Florida Night Shark Fishing - St Pete Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
12hour nighttime shark fishing trip starting at 5:30 PMTarget massive sharks including Tiger, Hammerhead, and Bull speciesAccommodates large groups up to 70 people with gear provided
When the sun starts dropping over the Gulf and most anglers are calling it a day, that's when the real action kicks off at St Pete Beach. This 12-hour night shark fishing adventure with Run For The Reels Land Based Shark Charters puts you right in the thick of some of Florida's most legendary predator fishing. Starting at 5:30 PM, you'll be targeting monsters that can stretch 6 to 14 feet and tip the scales at over 1,000 pounds. This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip – we're talking serious shark hunting from shore with gear built to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you.
This top-rated shore-based shark fishing experience accommodates groups up to 70 people, making it perfect for corporate events, bachelor parties, or just a crew of hardcore anglers looking to make some memories. You won't need to worry about getting seasick since we're fishing from the beach, but you'll still have access to the same trophy-class sharks that cruise the deeper waters. The captain and crew provide all the heavy-duty tackle, premium bait, and safety guidance you need to stay sharp during this marathon fishing session. The night fishing element adds an extra edge – sharks are naturally more active after dark, and the cooler temperatures make the 12-hour commitment more comfortable for everyone involved.
We're not messing around with light tackle here. The crew breaks out the biggest reels in their arsenal, paired with rods that can handle serious torque when a bull shark decides to make a run for deeper water. Circle hooks and steel leaders are standard – these fish have teeth that can slice through regular mono like butter. The bait setup typically involves large chunks of bonita, mackerel, or stingray wings deployed on sliding sinker rigs that let the sharks pick up the bait naturally. Multiple lines go out at different distances and depths, creating a spread that covers the prime feeding zones where these predators patrol. The crew handles all the rigging and bait preparation, so you can focus on the fight when something big picks up your offering.
Blacktip sharks are some of the most consistent fighters you'll encounter on St Pete Beach night trips. These athletic predators typically range from 3 to 6 feet and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, often cruising the shallows in small groups. What makes blacktips so exciting is their speed and stamina – they'll make long runs and jump repeatedly, testing both your tackle and your reflexes. The smaller size makes them perfect for anglers who want action without the extreme physical demands of the bigger species.
Tiger sharks represent the holy grail of Florida shark fishing, and St Pete's waters hold some true giants. These apex predators can exceed 12 feet and 1,000 pounds, earning their reputation as one of the ocean's most formidable hunters. Tigers are year-round residents but become more active during summer nights when baitfish concentrations are highest. They're known for their powerful, steady runs rather than flashy jumps, and the fight can last hours with proper tackle. What draws anglers to tigers is their sheer size and the respect they command – landing a big tiger shark is a legitimate bucket-list achievement.
Lemon sharks bring consistent action and impressive size to St Pete Beach shark fishing adventures. These golden-colored predators typically measure 6 to 8 feet and are known for their curious nature around baited hooks. They're most active from May through September, often moving into shallower waters during nighttime feeding periods. Lemons fight with determination rather than spectacular runs, using their broad pectoral fins to create maximum resistance. Anglers appreciate lemon sharks because they're relatively predictable in their behavior and provide steady action throughout the night when other species might be finicky.
Bull sharks are the bruisers of the St Pete shark scene, combining size, power, and aggression into one world-class fishing challenge. These thick-bodied predators can reach 10 feet and several hundred pounds, with jaws designed to crush anything they encounter. Bulls are active year-round in Florida waters but peak during the warmer months when they move closer to shore. What makes bull sharks special is their raw power – they don't jump like blacktips or make long runs like tigers, they just pull with relentless force that tests every component of your tackle system. The adrenaline rush of fighting a big bull from shore is something every serious angler needs to experience.
St Pete Beach night shark fishing delivers the kind of action that separates casual anglers from true shark hunters. With Run For The Reels Land Based Shark Charters providing all the gear, bait, and expertise, you just need to bring your energy and get ready for 12 hours of premium predator fishing. The large group capacity means you can bring your whole crew, and the shore-based approach eliminates the variables that can complicate offshore trips. Remember that deposits are non-refundable and rates vary by season, so check the trips and rates page to lock in your preferred dates. When you're ready to test yourself against Florida's legendary sharks, this is the charter that delivers the goods.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most active sharks you'll encounter off St Pete Beach, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet. These sleek predators are easily identified by the black markings on their fin tips and their habit of jumping clear out of the water when hooked. They cruise shallow waters around 30-100 feet, often near reefs and drop-offs where they hunt schools of mackerel and herring. Summer through fall gives you the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes blacktips special is their aerial show - they'll leap 20+ feet in the air during the fight. They're also pretty timid, so once you get one going, others often follow. My tip: use oily baits like fresh sardines and keep your drag smooth. When they start jumping, let them run or they'll throw the hook.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of our local waters - thick, aggressive sharks that average 8-10 feet but pack serious muscle. These gray torpedoes are unique because they can handle both salt and fresh water, often pushing way up into rivers and estuaries. Around St Pete Beach, they patrol shallow coastal waters year-round but peak activity hits during summer months. What makes bulls special is their raw aggression and power - pound for pound, they're one of the strongest fighting sharks you'll encounter. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit almost anything, making them reliable targets. The fight is all business - deep, powerful runs that'll smoke your drag. Bulls respond well to fresh cut bait, especially mullet or mackerel, but here's my secret weapon: fresh eel. The oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through smaller fish.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are solid fighters that run 6-10 feet on average, with a distinctive yellowish color that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. These stocky sharks prefer shallow coastal waters, mangrove areas, and sandy flats from 10-300 feet deep. They're particularly active during warmer months when they move into our nearshore waters to feed and breed. What guests love about lemons is their strong, steady fight - no crazy jumps, just pure bulldogging power that'll test your tackle. They're also curious by nature, often circling the boat before committing to a bait. They hunt mainly at night, using excellent vision and electroreception to find prey like rays, crabs, and smaller fish. My go-to technique is fresh stingray or jack crevalle chunks on the bottom with a fish-finder rig. Keep your bait fresh and be ready for long runs.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators we're really after on these night trips - true monsters that can push 14+ feet and over 1,000 pounds. You'll recognize them by those dark stripes that fade with age and their massive, stocky build. These nomadic hunters patrol deeper waters around 100-1,000 feet but move shallow to feed, especially at night. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities when they follow warm currents closer to shore. What draws anglers back is the sheer power - tigers have one of the strongest pulls in the shark world, plus they'll eat just about anything. They're ambush predators that use their camouflage to get close before unleashing bursts of speed. Pro tip: use big baits like whole mackerel or tuna chunks on heavy circle hooks. Once hooked, be patient - they fight deep and dirty.
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