Private 4 Hour Shark Fishing Trip | 26ft Boston Whaler
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour shark fishing aboard 26ft Boston WhalerTarget powerful sharks on local reefs and inletsAccommodates up to 4 guests for inshore fishing adventure
When you're ready to test your mettle against some of the Gulf's most powerful predators, John's Pass delivers the goods. This isn't your typical inshore fishing trip where you're chasing reds and snook—we're talking about going toe-to-toe with sharks that can strip line like it's nothing. Our 4-hour private charter puts you and up to three buddies on a top-rated 26ft Boston Whaler, built to handle whatever these apex predators throw at you. The waters around John's Pass are loaded with hungry sharks year-round, and they're always looking for an easy meal. Get ready to feel your drag screaming and your arms burning as you battle some seriously solid muscle.
Your day starts early at John's Pass, where we'll load up the Boston Whaler with everything you need for a world-class shark fishing experience. This isn't a crowded party boat situation—it's just your group and our experienced captain who knows exactly where these predators hang out. We'll cruise out to productive areas where the bottom structure and current create perfect hunting grounds for sharks. The boat's got plenty of room for four anglers to fight fish without getting tangled up, plus all the safety gear you'd expect from a renowned charter operation. Don't worry about bringing anything except your camera and maybe some snacks—we've got the heavy tackle, fresh bait, and wire leaders that can handle whatever shows up. The GPS will take us to spots that consistently produce, whether that's nearshore reefs, channel edges, or structure where baitfish congregate and sharks follow.
Shark fishing is all about the right gear and presentation, and we don't mess around with light tackle when serious predators are on the menu. Our rods are built for battle—heavy action sticks paired with reels that can handle long runs without giving up. We'll rig up with circle hooks on wire leaders because sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. Fresh bait is key, and we'll have a mix of cut fish and live offerings depending on what's working best. The technique is straightforward but effective—we'll anchor up or drift over productive bottom, deploy multiple baits at different depths, and wait for the magic to happen. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. That initial run is pure adrenaline as your reel starts singing and the rod doubles over. The fight is where things get interesting—these fish don't give up easily, and you'll need to use proper technique to work them to the boat without breaking them off.
Bonnethead Shark: These smaller members of the hammerhead family are perfect for getting your feet wet in the shark fishing game. Running 2-4 feet long, bonnetheads are abundant around John's Pass and put up a scrappy fight on medium tackle. They're active year-round but peak during warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed on crabs and small fish. What makes them special is their unique shovel-shaped head and the fact they're one of the few sharks that actually eat vegetation along with their normal prey. They're great for beginners because they're easier to handle boatside and make for awesome photos without being too intimidating.
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking serious action. Blacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping clean out of the water when hooked. These customer favorites run 3-6 feet and are absolute rockets when they take your bait. Spring and fall are prime time as they migrate through our waters in big numbers, but you can find them year-round around structure and baitfish schools. The black-tipped fins give them away when they're cruising shallow water, and once hooked, they'll test your tackle with blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get everyone on the boat excited. They're aggressive feeders and won't hesitate to slam a well-presented bait.
Tiger Shark: The apex predator everyone wants to hook. Tigers are the ultimate prize, running anywhere from 6-12 feet with an attitude to match their size. These striped beasts will eat anything—fish, rays, turtles, you name it. They're most active during warmer months and prefer deeper water around structure where they can ambush prey. When you hook a tiger, you better be ready for war. They're incredibly strong, surprisingly fast, and smart enough to use their weight against you. The fight can last 30-45 minutes, and you'll earn every inch of line you get back. Tigers are what shark fishing dreams are made of—pure power wrapped in prehistoric perfection.
Lemon Shark: These yellow-tinged predators are built for endurance and will test your stamina like no other. Running 5-8 feet on average, lemons are incredibly strong and known for their never-quit attitude. They prefer shallow water and structure, making them perfect targets around John's Pass. Best fishing is during warmer months when they move inshore to feed and breed. What sets lemons apart is their intelligence—they're curious and will often circle the boat before committing to your bait. Once hooked, they dig deep and use their powerful tail to bulldoze away from the boat. The fight is more of a tug-of-war than the flashy runs of other species, but they'll wear you out just the same.
