Key West Private Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private shark fishing charter with Captain Barry and first mateFourhour morning or threehour afternoon trips availableAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses included onboard
Captain Barry and his experienced first mate know exactly where the sharks bite in Key West's legendary waters. This top-rated private charter puts you on the fish with professional-grade tackle and insider knowledge that comes from years working these flats and channels. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with apex predators or bringing the family for their first shark encounter, this hands-on fishing experience delivers the real deal. No crowded party boats here – just your group, expert guidance, and some of the most consistent shark action in the Florida Keys.
Your private shark fishing adventure kicks off with either a 4-hour morning trip departing at 1 PM or a focused 3-hour afternoon session starting at 2 PM, running exclusively on Mondays and Fridays. Captain Barry keeps the guest count capped at six, so everyone gets personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish. The crew handles all the technical stuff – your Florida fishing license is covered, and they'll have quality rods, reels, and fresh bait ready to go. This isn't about luck; it's about putting baits where hungry sharks patrol. The captain reads the water conditions, tides, and seasonal patterns to position you over productive structure. First-timers get step-by-step coaching on shark fishing techniques, while experienced anglers appreciate the local intel and access to prime spots that produce day after day.
Shark fishing in Key West requires the right approach, and Captain Barry's got the setup dialed in. Heavy conventional reels spooled with strong braided line handle the serious pulling power these fish deliver. Circle hooks and wire leaders prevent bite-offs while ensuring solid hooksets that stick. The crew uses a mix of live and cut baits depending on what's working – sometimes it's fresh-caught pinfish or pilchards, other times chunked mackerel or bonita gets the job done. Fishing happens over structure, channels, and flats where sharks cruise for easy meals. You'll learn proper rod handling techniques for fighting these powerful fish without burning out your arms. The first mate stays right beside you during the fight, offering guidance on when to pump and wind versus when to let the fish run. It's all about steady pressure and patience – rushing a shark to the boat usually means a pulled hook or broken line.
Lemon sharks are the crown jewel of Key West inshore fishing, and for good reason. These golden-colored predators average 4-6 feet but can push much larger, offering sustained fights that test your tackle and technique. Lemons are active year-round in these waters, though spring and summer months see peak numbers cruising the flats and channels. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior and tendency to stay hooked once they bite. They're smart fish that require fresh bait presentations, but when you connect, expect long runs and powerful head shakes that make your drag sing.
Bonnethead sharks might be smaller than their cousins, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These unique hammerhead relatives typically run 2-3 feet and travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are common when you find them. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they flood the grass flats to feed on crabs and small fish. Bonnetheads are perfect for kids and nervous first-timers since they're manageable in size but still deliver that authentic shark fishing rush. Their strange shovel-shaped heads make them fascinating to see up close before release.
Blacktip sharks bring the acrobatics to your Key West fishing trip. These sleek, fast-moving sharks are famous for their aerial displays when hooked, often launching completely out of the water in spectacular jumps. Most blacktips caught here range from 3-5 feet, though bigger ones prowl deeper waters nearby. They're most active during warmer months and often hunt in shallow water where you can see their distinctive black-tipped fins cutting the surface. Blacktips hit baits aggressively and fight with explosive energy that keeps everyone on the boat watching. Captain Barry positions you where these sharks ambush baitfish, leading to fast-paced action that keeps rods bent.
This world-class shark fishing experience combines expert local knowledge with hands-on instruction that works for any skill level. Captain Barry and his first mate create the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime while respecting the resource through proper catch-and-release practices. The limited Monday and Friday schedule keeps this charter exclusive, and with only six spots available per trip, dates fill up fast during peak season. Pack your sunglasses, reef-safe sunblock, plenty of water, and snacks for the crew – they'll handle the rest. If you're bringing kids, grab appropriately sized life vests since the boat's standard gear might not fit smaller guests. Ready to feel the pull of Key West's apex predators? Contact Rampage Fishing on Magic today and secure your spot for this customer favorite charter that consistently delivers the shark action you're after.
The Rampage Magic is your floating command center for hunting sharks in Key West waters. This luxury sportfisher sleeps up to 6 anglers in comfort with air conditioning, leather seating, and a fully equipped galley. When you're not battling toothy predators, relax in the shaded salon or grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge. The vessel features a spacious flybridge for spotting fins, plus a private cabin with real beds if you need to rest between fights. A clean restroom with hot shower means you can rinse off after handling your catch. Captain Barry and his mate know these waters inside out and will put you on the sharks using top-notch rods, reels, and fresh bait. The soundproof cabin lets you escape engine noise, while the multimedia system keeps everyone entertained during the ride to productive fishing grounds. Perfect for serious shark hunters who want their comfort along with the action.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are probably our most acrobatic sharks here in Key West - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, spinning and thrashing like crazy. Most run 4-6 feet and really know how to use that speed and agility. They cruise the reef edges and drop-offs in 30-100 feet of water, though we catch plenty in shallower areas too. Spring and summer are peak times when they're feeding heavily on the abundant baitfish. What makes blacktips special is that explosive fight - they'll make multiple runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat fired up. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take one home. The black-tipped fins make them easy to identify, and they're usually pretty aggressive on the bite. My go-to technique is using oily baits like mackerel or sardines with plenty of chum in the water. Once you get them fired up, they'll compete with each other and bite almost anything you put down there.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll encounter around Key West, usually running 2-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy sharks that travel in small schools, especially during cooler months when they move down from up north. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around structure in 5-20 feet of water where they hunt crabs and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're thick in our waters. Guests love targeting bonnetheads because they're a great starter shark - manageable size but still put up a scrappy fight. They're also one of the few sharks that's actually good eating if you decide to keep one within regulations. Best trick I can share is using fresh-cut blue crab for bait. Hook it right through one of the legs so it stays on well, and fish it on the bottom near grass beds where they like to feed.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most reliable targets here in Key West waters. These golden-colored sharks typically run 6-8 feet and can push 200 pounds, making them a serious fight on medium-heavy tackle. They're pretty mellow compared to other species but will give you a solid battle once hooked. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and mangrove edges, usually in 10-30 feet of water where they hunt for rays and small fish. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at them when water temps climb above 75 degrees. What makes lemons special is their curious nature - they'll often circle the boat before committing to your bait. For best results, use fresh cut bait like bonita or mackerel on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom. The key is patience - lemons like to mouth the bait before they really take it.
Key West, FL