Shark Fishing Adventures in Fort Lauderdale
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target nurse, lemon, and blacktip sharks offshore Fort LauderdaleExperienced crew guides anglers through challenging shark encountersSix-guest capacity ensures personalized fishing adventure
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the ocean's most powerful predators, Fort Lauderdale's shark fishing scene delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that separates the weekend warriors from the serious anglers. Reel Floridian Fishin' has been putting clients on quality sharks in these waters for years, and we know exactly where to find the big ones when they're feeding. Our top-rated shark fishing trips target the species that make South Florida famous among offshore enthusiasts – Blacktip sharks, Lemon sharks, and the legendary Bull sharks that cruise these productive waters year-round.
Your shark fishing adventure starts early, typically around sunrise when the bite is most active and the conditions are prime for targeting these apex predators. We'll head out to proven shark grounds ranging from 50 to 200 feet of water, where the continental shelf drops off and creates the perfect hunting environment for our target species. The crew handles all the heavy lifting – from rigging the chunked bait to setting up the circle hooks and wire leaders that can handle a shark's razor-sharp teeth. With a maximum of 6 anglers on board, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't be fighting for rail space when the action heats up. We run full-day trips that give you the best shot at connecting with multiple species, and the experienced crew knows how to read the water conditions, current breaks, and bait schools that indicate when sharks are in the area and actively feeding.
Shark fishing is all about using the right gear and presenting your bait where these predators expect to find an easy meal. We fish with heavy conventional reels spooled with 80 to 130-pound test line, paired with 7-foot rods that have the backbone to handle fish that can easily top 100 pounds. The terminal tackle is where shark fishing gets technical – we use 6 to 10-foot wire leaders to prevent bite-offs, and circle hooks ranging from 8/0 to 12/0 depending on the target species. Fresh cut bait is the name of the game, with chunks of bonita, kingfish, and barracuda producing the most consistent results. The crew will set up a proper chum slick using ground bait and fish oils that creates a scent trail sharks can follow for miles. We'll deploy multiple baits at different depths and distances from the boat, creating a spread that covers the water column from the surface down to 40 feet. When a shark picks up the bait, the key is letting them run with it before setting the hook – circle hooks are designed to find the corner of the mouth, which gives you the best chance of landing the fish and ensures a healthy release.
Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of Fort Lauderdale shark fishing, and for good reason – these sleek predators are abundant, aggressive, and put on an absolute show when hooked. Running between 30 and 80 pounds on average, Blacktips are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs that can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. They're most active during the cooler months from November through April, when they migrate south along Florida's coast in massive schools. What makes Blacktips so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're fighting a fish on the surface, the next it's diving deep and testing your drag system. These sharks respond well to fresh cut bait fished on the bottom or suspended in the middle of the water column.
Lemon sharks bring a different kind of challenge to the table, with their stocky build and bulldogging fighting style that can wear down even experienced anglers. These golden-colored sharks typically range from 50 to 150 pounds in our local waters, and they're year-round residents that know every structure and drop-off along the coast. Lemons are ambush predators that prefer to hunt near the bottom, making them perfect targets for our chunked bait presentations. What sets them apart is their intelligence – Lemon sharks are known to be more cautious than other species, often following the bait for long periods before committing to the bite. When they do hit, the fight is all about power and endurance rather than speed, as they use their broad tail and muscular body to dig deep and test your tackle to the limit.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate prize for serious shark anglers, combining massive size with legendary aggression that has made them one of the most respected predators in our waters. These thick-bodied bruisers can exceed 300 pounds, and their bite force is among the strongest in the shark world. Bull sharks are opportunistic feeders that will hit just about any bait presentation, but they're most active during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to hunt. What makes Bulls so special is their unpredictable nature – they can be found anywhere from 30 feet of water to over 200 feet, and they're equally comfortable hunting over reefs, wrecks, or open bottom. When you hook a mature Bull shark, everything else on the boat stops as everyone watches the battle unfold between angler and apex predator.
Fort Lauderdale's shark fishing opportunities are world-class, but the best trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is most consistent. Reel Floridian Fishin' has earned its reputation by putting clients on fish year after year, and our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some serious species to your list or a newcomer ready to experience the rush of fighting a true ocean predator, we've got the knowledge and equipment to make it happen. The sharks are out there waiting – the only question is whether you're ready to answer the call. Book your shark fishing adventure today and discover why Fort Lauderdale is considered one of the premier shark fishing destinations on the East Coast
Get ready to chase sharks aboard our 2015 Contender center console! This 33-foot powerhouse runs on twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 55 knots. Perfect for targeting those Fort Lauderdale favorites - Nurse sharks, Lemon sharks, and Blacktips lurking in the offshore waters. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day of shark fishing: fish finder to locate your targets, GPS to navigate the best spots, and an icebox to keep your catches fresh and drinks cold. With space for up to 6 anglers and even a head onboard, you'll have plenty of room to fight these powerful predators without feeling cramped. Our experienced crew knows exactly where these sharks hang out and will put you right on top of the action.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter off Fort Lauderdale. These guys average 4-5 feet but can stretch up to 9 feet and 270 pounds. What makes them special? They're famous for those spectacular leaps - we're talking 21 feet per second out of the water! You'll find them cruising our reefs and shallow waters, typically in 30-100 feet. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on mackerel, sardines, and herring. They put up a solid fight with plenty of jumps and runs that'll test your drag. Here's a local trick: use heavy braided line (20-50 lb) with circle hooks and get that chum slick going with oily baits like mackerel. These sharks can get pretty worked up in a feeding frenzy, so be ready for some serious action when they show up in numbers.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks earn their reputation as one of our toughest targets here in South Florida. These thick-bodied bruisers average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle at 200-400 pounds. What makes them unique? They're one of the few sharks that can handle both salt and fresh water, so we catch them everywhere from deep reefs to river mouths. Summer months bring the best fishing when they move into our warmer coastal waters. You'll find them in 20-100 feet, often around structure or drop-offs. Anglers love the pure raw power - these sharks will test every piece of your tackle with bulldozer runs and stubborn fights. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit almost anything, but here's my go-to trick: fresh eel is absolute dynamite for bulls. The high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on your hook through multiple runs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are the heavyweights of our local shark scene, and they're absolutely worth targeting. These golden-bronze beauties commonly run 6-8 feet and can push 200+ pounds when mature. What sets them apart is their incredible power and endurance - they'll give you a long, grinding fight that really tests your gear and stamina. We find them year-round in our shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and nearshore waters from 10-90 feet deep. They love structure like wrecks and reefs where they hunt stingrays, snappers, and jacks. Spring and summer months produce the most consistent action. Guests love them because they're smart, strong fighters that don't give up easy. Pro tip: fresh stingray or jack crevalle on the bottom works magic, but here's the secret - tie your bait with heavy wire leader and fish it near structure during moving tides.
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