5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Shark Fishing in Destin
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4-hour afternoon shark fishing trip targeting bull and blacktip sharksExpert crew provides top-tier gear and guidance for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum 6 guests per charter
If you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, this 4-hour afternoon shark fishing trip off Destin is exactly what you're looking for. Captain Greg and his crew at Full Contact Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on sharks that'll get your heart pumping and your drag screaming. We're talking Bull Sharks, Blacktips, Tigers, and even the occasional Mako - all within reach of Destin's productive offshore waters. With a maximum of 6 anglers per trip, you'll get the personal attention and coaching you need to land the shark of a lifetime, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip - shark fishing is a whole different ballgame that requires patience, strategy, and nerves of steel. We'll head out into the Gulf's deeper waters where the big predators cruise, usually setting up in 60 to 120 feet of water depending on conditions and what species we're targeting. The afternoon departure gives us perfect timing to fish into the evening hours when sharks become more active and aggressive. Captain Greg runs a tight ship with top-shelf Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, because when a 200-pound Bull Shark decides to make a run, you need gear that can handle the punishment. The crew handles all the rigging, chumming, and boat positioning - your job is to stay alert, follow instructions, and be ready when that rod tip goes down.
Shark fishing is all about the right presentation and having your game face on when things get wild. We'll be using a combination of live bait and fresh cut baits, depending on what the sharks are showing interest in that day. The crew will set up a proper chum slick to draw sharks into the area, then deploy multiple lines at different depths using circle hooks and heavy wire leaders. You'll be fishing with 50 to 80-pound class tackle - heavy enough to handle serious fish but still sporting enough to feel every head shake and run. The key is letting the shark take the bait and run with it before setting the hook, then settling in for what could be a 20-minute fight with a fish that has no intention of giving up easy. Captain Greg and deckhand Hunter will coach you through every step, from the initial hookup to the final leader grab at the boat.
"Captain Greg was a go getter. Caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Well recommended and I will definitely be scheduling another trip out wiHunter! Deckhand hunter was absolutely amazing. He worked his butt off to make sure we were set the entire time.Thanks Captain Greg and deckhand hunter!" - Jared
Bull Sharks are the bruisers of Destin's waters and probably the most exciting shark you can tangle with on this trip. These thick-bodied predators average 6 to 8 feet but can push 10 feet and 400 pounds when you hook into a real tank. Bulls are active year-round in the Gulf but peak from May through October when water temperatures climb. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and incredible power - a Bull Shark will test every knot, every connection, and every ounce of your stamina. They're also known for their unpredictable behavior, sometimes making long runs toward deeper water or charging straight back at the boat.
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the group and put on some of the best shows you'll see on the water. These sleek sharks typically run 4 to 6 feet and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Blacktips move through Destin's waters in large schools, especially during their spring and fall migrations, making them one of the most reliable species to target. They're perfect for newer shark anglers because they fight hard but are manageable on medium-heavy tackle. When a Blacktip goes airborne - and they will - you'll understand why so many anglers get hooked on shark fishing after their first encounter with these athletic fish.
Tiger Sharks are the apex predators that serious shark anglers dream about. These massive sharks can reach 12+ feet and 800+ pounds, with distinctive dark stripes that give them their name. Tigers are less common but when they show up, they make their presence known with runs that can peel off 200 yards of line in seconds. Summer months offer the best Tiger Shark action in Destin's waters, particularly around structure and drop-offs where they hunt for rays and large fish. Landing a Tiger Shark is a bucket-list achievement that requires teamwork, patience, and respect for what is truly one of the ocean's most formidable predators.
Lemon Sharks are the golden ghosts of the Gulf, with their distinctive yellowish coloration and preference for shallower waters near structure. These sharks typically range from 6 to 9 feet and are known for their endurance rather than blazing speed. Lemons are smart fish that often require finesse in your presentation, but once hooked they provide steady, determined fights that can last 30 minutes or more. They're most active during warmer months and are often found around artificial reefs and wrecks where baitfish concentrate. Many anglers consider Lemon Sharks underrated fighters that deserve more respect in the shark fishing community.
