Tampa Bay Shark Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target hammerhead, blacktip, nurse, and bonnethead sharks in Tampa Bay watersCatch and release medium tackle fishing with 4 or 8-hour optionsSmall group experience limited to 2 guests with professional guides
If you've been dreaming about going toe-to-toe with some serious apex predators, Tampa Bay's waters are calling your name. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip where you're chasing redfish around the flats. We're talking about targeting sharks – the real deal that'll test your tackle and get your heart pumping. With Lyons Charters, you'll be fishing Tampa Bay and the intercoastal waterways where these magnificent predators cruise year-round, looking for their next meal.
We start early at 6:45 AM when the water's still cool and the sharks are most active. You've got two options here – a 4-hour trip that gives you a solid taste of shark fishing, or go all-out with an 8-hour adventure that really lets you dial in on the bite. This is strictly catch and release fishing using medium tackle, which means you'll feel every headshake and run without overpowering these fish. We keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod time or good spots on the boat. The intercoastal waterways around Tampa Bay hold some serious fish, and our guides know exactly where to set up based on tides, bait movement, and recent activity. Don't worry about bringing anything – we've got all the gear, bait, and expertise you need.
Shark fishing is all about patience and the right setup. We're running medium tackle here, which strikes the perfect balance between sporting fight and actually being able to land these fish without exhausting them. We'll be using circle hooks – they're mandatory for shark fishing and way safer for both you and the fish. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll anchor up or drift over known shark highways, deploy multiple baits at different depths, and wait for that telltale scream of the reel. Fresh bait is key, and we're talking about big chunks of cut fish that'll get their attention from way off. When a shark picks up your bait, don't set the hook like you would with bass – let the circle hook do its job as the fish turns away. These fights can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on the species and size, so get ready for a workout.
Spinner sharks are the acrobats of Tampa Bay, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately. These fish launch themselves completely out of the water, spinning like a torpedo, which is how they got their name. They average 3-6 feet around here and are most active during the warmer months from April through October. What makes them so exciting is their speed and aerial displays – they'll jump multiple times during a fight, and every leap is a photo opportunity you won't forget.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest species we target, but don't let their size fool you. These unique-looking sharks with their shovel-shaped heads are actually the most common shark in Tampa Bay. They're perfect for first-time shark anglers because they fight hard for their size but are manageable on medium tackle. You'll find them in shallow waters year-round, especially around grass flats where they hunt for crabs and small fish. They're also one of the few sharks that are actually omnivores, feeding on seagrass along with their regular diet.
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of Tampa Bay shark fishing. These sleek predators are aggressive feeders and put up an honest fight that'll test your tackle and technique. They typically run 2-5 feet in our waters and are most active during the spring and fall migrations. What anglers love about blacktips is their consistent bite – when conditions are right, you can hook multiple fish in a single trip. They're also jumpers, though not as acrobatic as spinners, and their dark-tipped fins make them easy to identify when they're cruising near the surface.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights of Tampa Bay, and hooking one is like tying into a freight train. These thick, powerful sharks can exceed 8 feet and are found in our waters year-round thanks to their ability to tolerate fresh water. They're apex predators with attitude, and when you hook a bull shark, you better be ready for a serious battle. They don't jump like other species, but they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test every knot in your rig. The fact that they can swim far up into freshwater rivers makes Tampa Bay perfect habitat for them.
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are the most common small shark in our area, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. These fish rarely exceed 3 feet but make up for their size with numbers – it's not unusual to catch a dozen or more on a good day. They're year-round residents in Tampa Bay and are especially active around structure and bait schools. While they might not provide the heart-stopping fights of larger species, they're great for learning shark fishing techniques and keeping the action consistent throughout the trip.
Tampa Bay's shark fishing is world-class, and these trips book up fast, especially during peak season. The combination of diverse species, year-round fishing, and expert guiding makes this a customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back. If you want to extend your adventure, we can add extra hours at $150 each – sometimes the bite gets hot right when your scheduled time is ending. Keep in mind that the deposit is non-refundable due to how popular these trips are, but that low-rate deposit secures your spot for an adventure you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some serious species to your list or someone who's always wanted to tangle with apex predators, this top-rated charter delivers the goods.
