Kid-Friendly Shark Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Kidfriendly 3hour shark fishing charter for familiesMorning and afternoon trips accommodate up to 4 guestsAll gear, bait, and fishing licenses included
New Smyrna Beach offers some of the best family-friendly shark fishing on Florida's east coast, and this 3-hour charter is designed specifically with kids in mind. You'll target manageable-sized sharks in the protected nearshore waters where the action stays consistent but never overwhelming. Whether you pick the 7 AM morning trip to beat the heat or the 1 PM afternoon session, you're looking at a top-rated experience that accommodates up to 4 guests. Everything's included - tackle, bait, and fishing licenses - so you just need to show up ready to fish.
This isn't your typical deep-sea charter where you're battling 8-foot bulls in rough water. Captain focuses on the calmer inshore zones and nearshore structure where smaller sharks cruise looking for easy meals. The boat stays in protected waters most of the trip, making it perfect for families with younger anglers who might get seasick in bigger swells. You'll spend time anchored over sandy bottom and near structure where these sharks patrol regularly. The morning trips often produce more action since sharks feed actively in the cooler hours, but afternoon sessions can surprise you when the tide's moving right. Kids love the hands-on approach - they'll learn to rig their own bait, understand how to read the water, and get that rush when something grabs their line and starts peeling drag.
The captain rigs medium-heavy spinning gear that's sized right for younger hands but still has the backbone to handle a feisty shark. You're looking at 7-foot rods paired with 4000-series reels spooled with 20-30 pound braided line and a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader. The terminal tackle stays simple - circle hooks in the 6/0 to 8/0 range with enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom. Fresh cut bait works best - Spanish mackerel, blue runner, and ladyfish chunks get the most attention from cruising sharks. The technique is straightforward bottom fishing, but the captain teaches proper circle hook technique so kids learn to let the fish hook themselves instead of setting the hook hard. Wire leaders aren't necessary for most of the sharks you'll encounter, and the fluorocarbon leader gives better bite rates while still handling their sandpaper skin.
Spinner sharks are the crowd favorites on these trips, especially with kids. These acrobatic fighters typically run 3-4 feet and put on an amazing show when hooked, often jumping completely out of the water multiple times. They're most active during moving tides and love the nearshore waters around New Smyrna Beach from April through October. What makes them special is their predictable fight - exciting enough to get everyone pumped but manageable for younger anglers to handle with some coaching.
Sandbar sharks are the workhorses of the inshore shark world here. These stocky fighters usually measure 4-5 feet and give kids a solid taste of what shark fishing is about without being overwhelming. They're year-round residents but peak in the warmer months when they move into the shallows to feed. Sandbars fight deep and steady rather than flashy, teaching young anglers patience and proper fighting techniques. They're also one of the most photogenic sharks for those family pictures.
Blacktip sharks bring the speed and excitement that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Similar in size to spinners but with a different fighting style, blacktips make long, powerful runs and occasional jumps. They're common from spring through fall and often travel in small groups, so hooking one might mean more action is coming. Kids love their aggressive strikes and the way they'll charge a bait instead of the slow, methodical approach of other species.
Lemon sharks are the gentle giants of this fishery, occasionally showing up in the 4-6 foot range. They're more common during the summer months and prefer the sandy flats and grass beds near shore. What makes lemons special is their calm demeanor once hooked - they fight strong but steady, making them perfect for teaching kids proper shark handling techniques. Their distinctive yellow coloration makes for great photos, and they're one of the easier species for safe catch-and-release.
Bull sharks represent the wild card in New Smyrna's inshore waters. While less common on these family trips due to their size and power, smaller bulls in the 4-5 foot range occasionally make an appearance. They're year-round residents but most active during the warmer months. Bulls are renowned for their strength and determination, and even smaller ones provide a memorable fight that older kids and adults can handle with proper guidance from the captain.
New Smyrna Beach's reputation as a world-class shark fishing destination isn't just hype - the consistent action and family-friendly approach make this charter a customer favorite. The 3-hour format hits the sweet spot for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out, and the all-inclusive setup means no hidden costs or gear hassles. Morning trips often book first since they align better with family schedules and typically produce more action, but don't overlook those afternoon sessions if that timing works better. With only 4 spots per trip, these charters fill up quickly during peak season. Book your family's shark fishing adventure today and give the kids a fishing memory they'll be talking about for years.
