9 Hour Big Shark Safari Charter Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target hammerhead, bull, and tiger sharks up to 12 feet offshoreNine-hour charter accommodates up to three guests with professional gearBonus catches include snapper, grouper, and cobia during the trip
If you're serious about tangling with apex predators in Florida waters, this 9-hour shark safari with Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters is your ticket to some world-class shark action. We're talking about heading offshore to chase monsters that can stretch 6 to 12 feet long – Hammerheads, Bull Sharks, Tigers, Duskies, and Sandbars that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. This isn't your typical half-day trip; we're putting in the time and covering the water to find where these giants are feeding. Perfect for small groups of 1 to 3 anglers who want personalized attention and the best shot at hooking something legendary.
Your day starts early because big sharks don't wait around for anyone. We'll head out to the 60 to 100-foot ledges where these predators patrol, looking for their next meal. This is prime shark real estate – the depth changes and structure create perfect ambush points for hungry sharks. The boat carries serious gear including 30 and 50-pound two-speed reels that can handle the brute force these fish deliver. You'll spend most of your time drifting and working chum slicks to draw sharks in close, then switching to live bait when we mark fish or see fins cutting the surface. The captain knows exactly where to set up based on current, tide, and recent shark activity. Between shark encounters, we'll often pick up bonus fish like Lane Snapper, Yellowtail, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Vermilion Snapper, Grouper, and Cobia that move through these same waters.
Shark fishing is all about patience and preparation. We'll start by establishing a solid chum slick using a mix of ground fish, blood, and oil that creates an underwater scent trail sharks can follow for miles. The boat drifts naturally while we deploy multiple lines at different depths – some near the surface for cruising sharks, others down in the mid-water column where bigger fish often lurk. Live bait is king out here, and we'll have a variety of baits ready including bonita, mackerel, and whatever we can catch fresh on the way out. The two-speed reels give you options – low gear for the initial fight when a shark is green and full of fight, then high gear to pump and wind when you've got them coming up. Circle hooks are mandatory for most of our target species since many sharks are protected and need to be released unharmed. Wire leaders are essential because shark teeth will slice through mono or fluorocarbon like butter. When a shark takes your bait, the fight is unlike anything else in saltwater fishing – these fish have incredible endurance and will test your tackle and technique to the limit.
King Mackerel aren't sharks, but they're aggressive predators that frequent the same offshore waters we'll be fishing. These speedsters can reach 40+ pounds in Florida waters and are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and they'll often show up when we're shark fishing because they're attracted to the same baitfish we're using. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Many anglers consider them one of the top gamefish in the Gulf because they fight hard from the moment they're hooked until they're in the boat.
Cobia are the chameleons of the offshore world, often mistaken for sharks when they're cruising near the surface. These brown torpedoes can exceed 50 pounds and are incredibly curious fish that will follow the boat and investigate anything that moves. They're most abundant from April through September in Florida waters, and they're known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights near the boat. Cobia have excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable behavior – they might eat a live bait, a jig, or even a topwater lure depending on their mood.
Tiger Sharks are the garbage disposals of the ocean and one of the most sought-after species on our charters. These apex predators can grow over 12 feet long and are easily identified by their distinctive vertical stripes that fade with age. Tigers are most active during warmer months from May through October, and they're known for eating virtually anything – fish, rays, turtles, birds, and even license plates. They're incredibly powerful fighters that use their bulk and stamina to wear down anglers. What makes tiger sharks special is their attitude; they're aggressive feeders that will often take baits other sharks ignore, and they provide epic photo opportunities with their prehistoric appearance.
Lemon Sharks are beautiful predators with distinctive yellow coloration that makes them stand out in clear water. These sharks typically range from 6 to 10 feet in our area and are most commonly encountered during spring and summer months. Lemons are known for their intelligence and curious nature – they'll often circle the boat multiple times before committing to a bait. They're strong fighters that make long, powerful runs and are excellent for catch-and-release fishing since they handle the fight and release process well. Juvenile lemon sharks are more common in shallow waters, while the larger adults we target prefer the deeper offshore ledges.
