Full Day Shark Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targets blacktip, bull, and bonnethead sharksProfessional Tampa Bay captains provide gear, licenses, and safety equipmentExtended fishing time covers productive waters with technique adjustments
There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of hooking into a powerful shark in the waters around St. Petersburg. This full-day private charter with Funked Up Fishing Charters puts you right in the heart of Tampa Bay's top shark fishing grounds, where seasoned captains know exactly where these apex predators patrol. You'll spend the entire day targeting some of Florida's most exciting shark species, including hard-fighting Blacktips and massive Bull sharks. With just two anglers max, you'll get personalized attention from your captain and plenty of room to work when the action heats up. This isn't a quick trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding and catching these incredible fish in one of the Gulf Coast's most productive fishing destinations.
Your day starts early when you meet your captain at the dock, where premium rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need are already rigged and ready. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – your captain can adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and where the fish are biting. You'll head out to proven shark territories, from deeper channels to structure-rich areas where these predators hunt. The extended time on the water means you can cover more ground, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working. Your captain will handle all the prep work, from cutting fresh bait to setting up the gear, so you can focus on what matters – getting your line in the water and staying ready for that screaming drag. Safety gear and fishing licenses are all included, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the long day ahead.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup and patience. Your captain will rig heavy-duty circle hooks with wire leaders – sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular line like butter. Fresh bait is key, and we're talking big chunks of cut fish that'll send out a scent trail these predators can't resist. You'll be fishing with stout rods that can handle the initial run when a shark picks up your bait and decides to head for deeper water. The technique involves letting your bait sit on the bottom or suspend it in the water column, depending on what species you're targeting and where they're feeding. When you get a bite, it's all about setting the hook properly and then holding on for what could be a 20-minute fight. Your captain will coach you through the entire process, from hook set to boat side, making sure you're positioned right and working the fish effectively.
Bull Sharks are the heavyweights you're really hoping to tangle with on this charter. These thick-bodied bruisers can easily push 200-300 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and stubborn fighting style. Bulls hang around Tampa Bay year-round, but summer months often produce the biggest fish as they move into shallower waters to feed and reproduce. What makes Bulls so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's their attitude. They don't give up easily, making multiple runs and using their bulk to try and break you off on structure. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, testing both your endurance and your tackle. Bulls are also one of the few shark species that readily move between salt and fresh water, so you might hook one that's been cruising up into the bay's river systems.
Blacktip Sharks bring a completely different kind of excitement to your day. While they might not have the raw power of a Bull shark, Blacktips are pure athletes – fast, acrobatic, and absolutely relentless fighters. These sharks are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Most Blacktips you'll encounter range from 30-80 pounds, making them perfect on medium-heavy tackle. They're most active during warmer months and often hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Blacktips have this nervous energy that keeps them moving constantly, and that translates into a fight that'll keep you on your toes from start to finish. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations.
This full-day shark fishing charter represents serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and their chances of hooking into something memorable. With a private boat, top-tier equipment, and a captain who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. The two-person limit means you'll never feel rushed or crowded, and the extended time gives you real opportunities to learn techniques you can use on future trips. St. Petersburg's location puts you within easy reach of multiple shark habitats, from grass flats where Bonnetheads cruise to deeper channels where the big Bulls patrol. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or add some serious fish photos to your collection, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you talking for years.
Your shark fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 24' Blazer Bay, powered by a robust 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the prime shark grounds around St. Petersburg quickly and smoothly. This 2018 motorboat handles Tampa Bay's waters with ease, giving you a stable platform to battle those hard-fighting Bulls, Blacktips, and Bonnetheads. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and land these powerful predators. The boat comes equipped with GPS to pinpoint the hottest spots, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder to locate baitfish and structure where sharks love to hunt. Built for Florida's inshore waters, this vessel puts you right where the action is while keeping you comfortable during those long fights with apex predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - known for their spectacular jumps that can reach 20+ feet out of the water. These sleek sharks average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet, with distinctive black-tipped fins that make them easy to identify. They cruise our shallow waters around 30-100 feet, often hanging near reefs and structure where baitfish gather. Peak season runs late spring through early fall when they're most active. What guests love is their energetic fight and those aerial shows - nothing beats watching one launch itself skyward. They can be a bit shy, so patience pays off. Pro tip: use oily baits like sardines or mackerel chunks, and don't be afraid to chum heavy - once you get their attention, the action can get wild fast.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of Tampa Bay waters - thick, powerful fish that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. What makes them special is their ability to move between salt and fresh water, so we find them in shallow coastal areas, rivers, and brackish zones year-round. They're aggressive feeders with broad, triangular teeth built for cutting. The fight is intense - these sharks don't give up easy and will test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps climb. My go-to trick is using fresh eel as bait - the high oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits. Cut mullet works too, but eel is money.
St. Petersburg, FL