5.0(1 Reviews)Shark Fishing the Wrecks: Key West's Best Day
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour private shark fishing charter for up to four anglers.No Shark No Pay guarantee with free cancellation policy.Target Blacktip, Bull, and Lemon Sharks using provided tackle.
There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of feeling a shark take your bait near a Key West wreck. This extended half-day charter puts you right where the action happens – targeting the productive inshore wrecks and channels where Blacktip, Bull, and Lemon Sharks patrol for their next meal. What sets this trip apart? The confidence-backed "No Shark No Pay" guarantee. That's right, you only pay when we get you hooked up with a shark. It's a testament to how productive these waters are and how well our guides know where to find them.
Your 6-hour adventure kicks off at 8:00 AM sharp, giving you the prime morning bite when sharks are most active. The 22-foot Lake and Bay boat is perfectly sized for up to four anglers – not too crowded, but roomy enough for everyone to have their shot at a fish. These boats are built for Florida's inshore waters, offering the stability you need when battling a bull shark while still being nimble enough to work the tight spots around structure. The captain will have all your tackle rigged and ready, from heavy spinning gear to circle hooks that keep both you and the sharks safe. Fresh bait is key to success, and you'll be fishing with whatever's running – usually cut bonito, mackerel, or threadfin herring that drives these predators crazy. The beauty of wreck fishing is the structure draws baitfish, and where there's bait, there are sharks. Your guide knows exactly which wrecks are producing and will position the boat to drift your baits right through the strike zone.
Fishing the wrecks isn't just about dropping a line and waiting. These underwater structures create current breaks and ambush points that smart sharks use to their advantage. Your captain will set up strategic drifts, using the current to present your baits naturally as they sweep past the wreck. You'll be fishing with medium-heavy tackle – strong enough to turn a shark away from structure but sporting enough to feel every head shake and run. Circle hooks are the standard here, and for good reason. They hook sharks in the corner of the mouth, making for easier releases and healthier fish. The technique is all about patience and positioning. Your bait needs to get down into that strike zone where sharks cruise, usually 15-30 feet depending on the wreck and conditions. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll know it – that steady, determined pull is unmistakable. The key is letting the circle hook do its job rather than setting the hook like you would with other species. Point the rod at the fish, reel tight, then lift into them once you feel solid weight.
Blacktip Sharks are the speed demons of Key West's inshore waters, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet around the wrecks, but don't let their size fool you – they'll give you a fight that'll have your arms burning. Blacktips are most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they're known for their spectacular jumps once hooked. What makes them special is their aggressive nature around structure. They'll cruise the wrecks looking for easy meals, and when they find your bait, they don't hesitate. The best part about targeting blacktips is their willingness to bite throughout the day, though early morning and late afternoon tend to be most productive.
Bull Sharks are the heavyweight champions you'll encounter on these wrecks, and landing one is a badge of honor for any angler. These thick-bodied predators can reach 6-8 feet in Key West's waters and pack the muscle to back up their reputation. Bulls are year-round residents but seem most active during the cooler months when they move into shallower water. What sets them apart is their tenacious fighting style – they're not fancy, just pure power and determination. When a bull shark grabs your bait near a wreck, your first priority is turning them away from structure before they cut you off. They're ambush predators that use the wrecks as cover, often lying motionless until prey swims within striking distance.
Lemon Sharks bring a different kind of excitement to wreck fishing – they're smart, cautious, and absolutely beautiful fish. These golden-colored sharks average 4-6 feet around Key West and are known for their intelligence and wariness. Lemons are most active during dawn and dusk but can be caught throughout the day around productive wrecks. What makes them special is their curious nature. They'll often investigate the boat and your baits before committing, sometimes circling for several minutes before deciding to bite. When they do take your offering, lemons are strong, steady fighters that make long runs rather than acrobatic displays. They're also one of the most photogenic sharks you'll catch, with that distinctive golden coloration that looks amazing against Key West's blue water.
This isn't your typical "maybe we'll see something" fishing trip. The No Shark No Pay guarantee shows just how confident we are in Key West's wreck fishing productivity. With free cancellation available up to three days out, you've got the flexibility to wait for perfect conditions. Whether you're a first-timer wanting to experience the rush of shark fishing or a seasoned angler looking to add some Key West bulls to your logbook, this charter delivers. The combination of productive fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and a guarantee that puts our money where our mouth is makes this one of the best values in Key West fishing. Ready to feel that telltale thump of a shark picking up your bait? Book your spot and get ready for six hours of heart-pounding action on some of Florida's most productive shark grounds.
This 22-foot 2013 Lake and Bay center console cuts through Key West waters like a dream, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the best shark spots fast. Built for serious fishing, she handles both the shallow flats and deeper channels where the big predators cruise. The center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling sharks without getting tangled up. GPS keeps you on track to productive wrecks while the fish finder helps locate bait schools that draw in hungry Blacktips, Bulls, and Lemons. At 35 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water instead of burning daylight getting there. The open layout means everyone gets a shot at the action when sharks start hitting your baits around those Key West structures.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most reliable targets here in Key West waters. These sharks average 4-5 feet but can push 8 feet when you get lucky. You'll spot them by those signature black fin tips - hence the name. They love hanging around our inshore wrecks and channels in 30-100 feet of water, especially during spring and fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is their acrobatic nature - these sharks will jump clean out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like a tarpon. They're also pretty social, so where you find one, there's usually more. My go-to trick is using fresh mackerel or sardines on circle hooks with a good chum slick. The oilier the bait, the better - blacktips rely heavily on scent to hunt.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our inshore game - thick, powerful, and built like underwater bulldozers. Most run 6-8 feet here, but we see 10-footers that'll humble any angler. They patrol our channels, wrecks, and even venture into brackish areas where freshwater mixes with salt. Summer months are best when they're actively feeding in warmer water. What makes bulls special is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just straight brute force that'll smoke your drag. They're aggressive feeders and less picky than other sharks, making them great targets for beginners. These fish fight dirty, using their bulk and the bottom structure to their advantage. My secret weapon is fresh eel - the high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple runs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for anglers wanting a solid fight without the crazy antics. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 6-8 feet around Key West, with some pushing 10 feet. They prefer our shallow flats and mangrove areas, cruising in 10-50 feet of water where they hunt stingrays and smaller fish. Spring through early summer is prime time when they move into warmer shallows to breed. What guests love about lemons is their steady, powerful fight - no jumping, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your drag. They're also curious by nature, often circling the boat before committing to the bait. For consistent hookups, I like using fresh stingray chunks or large live pinfish on the bottom. The key is patience - lemons will inspect your bait thoroughly before taking it.
5.0 out of 5.0Great time. Dan is great. We caught a ton of fish! Very flexible and accommodating as well. Will definitely go back.
Key West