Bull Sharks are pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish in the ocean and deserve serious respect. These thick-bodied predators can exceed 8 feet and 300 pounds, with massive shoulders and heads that give them incredible power. Bulls are year-round residents in Florida waters but are most active during warmer months. They're known for their aggressive nature and willingness to take large baits, making them a favorite target for serious shark anglers. Bull sharks can tolerate both salt and fresh water, which means they might show up in unexpected places. When you hook a bull shark
Set out on Florida's offshore waters aboard a 22' center console boat designed for serious shark hunting. This comfortable vessel takes up to 3 anglers out to the 60-100 foot ledges where big sharks roam. You'll fish with heavy 30 and 50 pound reels while targeting Hammerheads, Bulls, Tigers, and other giants ranging 6-12 feet long. The boat features outriggers for better bait presentation, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a fish finder to locate the action. A wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when positioning over structure, and there's an onboard head for those long 9-hour days chasing monsters. While waiting for sharks to hit the chum slick, you might pick up Snapper, Grouper, or Cobia. Many shark species are catch-and-release only, so bring your camera for trophy shots. If you land a keeper shark, it can be stored in your cooler for the trip home.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull Sharks are the ultimate Florida brawlers - thick, aggressive, and built like underwater tanks. These gray torpedoes typically run 6-10 feet and 200-400 pounds, but their compact build makes them fight harder than sharks twice their size. They patrol everything from shallow bays to deep ledges year-round, but summer brings peak action. What guests love about bulls is their raw power and unpredictable nature - they can adapt to any water type and fight with serious attitude. These are pure muscle wrapped in sandpaper skin. Bulls respond aggressively to fresh cut bait in a good chum line, especially mackerel, mullet, or bonito chunks. Pro tip: fresh eel is absolute gold for bulls due to its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Use heavy tackle and circle hooks - when a bull decides to run, you better hold on tight.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are Florida's brown bulldogs - solitary hunters that average 30-60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, buoys, and ledges in 30-100 feet, especially during their spring migration from March through June. They're curious fish that often surface to check out the boat, making sight fishing a blast. What guests love most is their powerful runs and stubborn fight - they'll test your tackle and your back. The meat is outstanding too, firm and white like a cross between grouper and mahi. These fish are ambush predators, so they respond well to bucktail jigs bounced near bottom structure. Best tip I can give: when you see one, cast past it and work your jig back slowly. They like to follow before they strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are some of the fastest fish in Florida waters, typically running 20-40 pounds with occasional giants over 70. These silver bullets cruise the 40-150 foot range along ledges and structure. Spring through fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line like few other fish. The meat is excellent when bled and iced properly, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Most productive technique is slow-trolling live bait or spoons around structure. Pro tip: use a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose, one free-swinging near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish. They're pure adrenaline when they take off.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon Sharks are Florida's golden beauties, easily identified by their yellowish color that helps them blend with sandy bottoms. These stocky sharks typically range 6-10 feet and 100-300 pounds, cruising shallow flats and deeper ledges depending on the season. Spring through fall offers the best chances when they move through our area following baitfish schools. What makes lemons exciting is their aggressive nature and powerful runs - they're built for speed and endurance. They're also one of the few sharks that hunt in groups, so landing one often means more action. These fish respond well to cut bait like mackerel or mullet in a good chum slick. My secret weapon is fresh bonito chunks on circle hooks. Lemons have excellent vision, so keep your leader heavy but not too flashy. Once hooked, they'll make long runs that'll test your drag system.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger Sharks are the apex predators we target on deeper ledges, typically running 8-12 feet and 300-800 pounds. Named for their distinctive stripes that fade with age, these powerful sharks patrol the 60-150 foot range where we set up our chum slicks. Summer through early fall brings the best action when water temps warm up. What makes tigers special is their incredible strength and those unique markings - they're living dinosaurs that put up legendary fights. These are catch-and-release only, but the photos are worth a lifetime of bragging rights. Tigers respond well to large chunks of fresh bait like mackerel or bonito on heavy tackle. My go-to trick: use a whole bluefish on a 10/0 circle hook with a wire leader. Let it soak in the chum slick and be patient - when a tiger shows up, you'll know it.
undefined, undefined