6 Hour Sunset Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour sunset charter targets multiple shark species offshoreCaptain DJ provides all equipment, bait, and fishing licensesEvening departure offers calm waters and spectacular Gulf views
Get ready for some serious line-pulling action with Captain DJ on this world-class sunset shark fishing trip out of the Gulf of Mexico. Starting at 4:00 PM, you'll spend six hours targeting some of the most powerful predators swimming off Florida's coast. This charter accommodates up to four anglers, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and plenty of elbow room at the rail. With heavy tackle, fresh bait, and an experienced crew guiding every hookup, you're in for battles that'll have your arms burning and your heart racing long after the sun dips below the horizon.
Captain DJ knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over productive shark grounds where the big predators cruise for their evening meal. The afternoon departure gives you the best of both worlds – daylight fishing action followed by that magic hour when sharks really start to feed aggressively. You'll watch the crew set heavy circle hooks with chunks of fresh mullet, mackerel, or whatever bait is running hot that day. The boat stays positioned over structure or current breaks where sharks patrol, and it's just a matter of time before something big decides your offering looks like dinner. The evening calm makes fighting fish even more enjoyable, and there's nothing quite like watching a shark's dorsal fin slice through glassy water as it makes its first run.
This isn't your typical inshore setup – shark fishing demands serious gear that can handle fish weighing hundreds of pounds. Captain DJ rigs 7/0 and 8/0 circle hooks on 80-100 pound leaders, spooled with heavy braided line that won't snap when a bull shark decides to peel drag. The crew handles all the rigging, bait prep, and wire leaders, so you can focus on the fun part. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll feel that unmistakable weight and steady pull before the fish realizes it's hooked. That's when the real action starts – these fish don't give up easy, and even smaller sharks will test your endurance with long, powerful runs. The crew talks you through proper fighting technique, showing you how to pump and wind effectively while keeping steady pressure on the fish. All rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses come included, so just bring your appetite for adventure.
The Gulf of Mexico off Florida's coast serves up an incredible variety of shark species, each with its own personality and fighting style. Bonnethead sharks are the most common catch, ranging from 2-4 feet and perfect for younger anglers or anyone new to shark fishing. These smaller sharks still put up a respectable fight and their unique shovel-shaped heads make for great photos. Blacktip sharks bring serious speed and acrobatics to the table – these athletic fish often jump multiple times during the fight, showing off their sleek silver sides and distinctive black-tipped fins. They typically run 3-6 feet in these waters and pull drag like fish twice their size. Lemon sharks are the bulldozers of the bunch, using their broad bodies and powerful tails to make long, stubborn runs that test both angler and equipment. Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge – thick, aggressive, and incredibly strong, they're the fish that separate casual anglers from serious shark hunters. Tiger sharks are the wildcards, showing up less frequently but delivering unforgettable encounters when they do. These apex predators can exceed 10 feet and provide battles that last well over an hour.
Bonnethead sharks are active year-round in Gulf waters but peak during summer months when water temperatures climb into the 80s. These unique sharks prefer shallow flats and grass beds during the day, moving into deeper water as evening approaches. What makes them special is their diet – they're one of the few sharks that actually eat seagrass along with crabs and small fish. Blacktip sharks show up in numbers from April through October, with the best action typically happening during their spring and fall migrations. These sharks are built for speed, capable of reaching 25 mph in short bursts, which explains their spectacular jumping ability. They're also incredibly curious, often following the boat and investigating baits before committing to a bite.
Lemon sharks are year-round residents that really turn on during warmer months. These sharks can live over 25 years and grow to impressive sizes, with some Gulf specimens exceeding 8 feet. They're known for their intelligence and have been observed using coordinated hunting strategies. Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions, preferring warmer water from late spring through early fall. These sharks can tolerate fresh water better than most species, sometimes traveling far up rivers to feed. Their bite force exceeds 1,300 pounds per square inch – stronger than most other shark species. Tiger sharks are the ultimate prize fish, most active during summer months in deeper Gulf waters. They're called the "wastebasket of the sea" because they'll eat almost anything, including other sharks, sea turtles, and even license plates.
