Palmetto FL Shark Fishing Charter (PM)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon shark fishing charter targeting powerful coastal speciesHeavy tackle provided with professional instruction for safe battlesDeeper Tampa Bay waters offer unique offshorestyle fishing experience
Ready to test your skills against some of Tampa Bay's most powerful predators? This afternoon shark fishing charter out of Palmetto puts you face-to-face with the apex hunters that cruise the deeper channels and structure of the bay. Captain Pat and his crew know exactly where these fish patrol, and they'll put you on the best spots using heavy tackle designed to handle the raw power of sharks. This isn't your typical inshore redfish trip – we're talking about fish that can strip line and test every ounce of your fighting technique. With space for just three anglers, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of room to work when that drag starts screaming.
We launch in the afternoon when the tide and conditions align perfectly for targeting sharks in Tampa Bay's deeper waters. Your captain heads straight to proven spots along channel edges, bridge pilings, and underwater structure where these predators ambush baitfish. The vibe is serious but relaxed – this is big fish hunting, so we take our time setting up each drift and making sure your bait presentation is perfect. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and wire leaders, essential gear when you're dealing with fish that have razor-sharp teeth and incredible jaw strength. The captain handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging, but you'll learn the techniques that separate successful shark anglers from weekend warriors. Expect to spend time between bites – shark fishing requires patience, but when something picks up your bait, the action is absolutely electric.
We're fishing with stout rods and reels loaded with heavy braid – usually 50-80 pound test depending on conditions and target species. Your captain rigs everything with wire leaders and circle hooks, which are not only required by regulations but also the safest and most effective way to hook sharks. The technique involves anchoring or slow-drifting over structure while presenting fresh cut bait on the bottom. We're talking about big chunks of bonito, mackerel, or whatever fresh baitfish the captain has on ice. The key is getting your bait in the strike zone and keeping it there while these fish cruise through their territory. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll feel that unmistakable weight and power – then it's all about technique, keeping steady pressure, and letting the fish tire itself out. The captain coaches you through every step, from setting the hook to the final moments at boatside.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks are the crown jewel of Tampa Bay shark fishing, with their distinctive head shape and incredible fighting ability. These fish average 4-6 feet but can stretch longer, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. They're most active during moving tides and prefer deeper channels where they hunt stingrays and smaller fish. What makes them special is their unique appearance and the way they fight – long, powerful runs followed by head-shaking attempts to throw the hook.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller at 2-3 feet, but they're incredibly abundant and perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. These mini-hammerheads are actually the most common shark species in Tampa Bay, and they're active year-round. They feed heavily on crabs and shrimp, so they're often found over grass flats adjacent to deeper water. What guests love about bonnetheads is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights – they'll jump and spin like tarpon.
Blacktip sharks bring serious speed and athleticism to your line, averaging 3-5 feet with lightning-fast runs and spectacular jumps. These sharks are most active during warmer months and are known for their aggressive feeding behavior. When a blacktip hits your bait, you'll know it immediately – they don't hesitate, and their first run often includes multiple jumps that'll get everyone's attention on the boat.
Lemon sharks are the heavyweights, often reaching 6-8 feet and providing the kind of raw power that tests your tackle and technique. These yellow-tinged predators prefer shallower areas with sandy bottoms but move into deeper channels during certain tides. They're incredibly strong and stubborn fighters, often making long runs toward structure. Catching a lemon shark is a badge of honor for any angler – they're smart, powerful, and absolutely beautiful fish.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge in Tampa Bay shark fishing, with their massive shoulders and incredible strength. These fish can exceed 8 feet and are known for their tenacious fighting style and ability to thrive in both salt and brackish water. They're less common than other species but when you hook one, you'll remember it forever. Bull sharks are ambush predators that hit hard and fight even harder, often testing the limits of your tackle and stamina.
