3 Hour Fort Lauderdale Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target hammerhead, bull, blacktip, thresher, and mako sharks offshoreCatchandrelease fishing with sharks tagged for research purposesAccommodates up to six guests on seasonal MarchAugust charters
Get ready for some serious muscle-burning action on this top-rated 3-hour shark fishing charter out of Fort Lauderdale. From March through August, we're targeting some of the ocean's apex predators in waters that consistently produce monster sharks well over 300 pounds. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a hands-on battle that'll test your strength, stamina, and teamwork skills. With space for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows when the bite gets hot. Every shark we hook gets tagged for research before release, so you're contributing to real conservation efforts while having the fishing experience of a lifetime.
We'll be working depths anywhere from 100 to 400 feet depending on where the fish are biting and what Mother Nature throws at us. South Florida's year-round shark activity means we're never fishing blind – there's always something prowling these waters. The trip focuses entirely on catch-and-release practices, which keeps these incredible fish populations healthy for future generations. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle designed specifically for big game, and trust me, you're going to need every bit of that backbone when a hammerhead or bull shark decides to make a run. The teamwork aspect really kicks in here – landing a 300-pound shark isn't a one-person job, and watching your crew work together to bring in a fish of a lifetime creates memories that stick with you long after you're back on dry land.
We're rigged with heavy conventional reels spooled with high-test line, because anything lighter just won't cut it against these bruisers. Our approach varies based on conditions, but we're typically deploying whole baits on circle hooks – think fresh bonito, mackerel, or whatever's running that day. The key to shark fishing success is patience mixed with explosive action. You might sit for 30 minutes without a bite, then suddenly have three lines screaming at once. We use a combination of drift fishing and strategic chumming to draw the sharks in close. The rod work is where things get real – you're looking at 20-30 minute fights minimum on the bigger fish, and proper technique makes all the difference between landing your target and watching it swim away with your rig. We'll walk you through proper pumping and winding techniques, harness use, and how to work as a team when multiple fish are on.
Blacktip sharks are often the most active species we encounter, especially during their seasonal migrations. These athletic fish typically range from 50 to 150 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. What makes blacktips so exciting is their unpredictability – they'll hit baits aggressively and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing their cameras. Peak season runs from March through May when they're moving through in large schools.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate prize for many anglers, and Fort Lauderdale's waters hold some genuine giants. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and are built like underwater bulldozers. Tigers are opportunistic feeders with incredible power, known for their stubborn, determined fights that can last over an hour. They're most active during the warmer months, particularly June through August, and tend to show up in deeper water during the day. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list achievement that requires serious teamwork and endurance.
Lemon sharks bring consistent action to our charters, with most fish ranging between 100 to 250 pounds. These golden-colored sharks are surprisingly aggressive fighters despite their somewhat laid-back reputation. Lemons are year-round residents in South Florida waters, but they're particularly active during the spring months when water temperatures start climbing. They're excellent for newer shark anglers because they fight hard without the overwhelming power of larger species.
Bull sharks are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean, and the specimens we encounter offshore are typically in the 200 to 400-pound range. These thick, muscular sharks are known for their incredible stamina and refusal to give up. Bulls can show up any time during our season, but they're most reliable during the summer months when they move into deeper offshore waters. The fight characteristics are unforgettable – steady, powerful runs combined with stubborn resistance that'll have your arms burning.
Thresher sharks offer a completely different experience with their distinctive long tail fins and unique fighting style. Most threshers we hook range from 150 to 300 pounds, but their elongated build creates leverage that makes them feel much larger. These sharks are known for using their tails as weapons, creating spectacular surface commotion during the fight. Threshers are more commonly encountered during the later part of our season, particularly July and August, when they move closer to shore following bait schools.
This world-class shark fishing experience books up fast during peak season, especially when word gets out about hot bite periods. The combination of Fort Lauderdale's renowned shark populations, our commitment to conservation through tagging programs, and the pure adrenaline rush of battling 300-pound fish makes this trip a customer favorite among serious anglers. Remember, we're only running these charters from March through August, so your window is limited. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler looking to add new species to your logbook or someone ready to step up from smaller inshore fish, this charter delivers the real deal. Don't forget that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Ready to test your limits against some of the ocean's most powerful predators? Let's get you hooked up with a Fort Lauderdale shark fishing adventure you'll be talking about for years.
