Shark Fishing Fort Lauderdale - Big Game Action
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 3hour charter targets hammerhead, bull, thresher, and mako sharksCatchandrelease fishing supports shark research through scientific tagging effortsAll gear, bait, and licenses included for up to 6 guests
When you want to test your skills against some of the ocean's apex predators, this 3-hour shark fishing charter delivers the real deal. Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters are crawling with hammerheads, bulls, threshers, and makos - and we know exactly where to find them. This isn't your typical fishing trip where you hope something bites. We're targeting monsters that can stretch over 8 feet and tip the scales at 300+ pounds. Whether you've been chasing sharks for years or this is your first rodeo with big game species, our crew will put you on fish and make sure you're ready when one decides to eat your bait.
This top-rated charter runs exclusively as a private trip for up to 6 anglers, so you won't be fighting for rod time or dealing with crowds. We launch from Fort Lauderdale and make a quick run to productive shark grounds where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish patrol. The whole experience is catch-and-release focused, and we're actively involved in shark research through tagging programs - so your fish contributes to real conservation efforts. Don't worry about bringing anything except yourself and maybe some snacks. All the heavy tackle, circle hooks, wire leaders, and fresh bait are provided, plus your fishing licenses are covered. The boat fills up fast, especially during peak season, so booking ahead is smart if you want to guarantee your spot.
We fish with serious gear designed to handle serious fish. Think 80-pound class conventional reels spooled with heavy braid, paired with stout rods that can put pressure on a big shark without folding. Our terminal tackle is all business too - heavy wire leaders, razor-sharp circle hooks, and weights that'll get your bait down to where the sharks are cruising. We typically fish chunks of fresh bonita, mackerel, or barracuda on the bottom using a Carolina rig setup. The key is getting that scent trail working in the current and being patient while the sharks move in to investigate. When one picks up your bait, you'll know it - these fish don't nibble. The rod doubles over and line starts peeling off the reel like the ocean bottom just fell out. Our crew will coach you through the fight, help you manage the drag, and make sure you stay connected to the fish until we can get it boatside for photos and release.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of the shark world, hitting 40+ mph when they want to cover ground in a hurry. These silver bullets average 6-8 feet in Fort Lauderdale waters and are pure muscle from nose to tail. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and they'll absolutely destroy whatever bait you put in front of them. What makes makos special is their attitude - they fight like they're personally offended that you hooked them, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times during the battle.
Blacktip Sharks are year-round residents that love the warmer water closer to shore. They typically run 4-6 feet and are perfect for anglers wanting fast action without the marathon fight of a bigger shark. These guys are acrobatic fighters that'll jump and spin, trying every trick in the book to throw your hook. They're especially active during spring and summer months when baitfish are thick along the reefs and wrecks.
Tiger Sharks are the garbage disposals of the ocean, eating everything from fish to sea turtles to license plates. These broad-shouldered bruisers can push 10+ feet and 400+ pounds in our waters, making them the ultimate trophy for serious shark anglers. Summer and fall are prime time for tigers, and they're notorious for showing up just when you least expect them. The fight is more about power than speed - like being tied to a freight train that decided to take a tour of the ocean floor.
Bull Sharks are thick, aggressive, and built like underwater bulldozers. They average 6-8 feet locally but what they lack in length they make up for in attitude and bite force. Bulls are comfortable in shallow water and can be found year-round, though they're most active during the warmer months. These fish have zero sense of humor when hooked and will bull-dog their way around the bottom trying to find something to wrap your line around.
Thresher Sharks are the tail-slappers of the bunch, using their elongated upper tail fin like a whip to stun baitfish before eating them. They're less common than other species but when one shows up, you're in for a world-class fight. These sharks can reach 12+ feet with half that length being tail, and they're most likely to appear during cooler months when they move in closer to shore following bait schools.
This world-class shark fishing experience books up quickly, especially when word gets out that the bite is hot. Three hours might not sound like much, but when you're connected to a 200-pound bull shark that doesn't want to come to the boat, time moves differently. The combination of guaranteed action, top-notch equipment, and experienced crew makes this a customer favorite for both locals and visitors looking to check big game fishing off their bucket list. Fort Lauderdale's shark population is healthy and hungry, the boat is ready to roll, and the crew knows where to find them. All you need to do is show up ready to fight some fish and take home memories that'll last a lifetime.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing, known for jumping clean out of the water during fights. They run 4-6 feet on average, but we see some pushing 8+ feet around here. You'll find them patrolling reefs and ledges in 30-200 feet, especially around structure where baitfish gather. They're social feeders, so where there's one, there's usually more. Spring through summer is prime time when they're most active in our waters. What guests love is their explosive strikes and aerial displays - pure adrenaline when one goes airborne. These sharks can be a bit timid at first, but once they commit, they fight hard. My go-to technique is chumming with ground mackerel and herring, then using live sardines on 20-50 pound tackle with circle hooks. The oilier your bait, the better your chances.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers - thick, aggressive sharks that average 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What sets them apart is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water, so we sometimes find them in surprisingly shallow areas and even river mouths. They prefer depths from 10-150 feet around structure, inlets, and murky water where they ambush prey. Summer months are peak season when they're most active in our area. Anglers love them for their bulldogging fight - they don't jump much but they'll pull drag for a long time. These sharks are opportunistic feeders and will hit almost anything. The secret weapon is fresh eel - its high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook. Use 50-80 pound tackle with steel leaders and big circle hooks. Chum heavy and be patient.
Isurus OxyrinchusThese are the speed demons of the shark world, hitting 30+ mph and famous for their aerial shows when hooked. Makos average 8-13 feet and 130-300 pounds, with that classic pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. They cruise the open waters year-round here, but spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. What makes them special is that fight - they'll leap 20 feet out of the water and give you everything they've got for hours. We fish them in 200-1000 feet of water, usually over the continental shelf. Pro tip: use fresh bluefish on a circle hook with heavy wire leader. Once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack - they're smart enough to use your own boat against you to break free.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the gladiators of shark fishing, famous for that massive tail that's nearly as long as their body. These beauties average 12-16 feet and 400-500 pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun baitfish at 50+ mph. We find them in 200-2000 feet of water over the continental shelf, usually following schools of mackerel and sardines. Late spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 60-70°F. What makes them special is their unique hunting style and the fight they put up - pure athletic power. Despite their size, they have surprisingly small mouths, so we use 8/0 circle hooks with fresh mackerel or sardines. Here's the trick: fish your bait 25-50 feet down where they're actively hunting, and use a 16-ounce sinker to get there fast. Once hooked, these fish will test every inch of your tackle.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the heavyweights with attitude - true apex predators that can hit 800-1400 pounds and stretch 11-14 feet. The big females can push 16+ feet and over a ton. You'll recognize them by those dark stripes that fade as they age. These nomads patrol deeper waters around 300-1000 feet but move shallow to feed, sometimes in just 50-100 feet over reefs. They're active year-round in South Florida, but summer months bring the best action. What draws anglers is their raw power and the challenge - they're strong, smart, and stubborn. Tigers will eat anything, making them easier to hook than some species. For best results, use cut tuna, mackerel, or bluefish on heavy tackle - 100-pound test minimum with big circle hooks. The key is patience; let them take the bait and run before setting the hook.
Pompano Beach