Morning Shark Trip in Port Canaveral, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5hour offshore shark fishing adventure with experienced captainSmall group experience accommodating up to 6 guests maximum20+ years expertise with Captain Michael Nello from Fintactic Charters
If you're ready to experience some serious action on the water, this 5-hour morning shark trip with Captain Michael Nello is exactly what you've been looking for. Port Canaveral sits right at the edge of some of Florida's most productive shark waters, and there's nothing quite like the rush of watching your rod bend double when a big predator takes your bait. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - we're talking about targeting some of the ocean's most powerful fish in their natural habitat, just miles from the Space Coast.
Captain Michael has been working these waters for over 20 years, and his passion for showing guests the real Florida fishing experience comes through every time he fires up the engines. You'll head out early when the bite is hot, usually departing around sunrise to maximize your time in the shark zones. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means you get plenty of personal attention and room to work when the action heats up. Don't expect a crowded party boat experience - this is hands-on fishing with a captain who knows exactly where to find the fish and how to put you on them. The morning hours are prime time for shark activity, especially during the warmer months when these apex predators are actively feeding in the nearshore waters off Canaveral.
Shark fishing requires a completely different approach than your typical bottom fishing or trolling trip. Captain Michael sets up with heavy tackle designed to handle fish that can easily top 100 pounds, using circle hooks and steel leaders that can withstand razor-sharp teeth. The technique involves anchoring or drifting over productive structure while deploying multiple baits at different depths. Fresh cut bait like bonito, mackerel, or stingray chunks work best for attracting these predators from miles away. You'll learn proper shark handling techniques, including how to fight these powerful fish without wearing yourself out and safe release methods that protect both you and the shark. The captain provides all the specialized gear, from heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line to the wire leaders and massive hooks needed for this type of fishing.
Blacktip Shark: These are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps and blazing fast runs. Blacktips typically range from 20-60 pounds in these waters and are most active during spring and early summer months. What makes them so exciting to catch is their tendency to leap completely out of the water multiple times during the fight, putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They're also one of the most common species you'll encounter, making them perfect for first-time shark anglers.
Tiger Shark: The apex predator that every serious shark angler dreams about hooking. Tigers can grow massive - we're talking 200-500 pounds or more - and they fight like nothing else in the ocean. These striped giants are most active during the warmer months and are known for eating just about anything, making them unpredictable and exciting targets. When you hook a tiger, you know you're in for a battle that could last 30 minutes or more. Their powerful bodies and stubborn nature make every tiger shark a trophy fish.
Bull Shark: Pound for pound, bulls might be the strongest sharks swimming. These stocky, aggressive predators are found year-round in Port Canaveral waters and are known for their incredible pulling power. Bulls typically range from 50-200 pounds and have a reputation for making blistering initial runs that can strip line off your reel faster than you can believe. They're also one of the few shark species that can tolerate both saltwater and freshwater, which means they often cruise close to shore where the fishing action stays hot.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you - sharpnose sharks are scrappy fighters that provide constant action when the bite is on. These 10-30 pound sharks are perfect for younger anglers or anyone new to shark fishing, offering plenty of excitement without the marathon battles of their larger cousins. They're most abundant during summer months and often travel in schools, which means when you find one, you'll usually find several. Their smaller size also makes them excellent table fare if you decide to keep one for dinner.
This morning shark trip offers something you won't find on every charter boat - a chance to target genuine apex predators with a captain who's dedicated his life to understanding their behavior and patterns. Captain Michael's two decades of experience in these waters means you're not just hoping to get lucky; you're fishing with someone who knows when, where, and how to find sharks consistently. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to experience multiple hookups while still getting back to port in time for lunch. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or someone who's never tangled with a shark before, this trip delivers the kind of authentic Florida fishing experience that keeps people coming back year after year. Book your spot with Fintactic Charters and get ready to discover why shark fishing off Port Canaveral is considered some of the best on the East Coast.
Get ready to chase sharks aboard this beautifully restored 1978 Stuart angler! This classic center console fishing machine got a complete makeover in 2010 and she's ready to take you and 5 other anglers into the deep blue waters off Port Canaveral. Captain Michael Nello knows these fishing grounds like the back of his hand after 20+ years working Florida's waters, and he's got the perfect setup to put you on the sharks. The boat features dual helms so the captain can run from up top or down below depending on conditions. When nature calls, there's a head tucked away in the v-berth - no need to cut the fishing short! All the electronics have been upgraded including GPS, radar for those early morning runs in low visibility, VHF radio to stay connected, and a quality fish finder to locate the action below. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying something completely different from the typical Florida beach scene, this 5-hour shark adventure delivers. The boat's got all Coast Guard safety gear aboard, so you can focus on what matters - getting that line in the water and seeing what monsters are swimming in Florida's offshore waters!
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeSharpnose sharks might be small - usually 2-3 feet and under 10 pounds - but they're scrappy fighters that keep trips interesting. You'll recognize them by their pointed snouts, brownish-gray color, and small white spots along their sides. These guys stay close to shore in surf zones, bays, and even brackish water, making them perfect for our nearshore trips. The best part? They bite year-round and aren't picky about bait - dead or alive, they'll hit it. Kids and beginners love them because they're manageable size but still pull hard for their weight. They're also excellent eating and make great bait for bigger sharks. Many anglers think they're just bait stealers, but I see them as guaranteed action when other species are slow. Bring a landing net and gloves - their skin is rough and those teeth are sharp. Light tackle makes them even more fun to fight.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks we see off Port Canaveral. These guys average around 5 feet but can hit 9 feet, and they're famous for their black-tipped fins and crazy aerial jumps - sometimes launching 20+ feet out of the water! They hang around artificial reefs and muddy bays in 60-200 feet of water, feeding on mackerel, herring, and croaker. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is their personality - they're excitable and social, which means when one shows up, others usually follow. They put up a solid fight on medium tackle but can be a bit timid around other sharks. Pro tip: use oily baits like sardines or mackerel chunks, and keep your drag smooth - when these guys get worked up, they'll test every knot you tied.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the tough guys of our local waters - thick, aggressive, and built like tanks. Most run 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, with females getting even bigger. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we see them in rivers, bays, and offshore. They love shallow coastal areas but will cruise deeper structure too. Summer brings peak action from late June through September when they move up from the south. Guests love targeting bulls because they fight dirty - powerful runs, head shakes, and they don't give up easy. The meat's actually pretty good eating if you bleed them right. These sharks respond great to a chum line and will hit live or cut bait. My secret weapon? Fresh eel when I can get it - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators you dream about - massive sharks that can stretch 14 feet and weigh over 1,000 pounds. Those dark stripes fade as they age, but their reputation doesn't. We find them in deeper water around 1,000 feet, though they'll cruise into 100-foot depths hunting. Summer months bring the best chances when warm currents pull them closer to shore. What sets tigers apart is their power and unpredictability - they're slow cruisers until they decide to move, then it's game on. The fight is legendary, with long runs that'll test your arms and gear. They'll eat almost anything, making them easier to target than other big sharks. Here's the key: bring heavy tackle - 100-pound test minimum - and use big chunks of mackerel or tuna. These fish are nomadic, so when we find one, we work the area hard because they don't stick around long.
Cape Canaveral, FL