Your shark fishing adventure launches aboard a serious 38' Hatteras built for battling big fish in Fort Lauderdale's offshore waters. Twin 330hp Cummins engines power you to prime shark zones 100-400 feet deep, while the spacious cockpit and 35' outriggers give you room to work these powerful predators. When you hook into a 300+ pound hammerhead or bull shark, you'll appreciate the boat's stability and fish-friendly setup including livewell and fish finder technology. Between battles, retreat to the air-conditioned salon or grab cold drinks from the icebox. The flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting activity, while GPS and radar keep you on target regardless of conditions. With onboard restroom and room for six anglers, this Hatteras delivers the comfort and performance needed for serious catch-and-release shark fishing where every fish gets tagged for research.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most exciting sharks you'll encounter off Fort Lauderdale. These sleek predators average 5-6 feet but can stretch up to 9 feet, and they're famous for their spectacular jumps - sometimes launching 20+ feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them cruising in 100-300 feet of water around reefs and structure where they hunt schooling fish like mackerel and sardines. March through August gives you the best shots at them when baitfish are thick. What makes blacktips special is their energy - they'll test your drag and teamwork with acrobatic fights that get everyone on deck involved. The black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and despite being somewhat timid, they respond well to a good chum slick. Pro tip: use circle hooks with oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and keep that drag loose when they jump to avoid pulled hooks.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of Fort Lauderdale waters - thick, aggressive predators that average 8-10 feet and 200-400 pounds. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water, so you might hook one anywhere from deep offshore ledges to surprisingly shallow coastal waters. They're year-round residents but summer months offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. Bulls are prized for their tenacious fights - no fancy jumps, just raw power and determination that'll smoke your drag. Guests love the challenge because these sharks don't give up easy. They're opportunistic feeders with big appetites, making them great targets for cut bait like mackerel, bonito, or mullet. The secret weapon many guides won't tell you is fresh eel - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls while staying on the hook through smaller fish. Use heavy tackle and prepare for a battle.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are South Florida favorites, easily recognized by their yellowish coloration that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. These stocky predators typically run 6-8 feet and 200+ pounds, with females growing larger. They're year-round residents in our waters, preferring shallow areas around 60-200 feet near reefs and drop-offs where they ambush prey. Peak action happens April through July when they're most active feeding on grouper, snapper, and smaller sharks. What makes lemons great targets is their aggressive nature and strong, bulldogging fights - they'll use that thick body to pull hard and test your equipment. Unlike some sharks, they're not timid and will often hit baits aggressively. They're also curious, sometimes circling the boat before committing. For best results, use fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel on the bottom with a fish-finder rig. These sharks respond well to blood in the water, so don't be shy with the chum.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of the deep, instantly recognizable by their massive tail that's nearly as long as their body. These spectacular fighters average 12-16 feet and can exceed 500 pounds, using that whip-like tail to stun baitfish at speeds up to 50mph. We target them in 200-400 feet of water along the continental shelf, typically 30-50 miles offshore. Late spring through early fall offers the best opportunities when they follow bait schools closer to fishable depths. What guests love about threshers is the incredible aerial display - they'll launch completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. Despite their size, they have relatively small mouths, so don't go overboard on hook size. The key is finding active bait schools where they're feeding, then drifting live or dead sardines and mackerel in the 25-50 foot zone. Keep your drag light when they're airborne - that tail gives them serious leverage to throw hooks.
Galeocerdo CuvierTiger sharks are the heavyweights you dream about - these apex predators commonly hit 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds, with big females pushing over 2000 pounds. Named for their distinctive dark stripes that fade with age, they're nomadic hunters that follow warm currents and patrol our deeper waters from 200-1000+ feet. Summer months from May through August offer prime opportunities when they move closer to shore following prey. What sets tigers apart is their raw power and unique fighting style - they're slower swimmers but capable of devastating bursts that'll test every piece of your tackle. Guests love the challenge because landing one is a true team effort requiring heavy gear and patience. These solitary sharks have massive appetites and will hit big baits like whole mackerel or tuna chunks. My advice: bring 100-pound test minimum and be ready for a marathon fight when you hook into one of these legends.
undefined, undefined