Premium Shark Fishing Charters with Russell & Sons
Private Trip
Target blacktip and bull sharks from boat on bay watersAccommodates up to 4 guests for inshore fishing adventureRussell & Sons Outdoors provides equipment and guidance
Looking to get your heart pumping and test your drag system? This shark fishing adventure puts you face-to-face with some of the bay's most powerful predators. We're talking about fish that'll make your reel scream and your arms burn – the kind of fishing that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. With Russell & Sons Outdoors, you're getting a top-rated charter that knows exactly where to find these apex predators and how to put you on the fish. Whether you've been chasing sharks for years or this is your first time tangling with something that has teeth, we'll set you up for success on the water.
This is inshore shark fishing at its finest – no long runs to deep water, just pure action in the bay where these predators patrol the shallows. We keep our groups small with just 4 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from our crew. The boat stays mobile, covering productive flats and channels where sharks hunt for rays, crabs, and baitfish. You'll feel the difference immediately when a shark picks up your bait – that steady pull that turns into a freight train run. Our guides know how to coach you through the fight, when to pump and wind, and how to tire these fish out without breaking them off. The bay's structure creates perfect ambush points, and we use that to our advantage, positioning baits along drop-offs and grass edges where sharks cruise looking for easy meals.
We fish with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound braided line, backed by circle hooks and wire leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth. Fresh cut bait is the name of the game – usually big chunks of jack, ladyfish, or rays that put out a serious scent trail in the water. We'll set up multiple rods with different baits at varying depths, from bottom rigs for cruising bulls to suspended baits for more aggressive species like blacktips. The key is letting the fish take the bait and come tight on the circle hook naturally – no need to set the hook hard like you would with other species. Our crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on fighting fish. We use quality Avet and Penn reels with smooth drags that won't fail when a big bull shark decides to make a 100-yard run toward structure.
Blacktip sharks are the acrobats of the bunch, known for their spectacular jumps and fast runs. These fish average 3-6 feet and are most active during moving tides when they push into shallow water to feed. They're aggressive biters that'll absolutely destroy a live bait, and watching one launch completely out of the water never gets old. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with the biggest concentrations showing up when baitfish are thick in the bay.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights – thick, powerful fish that can exceed 8 feet and pack serious muscle. These are the fish that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Bulls patrol deeper channels and structure, especially around creek mouths where fresh water meets salt. They're year-round residents but most active in warmer months. When you hook a big bull, expect a bulldogging fight with powerful runs and head shakes that'll rattle your teeth.
Spinner sharks live up to their name with their spinning jumps when hooked. These sleek predators love schooling baitfish and often travel in groups, meaning when you find one, there's usually more around. They average 4-7 feet and provide fast, aerial fights that are pure entertainment. Spinners are most common during their spring and fall migrations when they follow bait schools through the bay.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest species we target, but don't let their size fool you. These unique sharks with their flattened, shovel-shaped heads are fun to catch and perfect for first-time shark anglers. They rarely exceed 4 feet but make up for size with numbers – we often catch multiple bonnetheads in a single trip. They're most active in warm months and love shallow grass flats where they hunt for crabs and small fish.
Atlantic Sharpnose sharks are the scrappy underdogs of the group. These bronze-colored sharks average 2-4 feet but fight with attitude way beyond their size. They're year-round residents that show up consistently, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky. Sharpnose sharks are perfect for building confidence and getting comfortable with shark fishing techniques before moving up to bigger species.
This world-class shark fishing experience books up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hottest. Russell & Sons Outdoors has built a reputation as the go-to charter for serious shark action, and once you experience the rush of fighting these apex predators in the bay's productive waters, you'll understand why anglers keep coming back. The combination of diverse species, consistent action, and expert guiding makes this a customer favorite that delivers memories and stories you'll be telling for years. Don't wait – the sharks are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the bread and butter of our shark fishing - aggressive, acrobatic, and always ready to eat. These guys average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet, and they're known for their high-flying jumps that'll get your heart pumping. They cruise artificial reefs and muddy bays in 30-200 feet of water, always looking for their next meal. Peak action is spring through fall when they're most active in warmer water. What makes them special is their personality - they're excitable and will even jump right into the boat sometimes! The fight is pure adrenaline with those aerial shows. They respond great to a good chum slick made from oily fish like mackerel or sardines. Pro tip: use circle hooks and heavy braid - when they get fired up, they'll test every knot you've got. Keep that drag tight and hang on!
Carcharhinus LeucasThe heavyweight champion of our waters - bulls are thick, powerful, and built like tanks. These bruisers run 8-12 feet and up to 300 pounds of pure muscle. They love shallow coastal waters and can even handle brackish areas where rivers meet the bay. Summer months bring the best action when they cruise through hunting. What makes bulls special is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldozer strength that'll test your gear and your arms. The fight is all about endurance and determination. They're also one of the few sharks that can move between salt and freshwater, making them unique predators. Fresh eel is hands-down the best bait - the high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes. Heavy tackle is a must, and once hooked, just settle in for the long haul.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead you'll encounter, bonnetheads are perfect for newer anglers wanting to tangle with a shark. They run 3-4 feet long and stay in shallow bays, estuaries, and grass flats where they hunt crabs and small fish. These little hammers are pretty shy compared to their bigger cousins but still put up a scrappy fight. Summer fishing is best when they school up in groups of 10-15 fish. What guests love is they're approachable - not intimidating like bulls or big blacktips, but still give you that authentic shark experience. They travel in schools, so once you find one, you'll usually find more. The meat's actually pretty good eating too. My go-to trick is cutting blue crab in half and hooking it through a leg - that's like candy to these guys and they can't resist it.
Rhizoprionodon TerraenovaeDon't let their size fool you - sharpnose sharks pack a punch for their 2-3 foot frame. These little guys are perfect for getting kids and new anglers hooked on shark fishing without being intimidating. They hang around surf zones, bays, and grass flats year-round, making them our most reliable shark target. Their brownish color with white spots makes them easy to identify. What guests love is they're willing biters that'll hit just about any bait you throw at them, dead or alive. The fight is surprisingly strong for their size, and they make great table fare too. They're also abundant, so action stays consistent. My advice: bring a landing net and gloves - their sandpaper skin and sharp teeth demand respect even on smaller fish. Light tackle makes the fight more fun with these scrappy little sharks.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaThese guys are real showoffs - they'll come flying out of the water spinning like a torpedo when they hit your bait. Spinners average around 6-7 feet and 120 pounds, hunting in shallow water less than 100 feet deep. They're often confused with blacktips but have that signature aerial dance when hooked. Best fishing is late winter through spring when they migrate close to shore chasing baitfish. What makes them special is that spectacular jumping - guests love the show they put on. They hit hard and fight dirty with those acrobatic leaps. For bait, fresh bonito works great because of the high oil content that really gets their attention. My tip: keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with all that jumping and you'll land more fish.
Port Aransas, TX