Shark Fishing Florida Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target multiple shark species in Gulf of Mexico watersCaptain Shaun leads expert Team True Blue fishing operationsOffshore charter accommodates up to four guests maximum
Ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf's most powerful predators? This shark fishing charter out of Florida puts you face-to-face with apex hunters that'll give you the fight of a lifetime. Captain Shaun knows these waters like the back of his hand – he's part of the respected Team True Blue shark fishing crew, and trust me, that means something in these parts. We're talking about heading into prime Gulf of Mexico territory where massive sharks patrol year-round, waiting to smash your bait and take you for a ride.
Picture this: you're 20-30 miles offshore in the deep blue Gulf, where the continental shelf drops off and the big boys cruise. This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – we're hunting sharks that can stretch 6-10 feet and fight like locomotives. Captain Shaun runs a tight ship with space for up to 4 anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention when the action heats up. The boat's rigged specifically for shark fishing with heavy tackle, wire leaders, and circle hooks that'll handle whatever decides to bite. Don't worry about bringing lunch – most folks are too pumped up on adrenaline to eat much anyway. Just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between battles.
We fish with serious gear out here – 50-80 pound class rods matched with high-capacity reels spooled with braided line. Captain Shaun rigs up steel leaders because shark teeth will slice through mono like butter. The technique is straightforward but effective: we anchor up over structure or drift likely areas while deploying multiple baits at different depths. Fresh bonito, mackerel, or whatever baitfish we can catch works best. Circle hooks are the name of the game – they hook sharks in the corner of the mouth for better survival rates and easier releases. When a shark picks up your bait, let it run for 10-15 seconds before engaging the drag. These fish have incredible power, so expect 20-30 minute fights on the bigger specimens. Captain Shaun will coach you through the whole process, from setting the hook to proper handling techniques.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the bunch – these silver bullets can hit 45 mph and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures sit between 68-78 degrees. Makos average 6-8 feet in our area and fight harder pound-for-pound than almost any fish in the Gulf. Their acrobatic displays and blistering runs make them a top target for serious anglers.
Bonnethead Sharks might be the smallest on our target list at 2-4 feet, but they're scrappy fighters and great for getting kids or nervous first-timers comfortable with shark fishing. These guys are around year-round in shallower waters, often feeding on crabs and shrimp. They've got this unique shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable, and they're actually pretty docile once you get them to the boat.
Blacktip Sharks are absolute workhorses – they show up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations, typically running 4-6 feet. These sharks love to jump and spin when hooked, putting on quite a show for everyone on board. They're aggressive feeders and will often compete with each other for baits, leading to multiple hookups that'll have everyone scrambling.
Tiger Sharks are the ultimate prize – these apex predators can stretch 10-12 feet and weigh several hundred pounds. Summer months bring the biggest tigers into our area, and they'll eat absolutely anything. Their distinctive stripes and massive size make them bucket-list fish for most anglers. Be prepared for an epic battle that could last an hour or more.
Bull Sharks are pure muscle and attitude packed into a 6-8 foot frame. They're around year-round but most active in warmer months. Bulls are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style – they don't give up easily. These sharks can venture into surprisingly shallow water, making them one of the most adaptable species we target.
Look, if you want to experience some of the best shark fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer, this charter delivers. Captain Shaun's reputation speaks for itself, and the Gulf of Mexico consistently produces world-class shark action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone who's always wanted to tangle with an apex predator, this trip checks all the boxes. The memories you'll make battling these incredible fish will last a lifetime, and the stories you'll tell afterward will get better each time you share them. Don't wait around – prime shark fishing dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your spot today and get ready to find out what it feels like when something with 300 million years of evolution decides to eat your bait.
This 2007 Cape Horn 22-footer is built for serious shark fishing in the Gulf waters. The center console design gives you plenty of room to work when battling those big predators, while the powerful 250HP Yamaha gets you to the hotspots fast - cruising at speeds up to 45 knots. Captain Shaun keeps this boat tournament-ready with all the essentials: fish finder to mark the sharks below, GPS for pinpoint navigation to productive waters, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking fish. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's room to spread out when multiple lines are screaming. Perfect setup for targeting the variety of shark species prowling these Florida waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - famous for their spectacular jumps and that classic shark look with black-tipped fins. Running 4-6 feet typically, they're perfect mid-sized sharks that pack serious attitude. Find them around artificial reefs and structure in 30-200 feet, especially spring through fall when they're actively feeding. They love mackerel, sardines, and herring, so we chum heavy with oily fish to get them fired up. What guests love most? These guys are excitable and will absolutely launch themselves out of the water during the fight - sometimes landing right in the boat! They school up and can create feeding frenzies when the bite gets hot. Your best bet is fresh sardines on circle hooks with 20-50 pound braided line. Get ready for some serious aerial action.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead around, bonnetheads are perfect for families and first-time shark anglers. These shy little guys run 3-4 feet and stay close to shore in shallow bays and grass flats. You'll find them schooling in 3-15 feet of water, especially during their winter migration here from the Carolinas. They're harmless and fight with surprising spunk for their size - great for kids to experience that classic shark tug without the intensity of bigger species. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding on crabs and small fish in the shallows. Their spade-shaped heads make them unique in photos. Best bait? Fresh blue crab cut in half - hook it through a leg and let that natural scent do the work. They can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are pound-for-pound the strongest sharks we target - thick, aggressive, and built like underwater bulldozers. These 8-12 footers pack 200-300 pounds of pure muscle and attitude. They're unique because they can handle freshwater, often pushing up rivers and into brackish areas where other sharks can't go. Summer brings the best action when they cruise shallow coastal waters hunting everything from stingray to mullet. What guests love? Raw power - bulls don't jump much but they'll drag you around for hours with bulldozer-style runs. They're opportunistic feeders, so we use everything from cut mackerel to whole mullet. The secret weapon? Fresh eel - its high oil content and tough skin makes it irresistible and stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-13 feet and 200-300 pounds, but can hit 1,300+ pounds. They cruise surface waters year-round here in the Gulf, especially spring through fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them special? They're the only shark that regularly jumps 20 feet out of the water during fights - and sometimes right into the boat! Expect blistering runs at 30+ mph and aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. We target them with heavy tackle, wire leaders, and fresh tuna or mackerel. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your head on a swivel - they're smart enough to use the boat to break your line by circling underneath us.
Galeocerdo CuvierThe ocean's garbage disposal - tigers will eat literally anything and grow massive doing it. These apex predators average 11-14 feet and 800-1,400 pounds, with big females pushing 16+ feet. They cruise deep structure and reefs but come shallow to feed, especially at night. Those distinctive tiger stripes fade with age, but the attitude stays fierce. Summer through fall is prime time when they move into our warmer Gulf waters following baitfish. What makes them special? Pure brute strength - once hooked, they use their massive bulk and power to test every piece of your tackle. We fish them with 100-pound mono, heavy circle hooks, and big baits like whole mackerel or tuna chunks. Pro tip: patience wins with tigers - they're ambush predators that take their time, so let them run with the bait before setting the hook.
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