Get ready for some serious shark action aboard our fully restored 21' Sea Pro Center Console! This bay boat was given new life in 2023 and runs like a dream with its 150HP Yamaha, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots to get your family to the fishing grounds fast. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to move around and fight fish safely - perfect for kids getting their first taste of shark fishing. Our boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The fish finder helps us locate schools of baitfish where sharks love to hunt, while the GPS keeps us on the most productive spots around New Smyrna Beach. When we need to stay quiet and position perfectly for that perfect cast, the wireless trolling motor does the trick without spooking the fish. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh throughout the trip. Built for New Smyrna's inshore and nearshore waters, this vessel handles the surf zone and inlet areas where sharks patrol for food. With space for up to 4 anglers, families can fish together comfortably while our experienced captain shares tips and techniques.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of our local waters - those distinctive black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and their jumping ability keeps everyone on their toes. Running 4-5 feet on average, they're perfect for our family trips and love hanging around our artificial reefs in 60-100 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime time when they patrol these areas hunting sardines, mackerel, and herring. What makes them special is their excitable personality - they'll jump clear out of the water and sometimes even into the boat if you're not careful! Families love them because they're active fighters but totally manageable for kids. They're also quite social, so where you find one, you'll often find more. My secret weapon is fresh, oily bait like sardines or cut mackerel. These sharks hunt by scent, so the smellier the better. Once you hook one, keep your rod tip up and enjoy the show!
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of our waters - thick, powerful sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. These gray predators are unique because they can handle both salt and fresh water, so you might hook one anywhere from the inlet to miles offshore. They love shallow coastal areas under 100 feet, especially around structure where they ambush prey. Summer months are best when they move into our warmer waters to feed and breed. What makes bulls special for experienced anglers is their incredible fighting power - they're like underwater bulldozers that test your tackle and technique. Families with older kids enjoy the challenge, though we target smaller individuals for safety. These sharks will eat almost anything, making them reliable biters. My go-to secret is fresh eel - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are one of our most recognizable sharks with that bright yellow-brown color that gives them their name. These stocky sharks typically run 6-8 feet and love our shallow, sandy areas and mangrove edges where the water stays warm year-round. You'll find them cruising in 3-30 feet of water, making them perfect for our nearshore family trips. They're most active during warmer months when they come into the shallows to feed on fish, crabs, and rays. What kids love about lemons is their calm demeanor - they're curious but not aggressive, and they put up a steady, determined fight that's manageable for young anglers. They're also smart sharks with excellent vision, so they provide an educational experience about shark behavior. My local trick is using live or fresh dead bait near structure during incoming tides when they're actively hunting. Cut mullet or pinfish works great in the sandy areas they prefer.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbars are the gentle giants of our local shark scene, running 5-8 feet with that distinctive tall dorsal fin that makes them easy to spot. These brown-gray sharks love our sandy flats and shallow bays, typically hanging out in 60-200 feet of water along the continental shelf. They're perfect for families since they're completely safe and put up a solid fight without being overwhelming. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one when they're actively feeding on crabs, rays, and bottom fish. Kids love the steady, powerful pull these sharks provide - no crazy jumps, just honest muscle. What sets them apart is that heavy, robust build that makes every fight memorable. Pro tip: fresh bluegill or cut bait works wonders since it's oily and puts out plenty of scent. Set up on sandy bottom structure and let that smell drift - these sharks will find it.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are crowd favorites here in New Smyrna, especially with kids who love watching them leap and spin out of the water at crazy speeds - up to 46 mph! These slender, bronze-colored sharks average 6-7 feet and are perfect for family trips since they're completely harmless to humans. You'll find them in our nearshore waters under 100 feet deep, particularly during late winter and early spring when they follow baitfish schools. They hunt by charging through fish with their mouths wide open, spinning like corkscrews. What makes them fun to target is their acrobatic nature - once hooked, they'll often jump and spin trying to shake the hook. My go-to tip: use fresh bonito or mullet on the bottom since these sharks hunt primarily by smell, not sight. Their poor eyesight means a smelly bait works better than anything flashy.
New Smyrna Beach