Family Shark Fishing Adventure in New Smyrna
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Three-hour family-friendly shark fishing charter in nearshore watersMorning and afternoon sessions accommodate up to four guestsAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included in charter
New Smyrna Beach isn't called the shark bite capital of the world for nothing – and that's exactly what makes it the perfect spot for your family's first real shark fishing adventure. Florida Man Charters has designed this 3-hour trip specifically with kids and families in mind, targeting smaller, more manageable sharks that'll give everyone a fight without being overwhelming. Whether you choose the 7 AM morning session or the 1 PM afternoon departure, you're getting an all-inclusive experience that takes the guesswork out of shark fishing. We provide everything – heavy tackle, circle hooks, fresh bait, and your fishing license – so you can focus on what matters: watching your kids' faces light up when that rod bends over.
This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip where you're hoping for a redfish or snook. We're heading out to the nearshore waters where New Smyrna's famous shark population hangs out, usually within a mile or two of the beach. The beauty of this fishery is that we don't have to run far to find action – most days we're fishing in 15-25 feet of water where the sharks cruise the sandbar edges looking for baitfish. Your captain will set up a spread of heavy spinning rods loaded with 50-pound braid and circle hooks, then it's all about patience and watching those rod tips. When a shark picks up that bait, there's no mistaking it – the drag starts screaming and whoever's holding the rod better hang on. We keep the group small at just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of shots and personalized attention from your guide.
Shark fishing requires a completely different approach than targeting other inshore species. We're using heavy spinning reels spooled with 50-pound braided line connected to 80-pound fluorocarbon leaders and 8/0 circle hooks. The key is using fresh, oily baits that put out a strong scent trail – usually cut mullet, bluefish, or whatever's been running recently. Your captain will set the rods in holders and adjust the drags to let smaller sharks run without breaking off, but still have enough pressure to set the hook properly. The circle hook design means you don't need to set the hook hard like you would with other fish – just pick up the rod, get tight, and let the fish do the work. We'll typically have 3-4 lines out at different depths and distances from the boat, creating a spread that covers water and increases your chances of a hookup.
The spinner sharks have been the stars of the show lately, with most fish running between 3-5 feet long – perfect size for kids to handle with some help. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their jumping ability, and there's nothing quite like watching one of these sharks go airborne right next to the boat. Sandbar sharks have been consistent producers too, especially during the morning trips when they're feeding closer to shore. These guys are a bit beefier than the spinners but don't jump as much, making them ideal for younger anglers who want to feel that raw power without the aerial acrobatics. The blacktips have been showing up in good numbers during both morning and afternoon sessions, and they're probably the most photogenic sharks we catch – that distinctive black-tipped dorsal fin makes for some great pictures before we release them.
Spinner sharks are the crowd favorites on these family trips, and for good reason. These sleek, bronze-colored sharks typically run 3-6 feet long around New Smyrna and are absolute acrobats when hooked. They'll make multiple jumps, spinning through the air like their name suggests, putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak season runs from April through October, and they're most active during moving tides when baitfish are getting pushed around the inlet and surf zone.
Sandbar sharks are the workhorses of our fishery – thick, powerful fish that give kids a real taste of what shark fishing is all about. These brown sharks can reach 6 feet, but most of what we catch are in that perfect 3-4 foot range. They're bottom-oriented feeders that patrol the sand flats looking for rays and small fish, which is why we find them consistently in the same areas. They don't jump like spinners, but they make long, powerful runs that test young anglers' endurance.
Blacktip sharks are probably the most recognizable species we target, thanks to those distinctive black markings on their fins. They're fast, aggressive feeders that often travel in small schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance more are around. They average 3-5 feet in our area and are known for making short, powerful runs followed by some impressive jumps. Late summer and early fall seem to be prime time for blacktips around New Smyrna.
Lemon sharks are the gentle giants of our shark fishing trips – these yellowish sharks have a more mellow disposition than other species but can grow quite large. The juveniles we typically encounter are perfect for family trips, running 3-4 feet and fighting more like a big red drum than a typical shark. They're year-round residents in our area, preferring the shallow flats and mangrove areas where they hunt for crabs and small fish.