Captain DJ's sunset shark fishing charter delivers everything serious anglers want – top-rated equipment, productive fishing grounds, and the expertise to put you on fish. The 6-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species as conditions change throughout the evening. With all gear, bait, and licenses included, this customer favorite represents outstanding value for groups looking to experience Gulf Coast shark fishing at its finest. The intimate 4-person capacity ensures everyone gets hands-on time with the rods and personal attention from the crew. Whether you're introducing kids to big game fishing or looking for your next personal best, this charter combines the best fishing action with one of nature's most beautiful shows as the sun sets over the Gulf. Book your trip now and get ready for some arm-burning, drag-screaming action that'll have you planning your next shark fishing adventure before you even reach the dock.
The 2024 Twin Vee 340 GFX catamaran cuts through Gulf waters with twin Mercury 400 V10 engines, delivering you to prime shark fishing grounds fast. This stable platform gives you solid footing when battling big fish, while the spacious deck provides plenty of room for multiple anglers to work their lines. Kick back on bean bag seating during the ride out, then get ready for action as Captain DJ positions the boat using the wireless trolling motor for quiet approaches. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish that draw sharks, while GPS and radar keep you on course even as daylight fades. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the 6-hour trip, and the onboard toilet means no cutting fishing time short. With comfortable seating and ample fishing space, this catamaran handles Gulf swells smoothly while giving you the stable platform needed to land those powerful sharks as the sun sets over Florida waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are real crowd pleasers with those distinctive dark-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clean out of the water when hooked. They average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet, and they've got plenty of attitude packed into that streamlined body. You'll find them cruising in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure where they hunt mackerel, herring, and croakers. They're year-round residents here, but spring through fall gives you the best shots when they're most active. What guests love is their aerial show - these sharks will leap 20 feet high trying to throw the hook. They're also pretty sociable, so where you catch one, there's usually more around. My go-to trick is using oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and don't be surprised if they get so excited they try jumping right into the boat.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll encounter, running 3-4 feet on average with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're pretty docile compared to other sharks and travel in schools of 10-15, which makes for steady action once we locate them. These guys love our shallow Gulf waters, especially around grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt crabs and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time as they migrate down from the Carolinas seeking warmer water. What makes them fun to target is they'll put up a solid scrap on medium tackle without being too intimidating for newer anglers. Fresh blue crab cut in half works best - thread your hook right through one of the legs and let that scent trail do the work.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate power fighters - thick, muscular sharks that average 8-10 feet and can weigh 300+ pounds of pure aggression. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them in river mouths, bays, and coastal waters year-round. They prefer shallow areas under 100 feet where they ambush prey. Summer brings the best action when they move into our warmer Gulf waters to feed and breed. Guests love the challenge because bulls fight harder than just about any shark - no fancy jumps, just raw bulldozing power that'll test your back and tackle. They're also opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit most baits. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are some of the most cooperative sharks we target, with their bright yellow coloring making them easy to spot in clear water. They typically run 6-8 feet and have a stocky build that gives them serious pulling power. These sharks love our shallow coastal waters, hanging around mangroves, grass flats, and sandy bottoms in 10-50 feet. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What guests appreciate is their willingness to take bait and their strong, steady fights without the crazy jumps. They're also pretty social, often traveling in small groups. Lemons have excellent eyesight compared to other sharks, so fresh, lively bait works best - pinfish, grunts, or cut mullet. Here's the trick: fish your baits right on the bottom since lemons are bottom feeders that cruise low looking for crabs and fish.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators you really want to tangle with - massive, powerful fish that can stretch 12-16 feet and top 1,500 pounds. They're built like underwater tanks with those famous dark stripes that fade as they age. These nomadic hunters cruise our deeper Gulf waters, usually 100+ feet, but they'll come shallow to feed, especially at dusk and dawn. Summer months are best when they follow warm currents closer to shore. What makes them special is the sheer power - a hooked tiger will test every piece of your tackle and your endurance. They're also total garbage disposals, eating anything that moves. For bait, big chunks of tuna, mackerel, or bluefish work great on heavy circle hooks. The key is patience - tigers are slow cruisers that rely on stealth, so let that bait soak and be ready for a serious fight when they find it.
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