Shark Fishing Charlotte Harbor & Punta Gorda
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull, lemon, hammerhead, blacktip, and bonnethead sharks.Four to eight hour guided charters accommodate all skill levels.All bait, gear, and licenses included for complete convenience.
Looking for some serious action on the water? Captain Glenn Sharp knows exactly where to find the sharks in Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda's warm Gulf waters. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip – we're talking about targeting some of Florida's most powerful predators in their own backyard. Whether you're a first-timer wanting to feel that adrenaline rush or an experienced angler ready to tangle with apex predators, this charter delivers the goods. The beauty of Charlotte Harbor is that sharks are here year-round, but when spring and summer roll around, that's when things get really interesting. We're talking about fish ranging from scrappy 3-footers that'll test your skills to massive 10-foot bruisers that'll make your arms burn.
Captain Glenn keeps things flexible with 4 to 8-hour trips, so you can choose what fits your schedule and stamina level. Trust me, after a few hours of battling sharks, you'll understand why some folks opt for the shorter trips while others can't get enough. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want a more personalized experience. Don't worry about gear – everything's included from bait to licenses, so you can focus on what matters: landing sharks. The captain tailors each trip based on current conditions and what's biting. Some days we're anchored up over structure waiting for bulls to cruise by, other days we're drifting flats looking for lemons and bonnetheads. The variety keeps every trip fresh and exciting.
Captain Glenn matches the tackle to both the target species and your experience level. Light tackle setups get you closer to the action – feeling every head shake and run – while heavy gear lets you muscle up bigger sharks without wearing yourself out completely. We're talking circle hooks to ensure safe releases, wire leaders that won't get cut off, and fresh bait that drives sharks crazy. Techniques vary depending on what we're targeting. For bulls and lemons, we often anchor up and let the scent trail do the work. Hammerheads might require some trolling or drifting to cover water. Blacktips love the shallows where they're hunting baitfish, so we'll work those areas when conditions are right. The captain reads the water, watches the birds, and positions the boat where sharks are most likely to be feeding.
The smooth hammerhead is the star of the show around Charlotte Harbor. These prehistoric-looking sharks are absolutely stunning when they come to the boat, with that distinctive flattened head that's instantly recognizable. They're strong fighters that make long runs and put serious bend in your rod. Most hammerheads we encounter range from 4 to 7 feet, though bigger ones do show up, especially during summer months. They're curious fish that often circle the boat before committing to the bait. The fight is pure power – less jumps and head shaking, more sustained pressure that tests your endurance. What makes them special here is their predictability during peak season. When conditions are right, you can almost count on seeing them.
Lemon sharks are another customer favorite, and for good reason. These golden-colored predators are abundant in Charlotte Harbor's shallow waters where they hunt rays and smaller fish. Lemons typically run 3 to 6 feet and are known for their aggressive nature and willingness to take bait. They're perfect for families because they fight hard but aren't overwhelming for younger anglers. The best part about lemons is their temperament – they're generally calmer at the boat, making them easier to handle for photos before release. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with early morning and late afternoon being prime time. These sharks love structure and grass flats where their prey hangs out.
Bull sharks are the heavy hitters that serious anglers dream about. These thick-bodied predators are pure muscle and attitude, capable of making runs that'll smoke your drag and test every knot. Bulls in Charlotte Harbor typically range from 4 to 8 feet, with the occasional monster pushing double digits. They're year-round residents but become more active in warmer months. What sets bulls apart is their unpredictability – they might slam the bait immediately or cruise around for twenty minutes before committing. Once hooked, they're bulldogs that use their broad tail and stocky build to maximum advantage. The deeper channels and structure near the harbor mouth are prime bull shark territory, where they ambush everything from tarpon to rays.
This top-rated Charlotte Harbor shark fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the action really heats up. Captain Glenn's reputation for finding fish and keeping guests safe means return customers and word-of-mouth referrals fill the calendar quickly. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for shark fishing creates the kind of trip that has people planning their next visit before they're back at the dock. Whether you're looking for a family adventure that'll create lasting memories or want to test your skills against some of Florida's most powerful fish, this charter delivers. The all-inclusive approach means no hidden costs or last-minute surprises – just pure fishing action in some of the Gulf's best shark waters. Don't wait to secure your dates, because the best shark fishing days fill up first.
Capt. Glenn's 24-foot Pathfinder is built for serious shark hunting in Charlotte Harbor's productive waters. This 2024 rig runs on a reliable 300 HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and quiet. The wireless trolling motor lets you position perfectly over structure where sharks patrol without spooking them. Garmin electronics and fish finder help locate bait schools and mark productive bottom. Power Poles anchor you solid when you're hooked up to a big bull or hammerhead. VHF radio keeps you connected, while GPS navigation handles the technical stuff. Comfortable seating for your crew means everyone stays fresh during those long battles. Whether you're targeting blacktips on light tackle or going heavy for the big bulls, this boat handles inshore waters like a dream and gives you the platform to land sharks up to 10 feet.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the toughest customers in Charlotte Harbor - thick, muscular fish that average 6-8 feet but pack serious power. They thrive in our brackish waters where fresh meets salt, cruising everything from deep channels to shallow grass flats. Summer brings the best action when they move in to feed and breed. What sets bulls apart is their raw strength and nasty attitude - they'll make blistering runs and fight dirty all the way to the boat. Guests love the challenge because these sharks don't quit. The secret weapon is fresh eel when you can get it - the oil content drives them crazy. Otherwise, big chunks of mullet or ladyfish work well. Fish moving water near structure, and once you hook up, hang on tight because they're going to test your drag and your nerves.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find in Charlotte Harbor. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 6-8 feet and love our shallow, sandy flats and mangrove edges where they hunt for crabs, fish, and rays. They're year-round residents but really fire up during spring and summer when water temps climb. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and solid fight - they'll make long runs and jump when hooked. Plus, they're curious sharks that often cruise right up to the boat. The trick with lemons is fishing live pinfish or grunt near structure during moving tides. They have excellent eyesight, so natural presentations work best. Set up on grass flats adjacent to deeper channels where they patrol looking for an easy meal.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest of the hammerhead family, typically running 8-11 feet in our waters. What sets them apart is that distinctive curved head without the center notch you see on other hammerheads. They're active hunters that cruise shallow waters less than 60 feet, feeding on rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish. Spring and summer are prime time when they move into our warmer Gulf waters. Guests love the fight these sharks put up - they're strong, fast, and that hammer-head gives them serious leverage. The key is using fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel and fishing the edges where deeper water meets the flats. They use those electroreceptors in their heads to hunt, so keep your bait moving naturally.
Punta Gorda, FL, United States