Bull sharks are the wildcard species – when one shows up, everyone knows it. These stocky, aggressive sharks are built like bulldozers and fight accordingly. We don't target the big adults, but the smaller bull sharks in the 3-5 foot range provide some of the most exciting fishing of the trip. They're unpredictable fighters that can make explosive runs in any direction, keeping anglers on their toes. They're most common during the warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed and reproduce.
Your shark fishing adventure starts aboard our fully restored 2002 Sea Pro 21' center console, equipped with everything needed for a successful day chasing sharks in New Smyrna's productive waters. This bay boat handles the inshore and nearshore runs perfectly, powered by a dependable 150HP Yamaha that gets you to the fish quickly while staying smooth for the kids. The center console layout gives everyone room to move around safely when the sharks start biting. We've got you covered with a fish finder to locate the best spots, GPS to mark productive areas, and a wireless trolling motor for those quiet approaches when the sharks are finicky. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and bait fresh throughout the 3-hour trip. Whether you book the 7 AM or 1 PM departure, this boat delivers a comfortable platform for up to 4 anglers to experience some of Florida's best shark action in family-friendly waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are crowd-pleasers with those distinctive black fin tips and their habit of jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Most run 4-5 feet long, making them ideal for our family charters. They patrol shallow reefs and structure in 60-100 feet of water, often hunting in small groups. Spring through early fall gives us the best bite when they're chasing schools of sardines and herring inshore. What makes them special is their excitable personality - they'll leap and spin like spinners but with more attitude. Despite being feisty fighters, they're actually pretty timid around the boat. Live sardines work fantastic, but cut mackerel or herring gets their attention fast. Pro tip: keep multiple lines out because when you find one blacktip, there's usually more around.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the powerhouse of our shark trips - thick, muscular sharks that average 6-8 feet but fight like they're twice that size. They're gray on top with incredibly broad shoulders and can handle both salt and brackish water, so we find them in various depths from the surf to 100 feet out. Summer months bring the best action when they're following bait schools. What makes them exciting is that raw power - no jumping, just bulldogging runs that test your drag and get hearts pounding. They're apex predators with serious attitude, making every hookup memorable. Cut mullet, mackerel, or bonito work great, but fresh eel is my secret weapon - the oil content drives them crazy. Keep your drag tight and let them make their initial run, then work them steady to the boat.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are hands-down the best beginner shark - that bright yellow color makes them easy to spot and they're generally calm around the boat. Most run 6-8 feet and have a mellow temperament that's perfect for kids. They prefer shallow sandy areas and grass flats, especially around structure like docks or reefs where they hunt crabs and small fish. Warmer months from May through October give us the most consistent action. What families love is their curious nature - they'll often circle the boat and give everyone a good look before taking the bait. They fight with steady, determined runs rather than crazy jumps. Fresh cut bait works well, but live pinfish or small jacks are dynamite. Here's my trick: fish them at dawn or dusk in water 20-40 feet deep near sandy patches.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbars are one of the most reliable sharks we target - they're built heavy and stocky with that signature tall dorsal fin. Females can reach 8 feet, but most we catch are 4-6 feet, perfect size for family trips. They love sandy bottoms and flats in 60-200 feet of water, which is exactly what we have here. Best action happens spring through fall when they're feeding actively on crabs, rays, and bottom fish. These sharks give a solid, steady fight - no jumping, just pure bulldogging power that gets everyone's adrenaline going. They're completely harmless to humans and make for great photos. Bluegill is my secret weapon bait - it's oily, smelly, and they can't resist it. Set your drag tight because once they grab it, they'll try to drag you to the bottom.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are perfect for families - they average around 6 feet and put on quite a show when hooked. These gray sharks with black-tipped fins get their name from literally spinning out of the water when they feed, and they'll do the same acrobatic displays when fighting your line. You'll find them in our nearshore waters, usually less than 100 feet deep, especially during spring and summer when they're chasing baitfish. They hunt by smell more than sight, so fresh cut bait like bonito or mullet works great. Kids love watching them jump and spin - it's like hooking a underwater gymnast. My go-to trick is soaking your bait in fish oil or using live pilchards when possible. The oil slick really draws them in from a distance.
New Smyrna Beach