Shortfin Mako Sharks represent the holy grail of offshore shark fishing - the fastest shark in the ocean and pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish you can hook. Makos are built for speed with their torpedo-shaped bodies and can hit 40+ mph when making runs. These sharks prefer deeper, clearer water and are more commonly encountered during cooler months when they move closer to shore following bait schools. A Mako on
Hit the offshore waters of Destin aboard this fully restored 38ft Luhrs cruiser, your ticket to prime shark fishing grounds. Twin 485HP Detroit engines push this beauty at 25 knots, getting you to where the bull sharks and blacktips are biting without wasting precious fishing time. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, with A/C to beat the Florida heat between hookups and a flybridge that gives you the perfect vantage point to spot fins cutting through the water. Fish finder technology helps locate the action while the onboard kitchen and fridge keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. GPS and radar ensure safe navigation to the hottest fishing spots, while the head and sleeping quarters mean you're covered for longer battles with these apex predators. This isn't just transportation – it's your floating command center for targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after game fish.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most fun sharks to target around here. They average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet, and you'll know them by those distinctive black-tipped fins. These guys love our shallow waters, usually hanging in 30-100 feet around structure and muddy bays. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding on mackerel, sardines, and croaker. What guests love about blacktips is their personality - they're excitable and will put on a show, jumping and spinning when hooked. They're also pretty social, so where you find one, there's usually more. The fight is spirited but manageable for most anglers. Here's the trick: use oily baits like fresh sardines or mackerel chunks, and don't be afraid to chum heavy. Once you get them fired up, they'll compete for your bait.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are probably the most respected predator we target - thick, powerful, and absolutely fearless. These bruisers average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them everywhere from deep gulf waters to near shore around structure. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. Guests love the challenge because bulls are notorious fighters - they'll make long, powerful runs and don't give up easy. Plus there's that reputation factor that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. For bait, fresh eel is absolute gold if you can get it - the oil content drives them crazy. Otherwise, big chunks of mackerel or mullet work great. Fish heavy tackle and keep your drag tight once you set the hook. Bulls will test every piece of your gear.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our more reliable targets, especially for anglers wanting a solid fight without the chaos of bigger species. They typically run 6-8 feet and have that distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. You'll find them in shallower water around grass flats, channels, and near structure in 20-80 feet. Spring through fall is best when they're actively hunting crabs, small fish, and rays. Guests appreciate lemons because they're strong fighters but predictable - no crazy jumps or line-burning runs. They're also curious fish that respond well to chum. The meat's decent if you're looking to keep one within regulations. Best approach is bottom fishing with fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel. Keep your bait right on the bottom and be patient - lemons like to investigate before they commit to eating.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe mako is hands down the fastest shark you'll encounter off Destin - these torpedoes can hit 30+ mph and leap 20 feet out of the water. Most run 8-13 feet and 130-300 pounds, but they pack serious muscle. You'll find them in open water, usually near the surface where the water's blue and clean. Summer through early fall gives you the best shot when water temps are up. What makes makos special is that fight - they're smart, strong, and absolutely relentless once hooked. They'll jump, run, and even try to use your boat to break free. The meat's actually pretty good too. Pro tip: always use heavy wire leaders and circle hooks, and keep that drag loose at first. When they make their initial run, let them go or they'll snap your line every time.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators that keep everyone on their toes. These massive sharks can reach 14-16 feet and over 1,000 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes that fade as they age. Around Destin, we find them in deeper water during the day, but they'll move shallow to hunt at night. Summer into early fall is your best window when water temps are warm. What makes tigers special is their reputation - they're powerful, unpredictable, and will eat just about anything. The fight is a true test of your gear and patience. Most guests target them for the bragging rights and that once-in-a-lifetime photo. You'll need heavy tackle - 100-pound test minimum. My go-to trick is using fresh mackerel or bluefish chunks on the bottom, and always fish with a long wire leader. These guys have teeth that'll cut through anything else.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Greg was a go getter. Caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Well recommended and I will definitely be scheduling another ...
Destin