24-Hour St Pete Beach Shark Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
24hour shark fishing adventure targeting 614 foot predatorsHeavyduty tackle provided for Tiger, Bull, and Hammerhead sharksAccommodates groups up to 70 with full crew support
If you're looking for the ultimate test of your angling skills, this 24-hour shark fishing marathon in St Pete Beach is exactly what you need. Starting at 5:30 PM, this isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to targeting some of the Gulf's most powerful predators. Run For The Reels Land Based Shark Charters has designed this experience for serious anglers who want to maximize their time on the water and their chances at landing multiple trophy sharks. With space for up to 70 people, it's perfect for fishing clubs, corporate groups, or just a dedicated crew of shark hunters ready to put in the work.
This trip is built around one simple concept: give you the best possible shot at hooking into giants. We kick off in the evening when many shark species become more active, and we stay out through the night and into the next day. That's 24 hours of prime fishing time across multiple tide changes, which is crucial for consistent shark action. The extended timeframe means we can deploy multiple baits, move to different spots based on conditions, and really dial in what's working. You'll be using our heaviest tackle – we're talking serious reels and rods designed to handle fish from 6 to 14 feet. The crew provides all gear, fresh bait, and the experience to put you on fish. Just bring your stamina and get ready to work for every bite.
Shark fishing isn't like chasing snappers or grouper – it requires a completely different approach and equipment. We use heavy conventional reels loaded with 80 to 130-pound test line because these fish will test every knot and connection you've got. Our rods are built to handle the initial run and the long fights that follow. We deploy multiple baits at various depths and distances from the boat, using everything from fresh king mackerel to stingrays depending on what species we're targeting. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're safer for the fish and give you a better hookup ratio. The key is patience and persistence. Sharks often take their time investigating bait, so don't expect the instant action you might get with other species. When they do hit though, you'll know it immediately.
Bonnethead sharks are often the most cooperative species you'll encounter on this trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2 to 4 feet and are perfect for warming up your arms before the bigger fish show up. They're active year-round in these waters and often travel in schools, so once you find them, you can expect steady action. Their distinctive shovel-shaped head makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their aggressive feeding habits around grass flats and sandy bottoms.
Blacktip sharks bring serious speed and athleticism to every fight. Running anywhere from 3 to 6 feet in our local waters, these fish are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. They'll often jump multiple times, making for some spectacular photo opportunities. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're particularly active during their migrations. What makes blacktips special is their willingness to hit baits in relatively shallow water, and their fights are consistently exciting from hookup to boat-side.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate prize for most anglers on this trip. These apex predators can reach truly massive sizes – we're talking 8 to 14 feet – and they have the attitude to match. Tigers are opportunistic feeders, which means they'll hit a wide variety of baits, but they're also incredibly smart and cautious. They're more active during cooler months in our area, typically showing up in better numbers from late fall through early spring. Landing a tiger shark is something most anglers remember for the rest of their lives, and the photos speak for themselves.
Lemon sharks are another crowd favorite, combining impressive size with surprisingly strong fights. These golden-colored predators typically run 6 to 10 feet in our waters and are known for their endurance. What's interesting about lemons is their social behavior – they often hunt in groups and can be found in the same areas year after year. They prefer warmer water, so summer months tend to produce the best action. Their distinctive coloration makes them easy to identify, and they're generally more predictable in their feeding patterns than some other species.
Bull sharks might be the most challenging species you'll face on this adventure. These incredibly powerful fish are built like underwater bulldozers, with massive heads and stocky bodies that can reach 8 to 11 feet. They're found in our area year-round but seem most active during spring and fall transitions. What sets bulls apart is their incredible strength – pound for pound, they might be the strongest shark you'll encounter. They also have one of the highest bite forces of any shark species, which means your tackle better be in perfect condition. Bulls are known for their unpredictable behavior and their ability to make long, powerful runs that will test both your equipment and your technique.
This 24-hour shark fishing adventure represents serious value for dedicated anglers. You're getting an entire day and night of prime fishing time, all the gear and bait you need, and expert guidance from a crew that knows these waters inside and out. The extended duration gives you multiple shots at different species as conditions change throughout the trip. Whether you're planning a group outing or looking to challenge yourself with some of the Gulf's most impressive predators, this trip delivers the opportunity and the experience you're after. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before booking. But if you're ready to put in the time and effort, this could be the shark fishing trip you'll be talking about for years to come.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are solid mid-size sharks running 5-6 feet with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. They're actually pretty social and can get worked up into feeding frenzies, which makes for some wild action. You'll find them cruising around reefs and structure in 50-200 feet of water, especially during warmer months. These sharks are known for their jumping ability - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked, putting on quite a show. The fight is honest and strong without being overwhelming. They respond great to oily baits like mackerel or herring, and a good chum slick will bring them right to you. Pro tip: use circle hooks on 20-50 pound tackle and keep that drag smooth - their acrobatics can snap you off if you're locked down too tight when they go airborne.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the little cousins of the hammerhead family, running 3-4 feet and easily spotted by their spade-shaped heads. These guys are actually pretty timid and travel in schools, which makes them fun targets when you find a group. They hang out in shallow bays and channels year-round here in Florida waters, feeding on crabs and small fish. What makes them interesting is they're one of the few sharks that shows real differences between males and females - the ladies have wider, rounder heads. They put up a scrappy fight for their size, and you don't need crazy heavy tackle. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg - they can't resist it. Perfect starter shark for crews wanting to get their feet wet before going after the big boys.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are thick, aggressive sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle into their stocky frames. They're unique because they can handle both salt and fresh water, often pushing way up into rivers and brackish areas. Around St. Pete, they cruise shallow flats, channels, and drop-offs year-round, but summer brings the best action. What makes bulls special is their raw power and attitude - they hit hard and fight dirty with bulldogging runs that test heavy tackle. These are the sharks that really get crews fired up because of their reputation and strength. They're not picky eaters, but respond best to oily baits like mullet, mackerel, or bonito. Fresh eel is my secret weapon - its high oil content and tough skin make it perfect bull shark candy. Fish it on 80-100 pound gear with wire leaders, and don't be surprised when they try to take your rod to the bottom.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are stocky, powerful sharks that average 6-8 feet and are easily recognized by their yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. They prefer shallow coastal areas, especially around structure like wrecks and reefs in 20-100 feet of water. These sharks are curious and persistent fighters that use their broad shoulders to bulldoze against your drag. They show up consistently during warmer months and are more active during evening and night hours. What guests love about lemons is their honest fight - no crazy jumps, just steady, powerful runs that test your endurance and tackle. They feed heavily on stingrays, crabs, and bony fish. Fresh stingray or bonito chunks work great, but my secret weapon is whole blue runners fished on the bottom. Use 50-80 pound tackle with circle hooks and be patient - lemons often mouth bait before committing, so let them run with it before setting the hook.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators we're really after on these long trips - true giants that can push 12-14 feet and over 1,000 pounds. They're solitary hunters with those distinctive dark stripes that fade as they age. These sharks cruise deeper water most of the time but move shallow to feed, especially at night. What makes them special is their incredible power and endurance - once hooked, you're in for a marathon battle that can last hours. They follow warm currents and show up best during summer and fall months. Tigers will eat just about anything, but fresh tuna, mackerel, or bluefish chunks work best. The key is heavy tackle - 100-pound test minimum with wire leaders. My local trick is to fish them on the tide changes when they're most active, and always keep fresh bait in the water. These fish are bucket-list material for serious shark anglers.
Florida