Shark Fishing in Destin with Flowing Water Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sharks including hammerheads, bulls, tigers, and blacktips offshoreCaptain Robert provides all equipment, rods, and bait neededSmall group experience with maximum six guests per charter
When you're talking about serious shark fishing on the Gulf Coast, Captain Robert and Flowing Water Charters have earned their reputation the hard way – by putting anglers on fish day after day. This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip where you're hoping for a decent snapper. We're heading offshore to tangle with some of the ocean's apex predators, and trust me, once you feel that first big shark pick up your bait and make a screaming run, you'll understand why this has become one of Destin's most sought-after fishing experiences. With everything provided and a maximum of just six anglers per trip, you're getting the personalized attention that makes all the difference when you're battling a bull shark or trying to land your first hammerhead.
Captain Robert runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to find the big boys when they're feeding. We'll head out to the productive offshore waters where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagic species cruise looking for an easy meal. The boat's rigged specifically for shark fishing – heavy tackle, circle hooks, wire leaders, and all the gear you need to handle fish that can easily top 100 pounds. You don't need to bring anything except sunscreen, drinks, and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included on this trip. The captain provides all rods, reels, bait, and tackle, plus he'll handle the wire leaders and unhooking – which is definitely something you want an experienced hand doing when you're dealing with a tiger shark's business end. The atmosphere on board is relaxed but focused. Everyone's watching their rod tips, waiting for that telltale tap-tap-pull that signals a shark has found your bait.
Shark fishing is all about patience and the right presentation. We'll be using a combination of drift fishing and anchored fishing depending on conditions and where the fish are showing up. The standard rig is a fish finder setup with a heavy sinker, steel leader, and big circle hooks loaded with fresh cut bait – usually bonito, mackerel, or whatever oily fish we can get our hands on. The key is getting that scent trail in the water and letting it drift back to where the sharks are patrolling. Captain Robert's got the electronics to mark structure and baitfish, but shark fishing is more about reading water conditions, wind direction, and understanding how scent disperses in the current. We'll have multiple lines out at different depths, and when something picks up the bait, it's game on. These fish don't mess around – they'll take line off your reel faster than you can believe, and the fight is all about leverage, patience, and keeping steady pressure without forcing the issue.
Dusky sharks are some of the most underrated fighters in these waters, and they're surprisingly common once you know where to look. These guys average 4-6 feet but can push 8 feet and 200 pounds when you find a mature female. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and they fight with a steady, bulldogging power that'll test your endurance. What makes duskies special is their tenacity – they don't give up easy, and they'll use every bit of structure and current to try to break you off. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that classic shark profile that photographs really well before release.
Shortfin makos are the holy grail of Gulf shark fishing, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These are the speed demons of the shark world, capable of jumping completely out of the water and making runs that'll empty your spool in seconds. Makos show up mostly in the warmer months when the water temperature hits that sweet spot above 75 degrees. They're also one of the few sharks that regularly feed during daylight hours, which works perfectly for our charter schedule. A decent mako will go 80-150 pounds, but the big females can push 300 pounds or more. The fight is explosive – expect jumps, long runs, and a battle that can last 45 minutes or more.
Blacktip sharks are probably the most consistent species we'll encounter, especially during their annual migration from February through April. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, and even a smaller 30-40 pound blacktip will jump multiple times and give you a workout. They're also one of the more aggressive feeders, so they'll often be the first to find your bait. Blacktips are perfect for first-time shark anglers because they're manageable size-wise but still give you that authentic shark fishing experience with their aerial displays and strong initial runs.
Tiger sharks are the bruisers of the bunch – broad, powerful, and absolutely relentless once they're hooked. These fish are most active in the warmer months and prefer to feed at dawn and dusk, though we've caught them throughout the day. Tigers are known for their incredibly strong jaws and varied diet, which makes them willing to hit just about any bait you put down. A good tiger will range from 6-10 feet and 150-400 pounds, and the fight is all about raw power rather than speed. They'll sound deep and use their weight against you, making this a true test of angling skill and endurance.
Lemon sharks are the sleepers that often surprise anglers with their fight and their beauty. These yellowish-brown sharks are most common in the spring and early summer, and they have a habit of making long, sustained runs that really test your drag system. Lemons average 5-7 feet and can weigh 100-200 pounds when fully mature. What's cool about lemon sharks is their intelligence – they're one of the more curious species and will sometimes circle the boat multiple times before committing to the bait. The fight is steady and strong without the explosive runs of a mako, making them perfect for anglers who want to experience a longer battle.