Your shark fishing adventure takes you out on our custom 20' Aquasport, perfectly built for navigating Tampa Bay's shallow waters and intercoastal channels where these apex predators hunt. This specialized fishing boat cuts through the water smoothly while keeping you comfortable during those long waits for hammerheads and blacktips to hit your line. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish that attract sharks, while GPS keeps us positioned over the best fishing spots. With a built-in bait tank to keep your cut bait fresh and plenty of deck space for fighting these powerful fish, this boat handles everything from smaller bonnetheads to larger nurse sharks. The shallow draft design lets us access those prime feeding areas other boats can't reach, giving you the best shot at landing Florida's most sought-after game fish.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeThese little sharks pack a lot of fight into a small package - rarely over 4 feet and 9 pounds, but they're scrappy and abundant year-round in Tampa Bay. You can spot them by the long pointed snout and small white dots along their brownish sides. They hang out in shallow water, bays, and estuaries where they hunt small fish, crabs, and shrimp. What makes them popular with guests is they're always willing to bite and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. Some anglers consider them pests because they'll steal bait meant for bigger fish, but they're actually fun targets. They're perfect for lighter tackle and great for beginners or kids. You can catch them on just about any bait, dead or alive. Keep gloves handy when landing them - those sharp teeth and rough skin will get you if you're not careful.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of Tampa Bay - they love jumping clean out of the water and sometimes even land in boats during feeding frenzies. These stocky sharks average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet, and they're surprisingly social fish that get really excited around food. You'll find them in 30-200 feet of water around artificial reefs and structure where baitfish concentrate. They're most active during warmer months when bait is thick. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature and those spectacular jumps - they'll give you a show every time. Despite being feisty, they can be timid around other sharks and will often watch from a distance before committing. Use heavy braided line (20-50 lb) with circle hooks and chum with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. The smell gets them fired up fast.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerheads, bonnetheads are easy to spot with that distinctive shovel-shaped head and shy personality. They typically run 3-4 feet and stay in schools of 10-15 fish, especially during their fall and winter migration to our warmer waters. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and near-shore waters where they hunt crabs, shrimp, and small fish. They're harmless and actually pretty timid, but they put up a solid fight for their size. What guests love is how different they are - that unique head shape and the fact they're one of the few sharks that's actually omnivorous, eating seagrass along with crabs. Year-round fishing here, but fall through spring is when they're most abundant. My go-to trick is cutting blue crab in half and hooking it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate apex predator in our waters - thick, aggressive, and built like underwater bulldozers. These guys can push 8-12 feet and 300 pounds, with massive bite power and zero fear. They're unique because they can handle both salt and freshwater, so we find them everywhere from deep channels to shallow flats and even way up rivers. Summer visitors love targeting them because they're the real deal - a legitimate apex predator that'll test your tackle and nerves. They hunt year-round here, but late spring through fall is prime time. What sets them apart is their ability to adapt to any salinity, making them unpredictable. They respond great to chum and will hit cut bait like mackerel or bonito. My secret weapon is freshwater eel - the high oil content and tough skin drives them crazy and stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaThese guys are pure spectacle when they're feeding - they'll rocket through bait schools at 46 mph and literally spin out of the water up to three times before splashing back down. Most spinners we see run 6-7 feet and around 120 pounds, with that classic bronze-gray body and black-tipped fins that makes them easy to mistake for blacktips. They cruise shallow waters under 100 feet deep, following bait migrations. Spring through summer is prime time when they're chasing schools near the surface. What makes them special is that aerial show - guests love watching them leap and spin during the fight. They hunt by smell more than sight, so fresh bonito or pilchards work best. Pro tip: when you see them schooling and feeding on the surface, get your bait in the water fast - the action won't last long.
St. Petersburg, FL