4 Hour Tampa Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targets Gulf sharks offshore TampaHeavy tackle drift fishing with experienced captain and crewAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included onboard
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 4-hour shark fishing charter out of Tampa puts you right in the heart of the Gulf where the big predators cruise. We're talking about a proper shark hunt here - not just hoping to get lucky, but using proven techniques and local know-how to put you on fish that'll test your mettle. Starting at 8 AM, you'll have the morning bite working in your favor, and with room for up to 2 anglers, this is as personal as it gets. The FishHawk Charters crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and their 35 Contender ProSport Series is built for this kind of work.
This isn't your typical inshore trip - we're heading out where the water gets serious and the sharks get bigger. The morning start gives us the best shot at active fish, and 4 hours is the sweet spot for shark fishing without wearing yourself out completely. You'll be drift fishing most of the time, letting the current work for us while we present baits in the strike zone. The boat's setup is dialed in for shark fishing - sturdy rod holders, fighting belts, and plenty of deck space to work a fish properly. Whether you've never hooked a shark before or you're chasing a personal best, the crew walks you through every step. They'll show you how to read the signs, when to set the hook, and most importantly, how to fight these fish without burning yourself out in the first five minutes.
Shark fishing is all about the right gear and the right approach. We're running heavy conventional reels spooled with serious line - think 50-80 pound class tackle that can handle the initial run and the long fight that follows. The technique here is controlled drift fishing, where we position the boat over productive structure or current breaks and let natural movement work our baits through the water column. Circle hooks are the name of the game for both conservation and hookup success. Bait presentation is key - we're talking fresh, bloody chunks that put scent in the water and trigger those predatory instincts. The crew handles all the rigging, from the heavy leaders needed to prevent bite-offs to the proper sinker weights for different drift speeds. You'll learn to feel the difference between a bait getting picked up and a fish committing to the bite.
Bull sharks are the main target here, and for good reason - these are some of the most aggressive and powerful sharks you'll find in Gulf waters. Bulls are thick, muscular fish that average 6-8 feet but can push well over 10 feet and 400 pounds. What makes them special is their attitude - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up easy. You'll find them most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall, though Tampa's mild climate keeps some around year-round. They're opportunistic feeders that patrol shallow and deep water alike, making them perfect targets for drift fishing techniques. The initial run on a bull shark is something else - pure power that'll test your drag settings and your grip strength. They're also one of the few shark species that can handle both salt and fresh water, which is why Tampa Bay and the nearshore Gulf sees them regularly. Landing a bull shark is a badge of honor among serious anglers, and the photos speak for themselves.
This top-rated Tampa shark charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hottest. With everything included - rods, reels, bait, tackle, and your fishing license - you just need to show up ready to fish. The 35 Contender ProSport Series gives you the platform you need for serious shark fishing, and the FishHawk Charters crew brings the local knowledge that makes the difference between hoping and hooking up. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or add another trophy to your collection, this 4-hour trip delivers the goods. The Gulf of Mexico off Tampa is world-class shark fishing water, and this charter puts you right in the action with the best gear and guidance available. Don't wait - these morning slots book solid, and the sharks are biting.
This 35' Contender is built to handle the serious business of shark fishing in Tampa's Gulf waters. The boat's deep-V hull cuts through waves while you're drifting for big predators, and the spacious deck gives you room to fight those powerful runs. Advanced Raymarine electronics and fish finder help locate shark activity, while the large live bait tank keeps your bait fresh and lively. The T-top provides shade during long battles, and when nature calls, there's an enclosed head onboard. Heavy-duty rod holders, GPS navigation, and radar keep you fishing safely even when conditions change. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and the icebox handles your drinks and lunch. With wireless trolling motor for quiet positioning and all tackle provided, you'll be ready when those Gulf sharks show up hungry.
Tierra Verde, FL