Expert Guided Morning & Afternoon Shark Fishing Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour shark fishing trips available morning or afternoonHeavy tackle targeting sharks near inlet and shrimp boatsAccommodates up to six guests on focused inshore adventure
Get ready for some serious action on the water with this top-rated 5-hour shark fishing trip aboard the Hog Tide. Whether you choose the 6:30 AM morning departure or the 1:00 PM afternoon slot, you're in for consistent pulls and heart-pumping fights that'll have you talking about this trip for years. New Smyrna Beach sits right at one of Florida's hottest shark corridors, and Captain knows exactly where to find them based on the day's conditions and tidal movements. With space for up to six anglers, this charter strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and group excitement.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking heavy tackle shark fishing with serious firepower to handle whatever decides to take your bait. The beauty of this charter lies in the short run times, meaning more fishing and less traveling. You'll spend your time working the inlet areas where sharks cruise the channels, or positioning behind shrimp boats where the bait activity creates a feeding frenzy that draws sharks from miles around. The morning trips often produce better action as sharks are actively feeding after the night, while afternoon trips can be phenomenal when the tide is moving right and baitfish are thick near the boats. Don't expect to sit around waiting – when sharks are in the area, the action comes fast and furious.
We're talking serious gear here – heavy conventional reels spooled with braided line that can handle the initial screaming runs these sharks are famous for. Circle hooks are the standard to ensure proper hooksets and fish safety, while our bait selection includes fresh chunks of mackerel, bonito, and whatever local baitfish are running thick that day. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll set up a chum slick to draw sharks into the area, then deploy baits at various depths and distances from the boat. You'll be fishing from a stable sportfishing platform that gives everyone room to fight their fish without getting tangled up. When a shark hits, there's no mistaking it – the rod bends, the drag screams, and your heart rate jumps through the roof.
Greater Amberjack might not be sharks, but these bruisers fight like underwater bulldozers and often show up while we're targeting the toothy critters. These fish can push 40-60 pounds in these waters and will test your back muscles with their powerful runs toward structure. They're most active during the warmer months and absolutely love the deeper edges near the inlet where current brings plenty of baitfish. The fight is pure power from start to finish.
Bonnethead Sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing – they're smaller, typically 2-4 feet, but they're aggressive feeders that hit baits hard. These guys are around year-round in New Smyrna waters and often travel in small groups. Don't let their size fool you; they're scrappy fighters that spin and roll during the fight. Kids and first-time shark anglers absolutely love these fish because they're manageable but still give that authentic shark fishing experience.
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, and New Smyrna Beach is prime territory for these spectacular fighters. Running anywhere from 3-6 feet, these sharks are famous for their jumping ability once hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, and when they're feeding actively near the shrimp boats, you can hook multiple fish in a single trip. The combination of speed, agility, and aerial displays makes blacktips a customer favorite every single time.
Great Barracuda add serious excitement to any shark trip with their lightning-fast strikes and impressive size. These predators can stretch over 5 feet and pack mouths full of razor-sharp teeth. They're ambush predators that often follow hooked fish toward the boat, sometimes taking baits right at the surface in spectacular fashion. Summer months bring the biggest specimens, and their aggressive nature means they often compete with sharks for the same baits.
Bull Sharks represent the pinnacle of inshore shark fishing excitement. These powerful predators can reach impressive sizes and are known for their aggressive behavior and incredible strength. Bulls prefer the brackish waters near inlets and river mouths, making New Smyrna Beach perfect habitat. When you hook a bull shark, expect a prolonged battle featuring powerful runs, sudden direction changes, and the kind of strength that reminds you why these fish command respect. They're most active during the warmer months when baitfish concentrations peak.
This world-class shark fishing experience books up quickly, especially during peak season when conditions are prime and fish are most active. The 5-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to get into fish without feeling rushed, while the flexible morning or afternoon scheduling makes it easy to fit into your vacation plans. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next big shark or a group wanting to experience the raw power of these apex predators, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of short travel times, heavy tackle, and proven fishing grounds makes this one of the most reliable shark fishing options on the East Coast. Book now and get ready for the kind of fishing that gets your blood pumping and creates stories you'll be telling for years to come.
Step aboard the 42' Egg Harbor sportfishing boat "Hog Tide" and get ready for serious shark action off New Smyrna Beach. This twin 550 HP Detroit-powered vessel cuts through the water with authority, taking you straight to productive shark grounds near the inlet or behind working shrimp boats where the action stays hot. The spacious deck gives your group of up to six anglers plenty of room to work heavy tackle when these powerful predators hit your baits. Between hookups, stay comfortable with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or head up to the flybridge for a better view of the action. Advanced fish finder and GPS keep you on the fish while the captain works the best spots based on tide and conditions. Whether you choose the early morning departure or afternoon trip, you'll spend five solid hours targeting everything from blacktips to bulls with minimal run time and maximum fishing time.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - those distinctive black fin tips and their habit of jumping clear out of the water make them a blast to target. Most run 4-6 feet around here, and they love our nearshore waters from spring through fall. You'll find them cruising the surf line and around the inlet where baitfish concentrate. What makes them special is that explosive fight - they'll jump, spin, and put on a real show once hooked. They're also great table fare if you bleed them properly. We see good numbers behind the shrimp boats where the discarded bycatch draws them in. My go-to trick is using oily baits like fresh mackerel or mullet chunks with the skin on. That oil slick in the water gets their attention fast, and once you hook up, hang on tight.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads we see, running 3-4 feet and perfectly shaped like their name suggests - that shovel head is unmistakable. They're common in our shallow bays and near the inlet, especially during warmer months when they school up in groups of 10-15. Unlike their bigger cousins, these guys are pretty mellow and make great starter sharks for folks new to shark fishing. They put up a scrappy fight for their size and are actually good eating. What I love about targeting them is they're reliable - you can count on steady action when they're around. Here's my local trick: fresh blue crab cut in half works better than anything else. Hook it right through one of the legs, and the scent trail will bring them in from way off. Perfect for kids and beginners.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweight bruisers of our local waters - thick, muscular fish that average 8-12 feet and pack serious power. They're year-round residents but summer brings the best action when they move into our inlet and shallow bays to feed. What makes them unique is their ability to handle fresh and salt water, so they'll push way up rivers and creeks chasing bait. These are serious fighters that'll test your tackle and stamina with their bulldogging runs. They're not picky eaters, which makes them great targets for beginners, but respect their size and strength. The fight is all about power - long, grinding runs rather than fancy jumps. My secret weapon is fresh eel when I can get it - the oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracudas are the speed demons of our waters - sleek, silver torpedoes that can hit 35 mph and reach 4-6 feet long. They patrol our nearshore reefs and grass flats year-round, but summer brings the most consistent action. These apex predators are ambush hunters with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. What guests love is that initial strike - it's lightning fast and violent. The fight is explosive but short-lived; they'll make a few blistering runs then tire quickly. They're naturally curious fish that follow divers and will investigate anything shiny. Spring spawning season brings some monster fish close to shore. Here's my tip: when you see one following your lure, don't speed up - slow down or even stop. Their curiosity often triggers a strike when they think wounded prey is struggling.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook around here, averaging 20-40 pounds but capable of hitting 6 feet and 100+ pounds. These bluish-grey bruisers with that distinctive amber stripe love structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that initial run when hooked - they'll peel line like crazy before settling into a grinding fight that'll test your back and tackle. The meat's excellent if you keep smaller ones. My tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook hard right away. Let them take it and run a bit - amberjacks often mouth bait before committing, and patience gets more fish to the boat than quick hook sets.
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