Target Bull Sharks on Florida's Shark Capital Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull sharks, blacktips, and hammerheads in productive watersCaptain provides all gear, bait, and fishing licenses includedBeginnerfriendly 3hour charter with expert guidance and techniques
When you're talking serious shark action in Florida waters, New Smyrna Beach sits right at the top of every angler's list. Captain Ryan Herbach runs one of the most respected shark fishing operations here, and his 3-hour charters aboard a 23-foot Bluewave Purebay are built for putting you on fish fast. Whether you've never tangled with a shark before or you're looking to add some serious Florida predators to your logbook, this charter delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Ryan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's dialed in on where the sharks are feeding throughout the day. You'll launch from North Causeway Boat Ramp and head to proven spots where bull sharks, blacktips, and spinners patrol the shallows and deeper channels. The 23-foot Bluewave handles these waters perfectly - stable enough for battling big fish but nimble enough to chase the bite when it moves. With a reliable 200-horsepower Suzuki pushing you around, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time running between spots. Captain Ryan provides everything you need - rods, reels, terminal tackle, fresh bait, and your fishing license. All you need to bring is yourself and maybe some snacks and drinks for the trip. This is a top-rated charter that focuses on putting beginners at ease while still delivering the kind of action that gets experienced shark fishermen fired up.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup, and Captain Ryan has dialed in his approach over years of working these waters. You'll be fishing with heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line - the kind of gear that can handle a 6-foot bull shark without breaking a sweat. Circle hooks are the standard here, both for conservation and because they dramatically improve your hookup ratio on toothy critters. Fresh cut bait is the name of the game - think chunks of Spanish mackerel, blue runners, or whatever's been producing lately. Captain Ryan reads the conditions and adjusts his bait selection accordingly. Some days the sharks want a slow presentation on the bottom, other times a suspended bait in the water column gets the job done. You'll learn proper shark handling techniques, including how to bring these fish to the boat safely and release them in good condition. The key is staying calm when that rod doubles over and the drag starts screaming - Captain Ryan will coach you through every step of the fight.
Bull sharks are the heavy hitters in these waters, and New Smyrna Beach has some of the most consistent bull shark action you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. These fish are built like underwater bulldogs - thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. Bulls can show up year-round here, but summer and fall produce the best numbers. What makes them special is their attitude - they'll eat just about anything and fight dirty from the first run to the boat. A decent bull shark will run 4-6 feet and put a serious bend in your rod. The bigger females can push 8 feet and 300 pounds, turning even experienced anglers into believers.
Blacktip sharks bring a totally different energy to the fight. These fish are pure athletes - lean, fast, and famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Blacktips love the warmer months and often feed in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They typically run 3-5 feet in these waters, but what they lack in size they make up for in speed and acrobatics. Watching a blacktip clear the water completely is one of those fishing moments that never gets old, no matter how many times you've seen it.
Spinner sharks earn their name honestly - these fish will literally spin their way out of the water when they're feeding or fighting. They're similar to blacktips in size and behavior but tend to be even more acrobatic. Spinners are warm-weather fish that show up in good numbers during spring and summer. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit baits hard and fast. The fight is pure chaos in the best possible way - long runs, sudden direction changes, and those signature spinning jumps that make everyone on the boat scramble for their phones.
This is the kind of charter that fills up fast, especially during peak shark season. Captain Ryan limits trips to just 2 anglers, which means you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. The intimate group size also means you'll learn more about shark behavior, local fishing conditions, and techniques you can use on your own. New Smyrna Beach's reputation for world-class shark fishing is well-earned, and this charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your bucket list or you want to introduce someone to the power of Florida's apex predators, this trip delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to your date. The payoff is worth it - three hours of non-stop shark action with one of the area's most experienced captains. Book now and get ready to experience why New Smyrna Beach is considered a customer favorite for shark fishing adventures.
Your shark fishing adventure launches from the 23-foot Bluewave Purebay, a solid inshore platform built to handle New Smyrna Beach's productive waters. The reliable 200-horsepower Suzuki motor gets you to the shark zones quickly and quietly, while the boat's stable design keeps you comfortable when battling bull sharks, blacktips, and hammerheads. Captain Ryan has this Purebay rigged specifically for shark fishing - plenty of deck space to move around, proper rod holders, and storage for the heavy tackle needed to land these powerful fish. The shallow draft lets you access those prime inshore spots where sharks patrol the surf breaks and inlet mouths. With room for just 2 guests, you'll have the captain's full attention and space to fight fish without crowding. This boat combination of power, stability, and fishing-focused layout makes it perfect for both first-timers learning shark techniques and seasoned anglers looking to tangle with Florida's apex predators in their backyard waters.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are perfect starter sharks for beginners - they're aggressive biters but manageable at 4-6 feet and under 100 pounds. You'll recognize them by those distinctive black-tipped fins and their habit of jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They patrol shallow waters around 30-100 feet deep, especially near reefs and structure where they hunt mackerel, herring, and sardines. Spring and summer offer the best action when they're most active in our warm waters. What makes them fun to target is their excitable nature - they'll hit baits hard and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. They can be a bit timid though, so once you locate them, don't make too much noise. Best trick I've learned is using live sardines or oily cut bait like mackerel, and don't be afraid to chum heavy. These sharks respond well to a good scent trail, and it keeps them around the boat longer.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are some of the most aggressive predators you'll encounter in our waters, typically running 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What makes them special is their ability to move between saltwater and freshwater - you might hook one in the inlet or further upstream. They cruise shallow coastal areas year-round here in Florida, but summer months bring the most consistent action. These thick-bodied fighters will test your gear with powerful runs and stubborn fights that can last 20-30 minutes. The key to landing bulls is using fresh bait with high oil content - mullet, bonito, or cut mackerel work great. My go-to secret is freshwater eel when I can get it. The firm skin stays on the hook longer, and that oily scent drives them crazy. Once hooked, they'll make multiple strong runs, so keep your drag smooth and be ready for a workout.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinner sharks earned their name from the spectacular feeding shows they put on - charging through baitfish schools at 46 mph and launching themselves up to 20 feet out of the water while spinning. These sleek sharks average around 6-7 feet and 120 pounds, with pointed snouts and bronze-gray coloring that's often confused with blacktips. You'll find them in waters under 100 feet deep, usually following schools of sardines, herring, and anchovies. Late winter through early spring is prime time when they migrate close to shore chasing spawning baitfish. What guests love most is watching them breach and spin during the fight - it's pure spectacle. They rely heavily on scent since their eyesight isn't great, so oily baits like bonito or live pilchards work best. Pro tip: if you're fly fishing for them, use the biggest, brightest patterns you've got and soak them in fish oil for extra attraction.
Titusville