Shark Fishing Adventures Off St. Simons Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target sharks ranging from 3 to 13 feet during 5-hour guided tripExpert crew provides top-quality gear for all experience levelsIntimate 2-guest capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Nothing gets your blood pumping quite like feeling a massive shark hit your bait and start peeling line off your reel. This 5-hour guided shark fishing trip puts you face-to-face with some of the most powerful predators cruising Georgia's coastal waters. We're talking about sharks ranging from scrappy 3-footers that'll surprise you with their fight, all the way up to 13-foot beasts that'll test every muscle in your body. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we've got the heavy-duty gear to handle whatever comes up from the deep. Whether you've been chasing sharks for years or you're ready to graduate from catching snapper and grouper, this trip will push your angling skills to the limit.
We launch from St. Simons Island and head to proven shark hotspots where the water depth and structure create perfect hunting grounds for these apex predators. The boat maxes out at 2 anglers, so you're getting personalized attention and won't be fighting for rod time. We start by setting up multiple lines with fresh bait – think big chunks of mackerel, bluefish, and whatever oily fish we can get our hands on. The key is creating a scent trail that draws sharks in from miles away. You'll spend time watching the rods, feeling for that telltale thump that means game on. When a shark takes the bait, it's all hands on deck. These fish don't mess around – they'll make blistering runs, dive deep, and use every trick in the book to throw the hook. The fights can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the shark and how determined it is to stay free.
We run heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test line, paired with stout boat rods that can handle the punishment. The terminal tackle is all business – circle hooks big enough to fit in your palm, wire leaders that won't get cut by razor-sharp teeth, and sinkers heavy enough to keep your bait in the strike zone. When you're fighting a shark, technique matters more than raw strength. We'll coach you through using the boat's momentum to your advantage, pumping and winding effectively, and knowing when to let the fish run versus when to apply maximum pressure. The drag system becomes your best friend – too tight and you'll get spooled or break off, too loose and you'll be fighting all day. We anchor up over structure or drift along drop-offs where sharks patrol, adjusting our strategy based on current, wind, and what the fish are telling us.
Bull sharks are the bulldozers of the shark world, and they're year-round residents in these Georgia waters. These thick-bodied fighters typically run 6 to 9 feet around St. Simons, though we've seen some real monsters push 11 feet. Bulls are notorious for their aggressive nature and bone-jarring initial runs. They love shallow water and aren't picky eaters, which makes them prime targets for our trips. What makes bulls so exciting is their unpredictability – they might jump, make multiple long runs, or try to wrap you around structure. Summer months are prime time when they move into the shallows to feed.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their acrobatic fighting style. These sleek predators are speed demons that put on aerial shows when hooked, often jumping completely clear of the water multiple times during a fight. Most blacktips we encounter range from 4 to 7 feet, perfect for anglers who want action without getting completely worn out. They're most active from late spring through early fall, and they travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their stamina is impressive for their size, and they'll make several blistering runs before coming to the boat.
Thresher sharks are the wildcards of our target species, known for their distinctive long tail that can be as long as their body. These pelagic hunters are less common but absolutely worth the wait when they show up. Threshers are powerful swimmers that prefer deeper water, and when hooked, they put up a determined fight with long, steady runs. Most threshers we see are in the 6 to 10-foot range, and their unique appearance makes them a favorite for photos. They're more active during cooler months and early morning hours, using that massive tail to stun baitfish before feeding.
This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – it's a chance to test your skills against some of the ocean's top predators. With only 2 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention needed to make the most of every hookup. Our crew brings years of shark fishing experience and all the heavy tackle required to handle these powerful fish safely. The combination of St. Simons Island's productive waters and our proven techniques gives you the best shot at landing the shark of a lifetime. Don't wait to book – these top-rated trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the sharks are most active.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the athletes of our shark trips - sleek, fast, and famous for their jumping ability. These gray sharks with distinctive black-tipped fins typically run 4-5 feet, though we occasionally see 8-footers. They love shallow coastal waters, usually hanging in 30-100 feet around reefs and muddy bays. Spring and summer bring the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is their personality - they're excitable and social, which can trigger feeding frenzies. When hooked, they'll rocket skyward up to 21 feet per second in spectacular leaps. They're also curious enough to sometimes jump right into boats! For bait, oily fish like sardines or cut mackerel work best. My tip: use a heavy braided line rated for 20-50 pounds - their acrobatics can snap lighter tackle easily.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of our local waters - thick, aggressive fish that'll give you a real fight. These gray and white sharks typically run 8-12 feet and can hit 300 pounds. What makes them special is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them cruising shallow coastal areas, estuaries, and even up rivers. They're here year-round but more active in warmer months. Bull sharks are known for their attitude - they'll hit hard and fight dirty all the way to the boat. The bite strength on these things is legendary. My go-to trick is using fresh eel as bait - the high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes. Cut mackerel works well too, but eel is the secret weapon.
Alopias VulpinusThresher sharks are the acrobats of shark fishing - you'll know one when that massive tail breaks the surface. These blue-gray sharks average 16 feet but can hit 20, with that signature tail making up half their length. They use it like a whip to stun baitfish at 50 mph. We find them in deeper waters, usually 25-50 feet down over continental shelf areas. Late spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps hit that 60-70°F sweet spot. What guests love is the aerial show - these fish will leap completely out of the water during the fight. They're built for speed, hitting 30 mph bursts. Pro tip: despite their size, threshers have small mouths, so downsize your hooks to 8/0 and use fresh mackerel or sardines. Let the boat drift slow around baitballs.
Darien, GA