crabs, and squid, so they're not too picky about bait. What anglers like is their predictable behavior and the fact they're safe to handle. Use heavy tackle - 65lb test minimum with a proper shark rig and 9/0 or 12/0 hooks. Bluegill is actually one of the best baits since it's oily and stays on the hook well in the current.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world - fastest species out there hitting 30mph, some say even 60. These are serious gamefish averaging 13 feet and 130-300 pounds, though the big ones can push 1,300 pounds. They're found pretty much everywhere in open ocean, usually near the surface but they'll dive deep when hunting. What makes them a favorite is the fight - they're smart, aggressive, and famous for jumping 20 feet out of the water, sometimes right into the boat! The meat's actually pretty good eating too. They're highly migratory so timing varies by location. When targeting them, use heavy tackle - 50lb class minimum with wire leaders and circle hooks. Fresh bluefish is my go-to bait, but here's the thing: once hooked, expect them to use everything including your boat to try breaking free.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are one of the coolest sharks you'll encounter out there. These guys average 16 feet and pack serious power with that signature long tail - sometimes as long as their body. You'll find them in open water, usually 40-50 miles offshore in depths up to 2,100 feet, but we catch them closer in too. They prefer water temps around 60-70°F. What makes them special is how they hunt - they whip that massive tail at 50mph to stun baitfish, sometimes even leaping clear out of the water. The fight is something else - they'll hit 30mph trying to get away. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they move through following bait schools. Pro tip: look for diving birds and bait balls, then drift your mackerel or sardine down 25-50 feet and wait for the show.
Cape Canaveral, FL