Fort Lauderdale Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target hammerhead, bull, blacktip, and mako sharks offshoreCatch-and-release fishing with sharks tagged for research purposesSeasonal March-August trips accommodate up to six guests
You want to test your strength against some of the ocean's most powerful predators? This 3-hour shark fishing charter off Fort Lauderdale puts you face-to-face with monsters that'll make your arms burn and your heart race. Running seasonally from March through August, we take up to six anglers into the deep blue where hammerheads, bulls, and makos cruise the edges looking for their next meal. Every shark we hook gets tagged for research before release – you're not just fishing, you're contributing to marine science while getting the fight of your life.
This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip where you're casting for snook in the shallows. We're heading offshore into 100 to 400 feet of water, depending on what Mother Nature's serving up that day. The Gulf Stream pushes close to Fort Lauderdale's coast, creating upwellings and temperature breaks where baitfish stack up – and where sharks come to feed. You'll be fishing with heavy tackle and circle hooks, using fresh chunks of bonito, mackerel, or whatever we've caught for bait. The rods are loaded with 80-pound test because when a 300-pound bull shark decides it doesn't want to come to the boat, you need every advantage you can get. Most of our target species are serious fighters that'll take long runs and test your endurance. Be ready to work as a team – shark fishing isn't a solo sport, and everyone on board plays a role in landing these apex predators safely.
We're running circle hooks exclusively for this fishery – it's better for the sharks and gives us cleaner releases for our tagging program. The captain will set up a spread of baits at different depths using downriggers and weighted lines, creating a chum slick that draws sharks from miles away. You'll be fishing with 50 to 80-pound class tackle, depending on conditions and what's been biting. The technique is all about patience and timing – sharks often mouth the bait before committing, so knowing when to set the hook makes the difference between a hookup and a missed opportunity. Wire leaders are a must with these toothy predators, and we use heavy-duty swivels and hardware that can handle the torque when a big mako goes airborne. The fighting chair gets a workout on this trip, and you'll learn why serious shark anglers develop such respect for these fish. When we get a fish to the boat, it's all hands on deck for a quick photo, tagging, and release.
Blacktip sharks are often the most active species we encounter, especially during their spring migration through South Florida waters. These athletic sharks average 40 to 80 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. They're aggressive feeders that hit baits hard and fast, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Peak season runs from March through May when schools move through our waters in massive numbers. What makes blacktips special is their willingness to fight in the upper water column – you'll see them cartwheeling across the surface in displays that rival any tarpon jump.
Tiger sharks are the heavyweight champions of this fishery, with mature females reaching weights over 500 pounds in our local waters. These apex predators are most active during the warmer months from May through August, when they move into shallower waters to hunt. Tigers are known for their incredibly powerful runs and their ability to change direction instantly, testing both angler skill and tackle limits. They're opportunistic feeders that will eat almost anything, making them one of the more reliable species to target. The distinctive tiger stripes on younger fish fade with age, but their reputation as one of the ocean's most formidable predators never diminishes.
Lemon sharks offer a different kind of challenge, known for their intelligence and wariness around boats. These golden-colored sharks are year-round residents in South Florida, but fishing is best from April through July when they're most active in our target depths. Lemons are strong, steady fighters that prefer to stay deep and use their weight against you rather than making flashy surface runs. They can live over 25 years and grow to impressive sizes, with big females exceeding 200 pounds. Anglers love them for their predictable fight and the challenge they present – hooking a smart lemon shark requires patience and finesse.
Bull sharks are the bruisers of the bunch, built like underwater bulldozers with attitudes to match. These stocky sharks are incredibly strong for their size, with mature bulls averaging 200 to 300 pounds but fighting like fish twice their weight. They're most active in our waters from March through June, when warming temperatures bring them closer to shore. Bulls are known for their initial explosive runs followed by bulldogging fights in the deep water. What makes them special is their ability to tolerate different salinities – they're equally comfortable in saltwater or brackish environments, making them one of the most adaptable shark species we target.
Thresher sharks are the acrobats of the deep water, famous for their elongated tail fins that can equal their body length. These unique sharks are most common in our waters from April through July, typically found in the deeper parts of our fishing grounds. Threshers use their whip-like tails to stun schools of baitfish, creating a spectacular feeding display when conditions are right. They're fast swimmers and strong fighters that often jump when hooked, making them a favorite among experienced shark anglers. Mature threshers can exceed 300 pounds, with most of that weight packed into their muscular body rather than their distinctive tail.