This top-rated shark fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when these predators are most active in Tampa Bay's deeper waters. With only three spots available, you're guaranteed personal attention from an experienced captain who knows these waters better than anyone. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a new challenge or someone ready to step up from typical inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back. The afternoon timing is perfect for working around morning commitments while still getting prime fishing conditions. Book now and get ready to battle some of the most powerful fish swimming in Florida waters – your arms will thank you later, but your fishing stories will last a lifetime.
Hit the deeper waters of Tampa Bay aboard this restored 19' Carolina Skiff, your ticket to tangling with some serious sharks. This flats boat may look modest, but it's built tough for the fight ahead. The 115HP Suzuki pushes you out to the channels and structure where these powerful predators patrol, hitting speeds up to 30 knots when you need to cover water fast. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position the boat quietly over productive spots without spooking fish, while the fish finder shows exactly what's lurking below. GPS navigation ensures you'll find those honey holes where sharks congregate around Tampa Bay's deeper structure. With room for 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to handle heavy tackle and battle these coastal bruisers safely. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida afternoons when you're locked in combat with a shark. This isn't your typical inshore trip – you're going after the kind of fish that make your drag scream and test your mettle as an angler.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, spinning and tail-walking like a tarpon. Most run 4-6 feet around here, with those signature black-tipped fins. They cruise our bay channels and nearshore waters in 20-100 feet, following schools of sardines, mackerel, and herring. Spring through fall gives you the best action when baitfish are thick. These sharks are aggressive feeders but surprisingly timid once hooked - they'll make long runs instead of staying deep. Guests love the aerial show they put on. They're also great eating if you keep one for the table. Best tip: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or sardines and keep your drag loose on the initial run - let them tire themselves out jumping before you start working them to the boat.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead in our waters, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet and have that spade-shaped head that's way different from their bigger cousins. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks, usually traveling in small schools around grass flats and sandy bottoms in 10-40 feet. Best fishing is late spring through fall when they're most active in the bay. These little guys are perfect for families - they fight hard for their size but aren't intimidating to handle. They feed mainly on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes them fun is they're one of the few sharks you can target with lighter tackle. Pro tip: cut blue crab in half and hook it through a leg - the scent drives them crazy and they can't resist that fresh crab smell.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the tanks of Tampa Bay - thick, aggressive sharks averaging 6-8 feet that can show up anywhere from deep channels to surprisingly shallow flats. They're unique because they handle fresh and saltwater equally well, so you might find them way up river systems. Summer is prime time when they're most active, but we see them year-round. These are the hardest fighters you'll encounter - they don't give up and will test your tackle to the limit. Guests love the challenge and the fact that bulls are legendary for their power. They eat everything: rays, fish, crabs, whatever's available. The fight is pure strength - no fancy jumps, just brute force trying to get back to deep water. Best bait tip: fresh eel works magic on bulls - the high oil content and tough skin make it perfect, and they seem to prefer it over anything else we use.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are built like bulldozers - thick, powerful sharks that average 6-8 feet in our area with that unmistakable yellow-brown color. They love shallow sandy areas and mangrove edges in 15-50 feet, especially around structure where they ambush prey. Warmer months from May through October are best when they move into the bay to feed and breed. These are smart sharks with great eyesight, so they can be picky about baits. What makes them special is their raw power - they don't jump much but they'll drag your boat around with steady, bulldogging runs. They feed on rays, crabs, and bottom fish. Guests appreciate the solid fight without the craziness of other species. Secret weapon: fresh stingray chunks on the bottom - lemons can't resist them, and the scent carries well in our murky bay water.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead around here, smooth hammerheads average 8-10 feet but can push 11+ feet. That distinctive curved, smooth-edged head makes them easy to spot. They patrol our deeper bay channels and structure in 30-200 feet, preferring cooler water than most sharks. Summer through early fall is prime time when they move into Tampa Bay following baitfish schools. These are serious fighters - they use that hammer head to pin rays and smaller sharks before eating them. Guests love the unique look and powerful runs they make. They're aggressive feeders on squid, rays, and big bony fish. My tip: use fresh cut bonito or mackerel on a wire leader and be patient - they're smart and will circle your bait before committing to the bite.
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