3 Hour Shark Fishing Trip - Islamorada, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target lemon, blacktip, nurse, and spinner sharks inshoreSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboardThreehour fishing adventure in Florida Keys waters
When you're looking for a fishing adventure that gets your heart pumping, nothing beats going after sharks in the crystal-clear waters around Islamorada. This top-rated 3-hour charter puts you right in the action, targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Florida Keys. You'll be fishing the productive inshore waters where Lemon, Blacktip, Nurse, and Spinner sharks cruise year-round, making this one of the best trips for anglers who want something different from the usual reef fish routine.
Your shark fishing adventure starts from the world-class fishing destination of Islamorada, where J&F eXcursions has built a reputation for putting clients on fish. This isn't your typical day of bottom fishing – we're talking serious predator hunting in some of the most productive shark waters in South Florida. The trip accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work and won't feel crowded when the action heats up. The backcountry flats and channels around Islamorada are perfect for this type of fishing, with depths ranging from shallow grass flats to deeper cuts where sharks patrol looking for easy meals. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with mangrove islands and pristine waters that make the Keys famous, but once you feel that first shark take your bait, the views become secondary to the fight.
Shark fishing requires a different approach than most inshore angling, and your captain knows exactly how to set you up for success. We're talking heavy tackle – think 50-80 pound class gear that can handle the runs these fish are known for. The technique involves setting up a proper shark rig with circle hooks, steel leaders, and chunk baits that really get their attention. Fresh cut bait is key, and your guide will have the good stuff – bonito, mackerel, or whatever's been producing lately. You'll learn the art of the slow troll and strategic anchor fishing, positioning the boat where sharks are most likely to be hunting. The beauty of fishing around Islamorada is the variety of structure – from shallow flats where Blacktips cruise to deeper channels that hold the bigger Lemons. Your captain will read the conditions, tide, and time of day to put you in the best spots, and trust me, when a shark decides to eat, you'll know it immediately.
Lemon Sharks are the crown jewel of this fishery and exactly why so many anglers choose this charter. These impressive predators can reach 6-8 feet in the Keys waters and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Lemons are most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round, especially around structure and in the backcountry channels. What makes them special is their intelligence – they're curious fish that will often circle the boat, giving you an up-close look before deciding to bite. When hooked, they make blistering runs and aren't quick to give up, making for some seriously memorable fights that test both your tackle and your endurance.
Spinner Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and catching one is pure excitement from start to finish. These sleek predators get their name from their tendency to literally spin out of the water when hooked, putting on an aerial display that's unlike anything else in fishing. They typically run 4-6 feet in these waters and are most active during the spring and summer months when baitfish are abundant. Spinners are fast, aggressive feeders that will absolutely smoke a drag when they take off. The fight is intense but usually shorter than a Lemon, and watching one leap and spin is something that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Blacktip Sharks are probably the most common species you'll encounter, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're boring. These sharks are pure energy, known for making multiple jumps when hooked and providing non-stop action. They're typically smaller than Lemons, ranging from 3-5 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Blacktips are year-round residents that love the shallow flats and are often the first species of the day. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and are great for building confidence before targeting the bigger sharks. Their distinctive black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and they're notorious for taking baits meant for other species, which keeps every cast interesting.
This customer favorite 3-hour shark fishing trip offers everything you want in a Keys fishing adventure – world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and the chance to battle some of the ocean's most respected predators. Whether you're an experienced angler looking for your next challenge or someone who wants to try something completely different, this charter delivers the kind of memories that keep people coming back to Islamorada year after year. The combination of excellent fishing grounds, expert guidance, and the sheer excitement of shark fishing makes this one of the trending trips in the area. Don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Our 24-foot fishing boat is your ticket to serious shark action in Islamorada's productive waters. Built for comfort and performance, she handles four anglers with room to move around while fighting these apex predators. The onboard fish finder helps locate shark highways and structure where Lemon, Blacktip, and Nurse sharks cruise. GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots fast, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over feeding areas without spooking your targets. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 3-hour hunt. The multimedia system provides entertainment between bites, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're working cut bait on the bottom or sight-casting to cruising sharks in the shallows, this well-equipped vessel puts you in prime position to tangle with Florida's most sought-after predators in the crystal waters surrounding the Keys.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are probably our most exciting sharks to catch - they're like underwater athletes. These guys typically run 3-5 feet but can hit 7+ feet, and they're built lean and fast. You'll find them cruising our shallow reefs and drop-offs in 15-60 feet, especially around structure where baitfish gather. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and summer migrations. What guests love is their explosive fighting style - blacktips are famous for their high-speed runs and spectacular jumps, sometimes clearing 20+ feet out of the water. They can get pretty worked up in feeding frenzies too. Use heavy braid with circle hooks since they're strong and unpredictable. Fresh mackerel or sardines work great, but here's the trick: keep your chum flowing steady. They're curious but cautious, so patience pays off.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most reliable targets here in the Keys. These golden-bronze beauties average 6-8 feet but can push 10+ feet when mature. They love our shallow flats and mangrove areas, usually cruising in 10-30 feet of water where they hunt for rays, crabs, and smaller fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active in warmer water. What makes lemons special is their curious nature - they'll often circle the boat and investigate, giving guests amazing photo opportunities. They're strong fighters but not crazy jumpers like some sharks. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel on circle hooks, and be patient. Lemons are smart and will inspect your bait before committing. Once hooked, they make powerful runs that'll test your drag.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are the acrobats of the shark world and always put on a show. These sleek sharks average 4-6 feet but can reach 8+ feet, and they're built for speed. They patrol our deeper flats and channels in 15-50 feet, often hunting schools of pilchards and sardines. Late winter through spring is prime time when baitfish are thick. What gets guests fired up is their famous spinning jumps - they'll rocket out of the water rotating up to three times before splashing down. It's pure magic to witness. They rely heavily on scent since their eyesight isn't great. My go-to setup is fresh bonito chunks or live pilchards on a fish finder rig. The key is using bloody, oily bait and creating a good chum slick. Once you get their attention, spinners will charge in aggressively.
Islamorada, FL