Half Day St. Augustine Shark Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour charter targeting diverse shark species along St. Augustine coastFamilyfriendly trip suitable for all ages and skill levelsHeavyduty equipment, bait, and expert guidance included
Get ready for four hours of serious shark action with Ridin Dirty Charters right off the St. Augustine coast. Captain Rick knows exactly where to find these apex predators, and his top-rated charter puts you face-to-face with some of the most powerful fish swimming in these waters. You'll stay safe and comfortable aboard our 25-foot center console while targeting spinner sharks, sandbar sharks, bonneheads, blacktips, and Atlantic sharpnose sharks. This customer favorite trip works perfectly for families, first-timers, and seasoned anglers looking to add some serious muscle to their fishing stories.
Your shark fishing adventure kicks off from St. Augustine's historic waters, where Captain Rick has been putting clients on fish for years. The high gunwales on our center console keep everyone secure while you're battling these incredible predators. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got you covered with heavy-duty rods that can handle the fight, specialized tackle designed for sharks, fresh bait, and ice to keep your catch cool. The trip runs four hours, giving you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. We operate weekends only with morning and afternoon departures, so you can pick what works best for your schedule. Captain Rick handles all the rigging, safety protocols, and boat positioning, leaving you free to focus on the fight when that rod starts screaming.
Shark fishing requires a completely different approach than your typical inshore trip. We're talking heavy circle hooks, wire leaders, and rods with serious backbone to handle these fighters. Captain Rick sets up a drift pattern over productive bottom structure where sharks cruise for easy meals. The technique involves deploying multiple baited lines at different depths, creating a scent trail that draws sharks from a wide area. We use fresh cut bait – usually mackerel, bonito, or whatever's running – because sharks rely heavily on their incredible sense of smell. Once a shark picks up the bait, you'll know it immediately. These fish don't nibble – they commit. The boat's fish finder helps locate bait schools and structure, but Captain Rick's local knowledge of current breaks, drop-offs, and feeding areas really makes the difference between a slow day and non-stop action.
Spinner sharks are the acrobats of the bunch, living up to their name with spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These sleek predators average 4-6 feet and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily in the nearshore waters. What makes spinners special is their aggressive feeding behavior and those trademark spinning jumps – it's pure adrenaline when one goes airborne right next to the boat.
Sandbar sharks represent the heavyweight division of your potential catches. These bruisers can push 6-8 feet and provide the kind of sustained fight that tests your endurance. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. Sandbars are bulldogs – they don't jump, but they'll drag you around for 20 minutes straight. Landing one is a serious accomplishment that seasoned shark anglers respect.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest sharks you'll encounter, but they're perfect for younger anglers or anyone wanting to get comfortable with shark fishing. These 2-3 foot members of the hammerhead family are abundant in St. Augustine waters and known for their cooperative attitude. They're active feeders throughout the day and provide steady action when the bigger sharks are being finicky.
Blacktip sharks combine size with attitude, typically running 3-5 feet with occasional larger specimens. These aggressive feeders are known for their powerful runs and occasional jumps. They're most active during moving water – incoming or outgoing tides – and represent the perfect balance between manageable size and serious fight. Blacktips are what many guides consider the ideal shark for sport fishing.
Atlantic sharpnose sharks are the most common species you'll encounter, and while they're on the smaller side at 2-4 feet, they make up for size with numbers and enthusiasm. These sharks are incredibly abundant in local waters and provide consistent action throughout the trip. They're perfect for building confidence and learning proper shark handling techniques before moving up to the bigger species.
This world-class shark fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak season when these predators are most active. Captain Rick's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with our weekend-only schedule, means spots disappear quickly. Whether you're a family looking for an adventure everyone will remember or an angler wanting to check shark fishing off your bucket list, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of proven local knowledge, proper equipment, and St. Augustine's renowned shark population creates the perfect recipe for success. Don't let another weekend pass without experiencing the raw power and excitement of battling sharks in some of Florida's most productive waters.
Captain Rick's 2024 25' Contender center console is built for serious shark fishing off St. Augustine's coast. Twin 150HP Yamahas provide plenty of power to reach prime fishing spots, while the high gunwales keep your group of up to 4 anglers safe when battling these apex predators. The boat's equipped with GPS, radar, and fish finder technology to locate shark activity, plus outriggers for proper bait presentation. A wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly without spooking the fish. This center console design gives everyone room to fight their catch while staying secure behind protective railings. Perfect for families wanting to target blacktips, spinners, and other shark species that patrol these waters year-round.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeSharpnose are our most common small sharks, running 2-3 feet with distinctive white spots along their sides and that long, pointed snout. They're year-round residents in our shallow waters, bays, and surf zones. Perfect starter sharks for kids since they're manageable but still put up a decent fight for their size. They'll hit just about any bait - dead or alive - making them easy to hook. What's nice is you can catch them on lighter tackle, which makes the fight more fun. They're actually pretty good eating too. Best tip: bring a landing net and gloves. Their skin is rough and those teeth are sharp, but with proper handling gear you can land them safely and get great photos.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the jumpers of our local shark population - they'll leap 20 feet out of the water when hooked, making for some amazing photos. These streamlined sharks typically run 4-5 feet and are pretty excitable, sometimes even jumping into boats during feeding frenzies. We target them around artificial reefs and structure in 30-100 feet. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. Guests love their aerial shows and aggressive strikes. They'll hit live sardines, mackerel, or herring - anything oily works. The key is getting a good chum line going with ground-up baitfish. Use 30-50 pound braided line with circle hooks because when they get wound up, they really test your gear.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads we see, usually 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks and travel in schools of 10-15 fish. We find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and sandy flats year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What guests enjoy is they're perfect for families - manageable size but still give a good scrap on lighter tackle. They love blue crab more than anything else. Here's the trick: cut your crab in half and hook it through one of the legs. The scent and movement drive them crazy. Use a 20-pound setup with circle hooks and you're set. Don't be surprised if you hook multiples since they school up.
Carcharhinus PlumbeusSandbars are the heavyweights of our coastal sharks, with females reaching 8 feet and males around 6. You'll recognize them by that tall dorsal fin and stocky build. They prefer sandy bottoms in 60-200 feet, hanging around structure and drop-offs. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps climb. These sharks put up a serious fight - they'll grab your bait and try to drag you to the bottom. Guests love the power these fish have. They eat everything from rays to crabs, so fresh cut bait works well. My go-to trick is using bluegill - it's oily, smelly, and easy to find. Once hooked, let them run initially, then work them toward shallower water where you've got better control.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinners are real acrobats - they get their name from literally spinning out of the water at 46 mph when feeding. These gray sharks average 6-7 feet but can hit nearly 10 feet. They're often confused with blacktips due to similar fin coloring. We find them in 60-100 feet of water, especially during spring migration when they follow baitfish north. They hunt by smell since their eyesight isn't great. What makes them fun to target is that spectacular spinning leap when hooked - guests love the show. They'll hit live pilchards, bonito, or mullet. Pro tip: use the oiliest, bloodiest bait you can get. That strong scent trail in the water column is what draws them in from a distance.
Flagler Beach, FL