Bull sharks
Get ready to hunt some serious sharks aboard this powerful 32' Sailfish Express! Twin 300HP Suzuki engines push this fishing machine to 40 knots, getting you to the shark grounds fast. Captain Robert's got this 2008 beauty loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for precise navigation, plus a wireless trolling motor for those quiet approaches. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably and comes equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool between battles, onboard fridge and icebox for cold drinks and fresh bait storage, plus a full galley when you work up an appetite. There's even a bed, shower, and head onboard for longer shark hunts. Whether you're after hammerheads, bull sharks, tigers, or blacktips in Destin's productive waters, this setup gives you the speed to reach prime shark territory and the comfort to fish hard all day. Captain Robert provides all rods, tackle, and bait - just bring your appetite for some serious shark action in the Gulf!
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect starter sharks for folks new to shark fishing, averaging 4-6 feet with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. These guys are pretty common in our Gulf waters, hanging around in 30-100 feet over sandy bottoms and near artificial reefs. They're most active spring through early fall when the water's warm. What's fun about blacktips is their acrobatic nature - they'll jump and spin when hooked, putting on quite a show. They're also known for their excitable feeding behavior, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The meat's decent for shark steaks too. My go-to technique is chumming with ground mackerel and using live sardines or cut bait on 20-30lb tackle. These sharks can be a bit timid, so keep the boat noise down and let them come to you.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the aggressive bruisers of the shark world, thick-bodied and powerful, typically running 7-11 feet and 200-300 pounds. These gray torpedoes can handle both saltwater and freshwater, so you'll find them from the beaches out to deeper water. They love shallow bays, river mouths, and coastal waters under 100 feet. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding in warmer water. Bulls are popular because they fight dirty - strong initial runs followed by stubborn, bulldogging battles. They're also one of the more common sharks we see, so your chances are good. The meat's solid eating if you handle it right. My secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy. Cut mullet, bonito, or whole small fish work great too on 40-60lb gear. Fish near structure or drop-offs where they ambush prey, and don't be surprised if they grab your bait aggressively.
Carcharhinus ObscurusDusky sharks are some of the most impressive predators you'll encounter off Destin, growing up to 11 feet and weighing 200+ pounds. These bronze-colored sharks have that classic sleek look with long pectoral fins and triangular teeth. They cruise the deeper waters around 100-400 feet, often following the continental shelf where they hunt everything from tuna to rays. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking one when they're actively feeding. What makes duskies special is their sheer power - they'll test your drag and make long runs that'll get your heart pumping. The meat's actually pretty good eating too. My tip: use fresh chunk bait like bonito or mackerel on a 50lb setup, and be patient. These sharks are smart and will circle your bait before committing. Once hooked though, hang on tight.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are distinctive yellow-bronze colored sharks that typically run 6-10 feet and make for great Gulf fishing targets. These stocky sharks prefer shallow sandy areas, grass flats, and around structure in 20-80 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months from April through October, especially around dawn and dusk. What guests love about lemons is their strong, steady fight - not as flashy as some species but they'll pull drag consistently. They're also pretty curious sharks that will investigate your boat. The meat's decent table fare too. Lemons have excellent senses, so fresh bait is key. I like using live or cut mullet, bonito, or jack crevalle on 30-50lb tackle with circle hooks. Set up near sandy areas with some structure nearby - lemons patrol these zones looking for stingrays and small fish. Keep your bait near the bottom where they typically feed.
Isurus OxyrinchusMakos are the speed demons of the shark world - fastest species out there hitting 30+ mph and capable of jumping 20 feet out of the water. These beauties average 8-12 feet but can push 14 feet and 300+ pounds. You'll find them in the deeper blue water beyond the shelf, usually cruising near the surface but diving to 400+ feet when hunting. Warmer months from May through October are prime time when they're chasing tuna and mackerel offshore. What draws anglers is the pure adrenaline - makos are known for their aerial displays and boat-jumping antics when hooked. The meat's excellent too, some of the best shark eating. Pro tip: use a 50lb+ setup with wire leaders and live bluefish or bonito for bait. When you hook one, keep it away from the boat - they've been known to jump right in with you!
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators that serious shark anglers dream about - massive sharks reaching 12-16 feet and 800-1400 pounds with those distinctive dark stripes. These nomadic hunters patrol deeper waters around 200-1000 feet but will move shallow to feed, especially at night. Summer and early fall are your best bets when they're most active in the Gulf. What makes tigers special is their incredible strength and endurance - they're slow but powerful fighters that'll test every piece of your gear. Plus, they'll eat just about anything, making them exciting to target. The bigger females can be true giants. For tigers, you need serious tackle - 100lb test minimum with 10/0 circle hooks and wire leaders. Fresh tuna, mackerel, or bluefish chunks work great. Be patient and keep a steady chum line going - when a tiger shows up, you'll know it.
Destin