Fort Lauderdale's shark fishing season is relatively short, running from March through August, so prime dates fill up fast. This top-rated charter accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for groups who want to share the experience of battling these apex predators. Every fish we catch
This 38' Hatteras is built to handle serious offshore shark fishing in Fort Lauderdale waters. Twin 330hp Cummins engines power you out to the prime fishing grounds 100-400 feet deep where the big sharks cruise. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to six anglers plenty of room to work those heavy rods when a 300+ pound hammerhead or bull shark takes your bait. Extended 35' outriggers help spread your lines wide, while the livewell keeps your bait fresh and active. Between battles, retreat to the air-conditioned salon to cool off or grab drinks from the icebox. Modern fish finder and GPS help locate the best spots, while radar keeps you safe if weather moves in. The onboard restroom and flybridge add comfort to these intense fishing sessions where teamwork is everything.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter off Fort Lauderdale, known for their signature black-tipped fins and acrobatic jumps that can reach 21 feet out of the water. These streamlined predators average 5-6 feet but can grow up to 9 feet, typically weighing 50-120 pounds. They cruise in 100-200 foot depths along our continental shelf, often around reefs and structure where baitfish concentrate. March through August offers prime conditions when they're most active in our warmer waters. What makes blacktips special is their explosive fight - they'll leap, spin, and put on a real show once hooked. Despite their energy, they can be timid around the boat, so patience pays off. Pro tip: use fresh mackerel or sardines on circle hooks with a wire leader, and keep your chum line steady. The oil from sardines really gets their attention, but be ready for that first jump!
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the ultimate power fighters in our waters - thick, aggressive sharks built like underwater bulldozers. These gray predators average 8-10 feet and 250-350 pounds of pure muscle, known for their blunt snouts and attitude to match. They hunt in 150-400 foot depths along drop-offs and structure, especially during summer months when baitfish are thick. What makes bulls special is their incredible strength and determination - they fight dirty with deep runs and head shakes that test your drag system. Unlike other sharks, bulls can handle different water conditions, making them adaptable hunters year-round. Peak action runs April through July when they're feeding heavily before moving deeper. The fight is intense but shorter than other species - they burn hot and fast. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible. Use heavy circle hooks and keep your drag smooth, because when a bull decides to run, there's no stopping it.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are distinctive yellow-bronze sharks that patrol our inshore and nearshore waters, making them perfect targets during our March-August season. These stocky predators typically measure 6-8 feet and weigh 120-200 pounds, with their unique coloring making them unmistakable in the water. They prefer sandy bottoms and structure in 100-300 foot depths, often following schools of jacks and snappers along the reef edge. What guests love about lemons is their aggressive strike and determined fight - they don't give up easily and will make multiple runs. They're also curious sharks that sometimes circle the boat before committing to bait. During summer months when water temps climb above 80°F, they become more active and feed heavily. Fresh bonito or mackerel works best, but the secret weapon is fresh yellowtail chunks on a sliding sinker rig. Keep the bait moving slightly - lemons like their prey active, not dead-sticking on the bottom.
Alopias VulpinusThreshers are the most unique sharks we target, instantly recognizable by their scythe-like tail that's nearly as long as their body. These blue-gray predators average 12-16 feet and 400-600 pounds, using that massive tail to stun schools of baitfish at 50+ mph. They prefer open water in 200-400 foot depths where they hunt mackerel, sardines, and squid along temperature breaks. March through June offers the best action when they follow bait migrations north. Threshers are prized for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line. They're also surprisingly acrobatic for their size, often cartwheeling and tail-walking when hooked. The fight combines speed with endurance - they'll make multiple runs before finally coming to the boat. Fresh mackerel or large sardines work best on 8/0 hooks with long leaders, since they have smaller mouths despite their size. Key tip: watch for birds diving on bait balls - that's where threshers are often hunting underneath.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators we encounter in deeper waters, easily recognized by their distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. These massive sharks commonly run 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds, with the biggest females pushing 16+ feet. They patrol depths from 200-1000 feet along the edge of our continental shelf, using their excellent camouflage to ambush prey. Peak season runs May through August when warmer currents bring them closer to shore. Tigers are bucket-list sharks for serious anglers - their size and power demand teamwork and heavy tackle. They're surprisingly slow swimmers until they attack, then they show incredible strength that tests every piece of gear. The fight is methodical but relentless, wearing down even experienced crews. My go-to setup uses fresh tuna or mackerel chunks on 10/0 circle hooks with 100-pound mono. The key is patience - tigers take their time deciding, but once they commit, hold on tight.
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