Bull Shark: The ultimate test of angler and tackle. Bulls are thick, aggressive, and absolutely fearless. These grey ghosts can handle both salt and fresh water, making them unpredictable and exciting targets. They run 6-10 feet with shoulders that'll make your arms ache, and they're known for their bad attitude and willingness to fight dirty. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in our area. Bulls are ambush predators that prefer murky water and drop-offs where they can surprise prey. When you hook one
This fully restored 2024 Boston Whaler 26ft center console is built for serious shark fishing action at John's Pass. Twin 225HP Mercury engines push this beauty to 48 knots, getting you to the best fishing spots fast while the fish finder helps locate where those predators are lurking. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight hard-pulling sharks without getting tangled up. An onboard icebox keeps your bait fresh and drinks cold during those long battles, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive water. GPS navigation and VHF radio keep you connected and on course, plus there's a multimedia system for downtime between strikes. This rock-solid platform gives you the stability needed when a big shark decides to test your drag system and make those memorable runs that'll have your arms burning.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - these 4-6 foot speedsters will literally jump out of the water when hooked, sometimes clearing 20 feet! You'll find them cruising our nearshore reefs and muddy bays in 30-100 feet of water. They're most active during warmer months but stick around year-round. What guests love is their aerial show and aggressive strikes on both live and cut bait. They're also excellent table fare if you're keeping one. These sharks get excited fast and can turn a quiet day into chaos when they show up in numbers. My go-to setup is heavy braided line with circle hooks and fresh mackerel or sardines for bait. Here's the key - keep your chum going steady because once you get their attention, they'll bring friends.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead around here, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet and are perfect for anglers wanting that classic hammerhead silhouette without the massive fight. Their spade-shaped heads make them easy to identify, and they're surprisingly common in our shallow bays and grass flats year-round. These guys travel in small schools and feed mainly on crabs and small fish. What makes them fun to target is they're scrappy fighters for their size and completely safe to handle - only one human bite on record ever. They hit fresh crab baits hard, especially blue crab chunks. Pro tip: cut your crab in half and hook it through a leg joint - the scent trail drives them crazy and keeps your bait secure during the fight.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are pound-for-pound the strongest sharks we target - thick, aggressive, and built like bulldozers. They run 8-12 feet around here and will eat just about anything. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so you'll find them in our bays, inlets, and even up rivers. Summer months are best when they move into shallow coastal waters to feed. Guests love the raw power these sharks bring to the fight - no fancy jumps, just brute strength. They're opportunistic feeders, so fresh mullet, mackerel, or cut bait works well. Pro tip: fresh eel is deadly for bulls because of its high oil content and tough skin that stays on the hook. Fish it on heavy tackle near structure or drop-offs where they patrol for food.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are beautiful golden-colored sharks that grow 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. They prefer our shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and sandy bottoms where they hunt for fish and rays. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up and they move into the shallows to feed. What makes them special is their color and the solid fight they put up - they're built like tanks and use every bit of that power. They're also pretty smart, so they can be tricky to hook. Fresh stingray, mullet, or ladyfish work best for bait. These sharks have excellent eyesight, so keep your leader heavy but not too visible. Local trick: fish the falling tide around mangrove points where they ambush baitfish getting swept out with the current.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the ultimate prize - massive sharks that can hit 12-15 feet and over 1,000 pounds around here. They're nomadic hunters that cruise our deeper waters and reefs, but they'll move shallow when following food. The dark stripes fade as they age, so big ones look almost solid gray. What makes them special is they're ambush predators - slow and methodical until they strike, then pure power. They're around year-round but more common in warmer months when they follow the currents. Guests love them because landing one is a true trophy experience. These sharks eat anything, so big cut baits like tuna, mackerel, or bluefish work great. Heavy tackle is a must - 100-pound test minimum. The trick with tigers is patience and big baits fished on the bottom near structure.
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