Naples Shark Fishing Adventures Await
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull, lemon, and blacktip sharks in shallow baysFourhour inshore fishing adventure for up to four guestsProfessional charter service around Naples and Marco Island waters
Ready to tangle with some serious apex predators? Our 4-hour shark fishing charters out of Naples and Marco Island put you right in the action where the big boys roam. We're talking bull sharks that can tip the scales at 300+ pounds, sleek lemon sharks with attitude to match their size, and lightning-fast blacktips that'll test your reflexes. The shallow back bays and nearshore waters around Southwest Florida create the perfect hunting grounds for these magnificent fish, and honestly, there's nothing quite like the rush when your rod doubles over and line starts screaming off the reel.
This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – we're specifically targeting sharks in the productive waters surrounding Naples and Marco Island. You'll be fishing with up to three other anglers, which keeps the boat comfortable and gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish. The back bay systems here are loaded with bait, and that's what draws these predators in close to shore. We'll be working depths anywhere from 3 to 15 feet, depending on tides and where the fish are holding. The beauty of shark fishing in these waters is that you never know what's going to grab your bait – could be a 6-foot lemon shark or a massive bull that's been cruising these flats for years. The scenery doesn't hurt either, with mangrove shorelines and crystal-clear water that lets you actually see some of these fish before they hit your bait.
We're running heavy tackle for this show – think 80-pound class rods with Penn or Shimano reels loaded with 80-pound braid and 100-pound wire leaders. These sharks have teeth like razor blades, and regular mono leaders don't stand a chance. Our go-to baits are fresh cut bonito, mackerel, and sometimes live jack crevalle when we can get them. We'll set up with circle hooks ranging from 8/0 to 12/0 depending on the bait size. The technique is pretty straightforward – we'll anchor up on productive structure or drift the flats, sending out baits on different depths and letting the sharks come to us. The key is keeping your drag set properly and being ready when that fish picks up your bait. Circle hooks are mandatory here – they hook the fish in the corner of the mouth and make for much safer releases. We're using sinkers heavy enough to keep baits down in the current, usually 4 to 8 ounces depending on conditions.
Blacktip sharks are probably the most athletic fish you'll encounter on this trip. These guys average 30-50 pounds and are absolutely famous for their aerial displays – when hooked, they'll often launch completely out of the water multiple times. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're typically found cruising the grass flats and channel edges. What makes blacktips so exciting is their speed and agility. They'll make long runs, then suddenly change direction, keeping you on your toes the entire fight.
Lemon sharks are the bulldogs of the bunch – thick, powerful, and stubborn as they come. These fish can reach 8 feet and 200+ pounds in our local waters, though most of what we catch runs 4-6 feet. They're year-round residents here, but summer months tend to produce the biggest specimens. Lemons have incredible stamina and will use every trick in the book to break you off – they'll head for structure, roll on the leader, and make powerful runs toward deep water. Their distinctive yellow coloration makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their curious nature around the boat.
Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions and the fish that gets every angler's heart pumping. These apex predators can exceed 10 feet and 400 pounds, though the average fish we see runs 6-8 feet. Bulls are incredibly aggressive and unpredictable – they'll eat just about anything and aren't afraid to venture into surprisingly shallow water. Late spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the full and new moon phases. What makes bull sharks so sought-after is their raw power and fighting ability. They'll make blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds, then turn around and bulldoze their way back toward the boat.
Look, if you're serious about crossing some serious sharks off your bucket list, this trip delivers. Four hours gives us plenty of time to work different areas and put you on fish, whether you're a seasoned shark angler or this is your first time targeting these apex predators. The back bay systems around Naples and Marco Island are some of the most productive shark waters in Florida, and we know exactly where to find them. Bring your camera, set your drag, and get ready for some arm-burning action. These fish are here year-round, but don't wait too long to book – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Give us a call and let's get you hooked up with some of Southwest Florida's finest predators.
Get ready to chase big sharks in the shallow back bays around Naples and Marco Island aboard our 2013 Skeeter ZX22V flats boat. This 23-footer packs serious punch with a 250HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hottest fishing spots fast, hitting speeds up to 45 knots when you need to cover water quickly. Built for serious anglers, this versatile boat handles everything from stalking bull sharks in skinny water to targeting aggressive blacktips and powerful lemon sharks. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on wary fish, while our GPS and fish finder combo helps locate the best structure and baitfish concentrations where sharks love to hunt. Perfect for groups up to 4 anglers, the Skeeter's shallow draft design lets us access those back-country honey holes that bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're sight-fishing in crystal clear flats or working deeper channels, this boat delivers the performance and fishability you need for a productive day on the water targeting Southwest Florida's apex predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese sleek sharks are easy to spot with their signature black-tipped fins and streamlined bodies. Most blacktips we catch run 4-5 feet, but the big ones can push 8 feet and really test your drag. They love our shallow back bays and grass flats, usually cruising in 3-10 feet of water where they hunt for pinfish and sardines. Spring through fall is prime time when the water's warm and baitfish are thick. What makes blacktips special is their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clean out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like a tarpon. The fight is pure adrenaline on medium tackle. Here's a local trick: use live sardines on a circle hook with just enough weight to keep it down. They're curious but spooky, so keep the boat quiet and let that bait work naturally in the current.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the apex predators in our shallow waters - thick, powerful sharks that can reach 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. They're perfectly built for our back bays, tolerating the brackish water where creeks meet the Gulf. You'll find them around deeper channels, creek mouths, and structure in 6-20 feet of water. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they move shallow to feed. What makes bulls legendary is their incredible strength and aggression - they hit baits hard and make unstoppable runs that'll smoke your drag. It's a real test of angler and equipment. The uniqueness factor is huge too since they're the only sharks that venture into pure freshwater. Local secret: fresh eel is absolute candy to bull sharks. Its high oil content creates a scent trail they can't ignore, and the tough skin stays on the hook through their violent strikes.
Negaprion BrevirostrisThese golden-colored sharks are the heavyweights of our back bay system, and they put up one heck of a fight. Lemons typically run 6-8 feet around here, with thick, muscular bodies that can really test your tackle. They prefer shallow water with sandy bottoms and mangrove edges, often hanging around docks and boat channels in 4-12 feet of water. Summer months are best when they move into the shallows to feed and reproduce. What guests love about lemon sharks is their raw power - they make long, bulldogging runs that'll have your arms burning. Plus, they're not as common as other species, so landing one feels special. These sharks have excellent eyesight and can be finicky, but they can't resist fresh cut bait. My go-to trick is using a big chunk of fresh bonito or mackerel on a 10/0 circle hook, fished right on the bottom near structure.
Naples, FL