2-Hour Shark and Tarpon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Two-hour offshore fishing targeting sharks and tarponCatch and release policy preserves marine wildlifeSix-person capacity with experienced charter guides
Ready to test your skills against some of Florida's most legendary game fish? This 2-hour offshore charter puts you face-to-face with the apex predators and silver kings that make these waters famous. We're talking about serious fishing here – the kind where your drag screams and your heart pounds. With SaltWater Sportfishing Charters, you'll get prime access to productive offshore waters where sharks and tarpon patrol year-round. Our catch and release approach means you get all the fight without the guilt, watching these magnificent fish swim back to their domain after an epic battle.
This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're heading out where the big boys live. The Florida coast serves up some of the most consistent shark and tarpon action you'll find anywhere, and we know exactly where to put you on them. You'll be fishing with a maximum of 6 anglers, which means plenty of room to work and personal attention from our crew. The boat's rigged specifically for big game fishing, with heavy tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – our guides will walk you through everything from setting the hook to fighting these powerful fish. The two-hour window might sound short, but trust me, when you're locked up with a 200-pound tarpon or a bull shark, time moves differently. We focus on quality over quantity, targeting areas where these species are known to feed and cruise.
We run heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test, paired with rods that have the backbone to turn big fish away from structure. For sharks, we're typically fishing with wire leaders and circle hooks – safety first, and these hooks reduce deep hooking for better release survival. Tarpon fishing requires a different approach entirely. We use live bait when possible, but cut bait and artificials can be just as effective depending on conditions. The key is presenting the bait in the strike zone and being ready when things happen fast. Our boat's equipped with a fighting chair and harnesses for the bigger fish, plus all the gaffs, nets, and release tools needed for safe catch and release. You'll learn proper fighting techniques that tire the fish efficiently while keeping them in good shape for release. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for bait schools, birds working, and temperature breaks that concentrate game fish.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida's offshore waters, and for good reason. These silver missiles can reach 8 feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, with the power to clear the water multiple times during a fight. Peak tarpon season runs from May through August, but we see them year-round in these waters. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their aerial display – watching a 150-pound fish launch itself 6 feet out of the water never gets old. They're notorious for throwing hooks with their head-shaking jumps, which means every fish brought to the boat is an earned victory. Tarpon have excellent eyesight and can be surprisingly picky eaters, making them a true test of angling skills.
Smooth Hammerhead sharks bring their own brand of excitement to the fight. These sleek predators typically run 4-8 feet in our area and are built for speed rather than raw power. What they lack in bulldogging strength, they make up for with long, blistering runs that test your drag settings. Hammerheads are most active during dawn and dusk periods, using their unique head shape to detect prey in low light conditions. They're curious by nature and often circle the boat after release, giving everyone a great look at their distinctive silhouette.
Blacktip sharks are the most common catch on these trips, and they're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. Running 3-6 feet on average, blacktips are acrobatic fighters that jump and spin when hooked. They're year-round residents but really turn on during their winter migration from December through March. These sharks are fast-growing and aggressive feeders, which makes them relatively easy to target with cut bait or live offerings.
Tiger sharks represent the heavy hitters of this fishery. These apex predators can exceed 12 feet and 500 pounds, with a reputation for eating almost anything. Tigers are more common in warmer months and prefer deeper waters during daylight hours. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience – they fight with incredible power and endurance, often taking 30-45 minutes to subdue safely. Their distinctive stripes and massive girth make them unmistakable, and they photograph beautifully for quick release shots.
Bull sharks round out the target species list with their notorious aggressive nature and impressive strength. These stocky predators rarely exceed 8 feet but fight well above their weight class. Bulls are comfortable in both saltwater and brackish environments, making them common near inlets and river mouths. They're year-round residents that seem to have only two modes – sleeping or attacking. When a bull shark eats your bait, expect an immediate, powerful fight with strong runs toward structure.
This top-rated charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. Whether you're after your first tarpon or looking to add another shark species to your list, these Florida waters consistently produce world-class action. The two-hour format is perfect for families, visiting anglers, or anyone wanting to sample offshore big game fishing without committing to a full day. Our catch and release policy ensures these fish will be here for future generations while still giving you that adrenaline rush of the fight. Book now and get ready to discover why Florida's offshore fishing scene attracts anglers from around the globe. The fish are out there waiting – the only question is whether you're ready for them.
Meet the Custom-Buddy Harris, your ticket to serious offshore action along Florida's coast. This classic 1969 beauty got a complete makeover in 2013 and now packs a 670HP Cummins engine that cuts through rough seas like butter. When you're chasing sharks and tarpon in deep water, you need a boat that won't quit – and this one delivers every time. The fishing setup is dialed in with GPS navigation, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly where the big ones are hiding. Between battles with trophy fish, cool off with the air conditioning or grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator. The spacious flybridge gives you the perfect vantage point to spot feeding fish, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and your beverages ice-cold. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. The boat even has a bed and kitchen for longer trips, though your 2-hour shark and tarpon adventure will keep you busy at the rails. This vessel has seen decades of Florida fishing and knows these waters like the back of her hand.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese are the acrobats of the shark world - known for jumping clean out of the water when hooked. Most run 4-6 feet, but we see them up to 8+ feet around here. They cruise our shallow waters from 30-100 feet, especially around reefs and structure where they hunt mackerel, herring, and croakers. Spring through fall gives the best action when they're most active in warmer water. Guests love their aerial shows and aggressive strikes. They're also great table fare if you keep one within limits. My go-to setup: 20-50 pound tackle with circle hooks and oily baits like sardines or cut mackerel. Get a good chum slick going - these guys follow their noses and get competitive in a feeding frenzy.
Carcharhinus LeucasThese stocky, aggressive sharks are built like bulldogs - thick bodies, short snouts, and serious attitude. Most run 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. They love our shallow coastal waters, inshore reefs, and even venture into brackish areas where fresh and saltwater mix. Summer brings peak action from June through September when they're most active in our warm waters. Guests love them for their fierce fights and that raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging strength. Fresh eel is my secret weapon - high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Heavy tackle with cut mackerel or mullet works too. Get a chum line going and be ready for a freight train hit.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead around, these guys average 8-10 feet but can push 11+ feet. Unlike other hammers, they prefer cooler water and stay closer to the surface in 20-60 feet, though they'll go deeper. Summer months bring the best action when they move through our area following baitfish. That distinctive curved head makes them a bucket-list catch, plus they put up a solid fight with powerful runs. They feed on rays, smaller sharks, and squid. Here's the trick: use fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito on circle hooks with heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class. They're curious but cautious, so let your bait sit and wait for that steady pull.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what dreams are made of - averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but the real monsters can hit 8 feet and 280 pounds. They love our shallow flats, channels around the keys, and deeper holes in 10-40 feet of water. Best fishing runs May through September when they're thick along our coast. What makes tarpon special? Pure athletics - they'll rocket 10 feet out of the water and peel line at 35 mph. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating anyway. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep tension without breaking them off. Live mullet or crabs work best here.
Galeocerdo CuvierThe apex predator with those distinctive dark stripes that fade with age. These bruisers commonly run 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds - females get even bigger. They patrol deeper water around 1000 feet but move shallow to feed, sometimes in just 10 feet. Warmer months bring the best opportunities when they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. What makes them special? Pure power and that prehistoric look - they're living dinosaurs. We always release these magnificent fish. They're slow cruisers but explosive when they strike. Best technique: heavy tackle with 100-pound mono, big circle hooks, and cut tuna or mackerel. Fresh is key - their electroreceptors pick up everything, so quality bait makes the difference.
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