Big Shark Safari: 9 Hour Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target large sharks including Hammerhead, Bull, and Tiger species offshoreFish 60100 foot ledges using live bait and professional gearCatch bonus species like Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia during trip
Ready to tangle with some serious predators? This 9-hour shark fishing charter out of Florida waters is designed for anglers who want to test their skills against apex predators ranging from 6 to 12 feet long. We're talking hammerheads, bulls, tigers, and more cruising the offshore ledges where the action gets real. With room for up to 3 guests, this isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading to the deep water where the big boys hunt.
This Big Shark Safari runs during non-red snapper season, giving us prime time to focus entirely on landing monster sharks without competing fishing pressure. We'll start our day early, heading out to the 60 to 100-foot ledges where these apex predators patrol. The atmosphere onboard is all business when it comes to shark fishing – you'll feel that anticipation building as we set up the chum slick and deploy live bait. Don't expect a relaxing day of casual casting; shark fishing demands patience, strength, and quick reflexes when that screaming drag announces game time. Between shark encounters, you'll likely pick up some quality bottom fish like lane snapper, yellowtail, mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, and vermilion snapper, plus the occasional grouper or cobia to keep things interesting.
We fish with serious gear here – 30 and 50-pound two-speed reels that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. The technique revolves around establishing a proper chum slick to draw sharks into our zone, then presenting live or fresh cut bait on circle hooks to maximize our hookup ratio. You'll learn the importance of letting a shark make that initial run before engaging the drag system – fight them too early and you'll either pull the hook or snap off on structure. The two-speed reels become essential when you're deep into a fight with a 200-pound bull shark that doesn't want to come to the boat. We'll position over ledges and drop-offs where sharks ambush prey, using fish finders to locate bait schools that attract our target species. Remember, many shark species are protected, so bring that camera ready for some epic catch-and-release photos.
King mackerel show up consistently in these offshore waters, especially around structure where they chase bait schools. These silver bullets typically range from 15 to 40 pounds in Florida waters, known for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Kings bite best during temperature breaks and current edges, making them a reliable target while we're positioning for sharks. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes make every hookup exciting, plus they're excellent table fare when legal size limits are met.
Cobia are the ultimate opportunists, often showing up around our chum slick to investigate the commotion. These brown sharks, as some call them, can reach impressive sizes in Florida waters – 30 to 60 pounders are common, with fish over 70 pounds possible. Cobia are curious fish that will often circle the boat multiple times, giving you shots with both live bait and artificial lures. They're powerful fighters that use their broad tail to generate serious pulling power, plus they're among the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate prize for many shark anglers. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and 10 feet in length, sporting distinctive stripes that fade with age. Tigers are notorious for their powerful jaws and willingness to eat almost anything, making them responsive to chum and cut bait presentations. They're found year-round in Florida waters but seem most active during warmer months. The combination of size, power, and aggressive nature makes tigers a bucket-list species for serious shark anglers.
Lemon sharks are another exciting target species, recognizable by their distinctive yellowish coloration. These sharks typically range from 6 to 8 feet in our fishing areas, though larger specimens are possible. Lemons are strong fighters that make long runs and possess incredible endurance. They're more common in shallower waters but venture to the offshore ledges we fish, especially when following bait migrations. Their relatively docile nature makes them excellent for photos before release.
Bull sharks might be the most respected predator we target. These thick-bodied sharks are incredibly powerful for their size, with massive shoulders and jaws designed for crushing. Bulls are found year-round in Florida waters and are known for their aggressive nature and unpredictable behavior. They typically range from 6 to 9 feet in our fishing areas, though monsters over 10 feet are always possible. Their ability to tolerate fresh water means they could be anywhere, making every bull shark encounter special.
This world-class shark fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when conditions are most favorable. The 9-hour duration gives us serious time to work different areas and techniques, maximizing your chances at multiple species. If we do land a legal keeper shark, we'll tube it properly and get it on ice in your cooler for the trip home. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly when booking your dates. Whether you're after that photo of a lifetime with a massive tiger shark or hoping to fill the cooler with quality eating fish, this charter delivers the kind of offshore action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of big sharks, quality bottom fish, and professional guidance makes this trip a top-rated choice for serious anglers ready to test themselves against Florida's apex predators.
Hit the deep waters off Florida's coast aboard this well-equipped 22' center console with Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters. Built for serious shark hunting, this boat handles offshore conditions while keeping up to 3 anglers comfortable during the full 9-hour adventure. The wireless trolling motor lets you approach feeding zones quietly, while the fish finder helps locate schools that attract big predators. GPS and radar keep you on track to the productive 60-100 foot ledges where hammerheads, bulls, tigers, and other trophy sharks patrol. Quality 30 and 50 pound reels are ready for the fight when these powerful fish hit your chum line. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, and outriggers give you plenty of fishing space. Between shark encounters, expect action from snapper, grouper, and cobia. Protected species go back for photos, but legal sharks can head home in your cooler.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are thick, muscular fighters averaging 6-8 feet and 200-400 pounds in our area. They're unique because they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them anywhere from the deep Gulf to river mouths. Summer brings the most consistent action when they move inshore to feed. Bulls are popular because they fight dirty - no fancy jumps, just raw power and stubbornness that'll wear you out. Their broad, flat heads and stocky build make them look like underwater bulldozers. They're opportunistic feeders, so almost any bait works, but here's what I've learned works best: fresh eel chunks. The high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook despite smaller fish picking at it. Set your drag tight - bulls don't give up easy.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia average 30-60 pounds and are loners, which makes each encounter special. You'll find them around structure in 30-150 feet, often cruising near the surface where they're mistaken for sharks with that dark brown coloring. Spring through summer is prime time, especially during their spawning migration. Guests love cobia because they fight hard with long runs and they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. The trick with cobia is sight fishing - once you spot one, pitch a bucktail jig ahead of where it's swimming and work it back slowly. They're curious fish and will often follow the boat, giving you multiple chances.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel run 20-40 pounds on average, though we've seen some push 60+ pounds. These speedsters cruise the 60-150 foot range along ledges and structure, making them perfect targets during our shark trips. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're feeding heavily on the baitfish we attract with chum. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat is excellent if you bleed them quickly, though watch the mercury content. Here's a tip that works: always use a dual-hook rig with wire leader since they love hitting bait from behind, and that second treble hook back near the tail saves a lot of missed fish.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are medium-sized predators, usually 6-9 feet long, with that distinctive yellow-bronze color that gives them their name. They prefer shallow waters around 30-80 feet, often hanging near sandy bottoms and grass flats adjacent to deeper channels. Summer is peak season when water temperatures stay consistently warm. What makes lemons fun is their aggressive nature - they fight with quick bursts and sharp turns rather than long runs. They're also curious sharks that respond well to chum slicks. While catch-and-release only, they make for great photos and exciting battles. The key with lemon sharks is fresh cut bait on the bottom - jack crevalle or bonito chunks work best. Keep your drag loose at first; they'll make a hard initial run before settling into a tough tug-of-war.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the heavy hitters, typically running 8-12 feet and 400-800 pounds in our waters. They patrol deeper structure during the day but move up to hunt at dusk and dawn. Those distinctive stripes fade as they age, but their power never does. Summer months bring the best action when water temps climb above 75 degrees. What sets tigers apart is their bulldozer fight - pure strength without much flash, just steady pressure that'll test your back muscles. They're not keepers due to regulations, but the photo ops are worth it. My go-to tiger trick is using whole bonito or big chunks of fresh tuna on a circle hook. Let it soak on the bottom near structure and be patient - when a tiger commits, you'll know it.
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