Tampa Bay Shark Fishing Adventure Awaits
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 68 hour shark fishing aboard 22' Pathfinder vesselTarget apex predators in Tampa Bay's channels and flatsAccommodates up to 4 guests with Sea Dawgs Fishing Charters
Get ready to square off against some of the most powerful predators in Tampa Bay waters. This isn't your typical day of fishing for snook or redfish – we're talking about going head-to-head with sharks that can peel line off your reel faster than you can blink. Our 22' Pathfinder is built for the fight, and Captain Mike knows exactly where these apex hunters like to cruise. From bull sharks patrolling the deep channels to blacktips working the flats, Tampa Bay serves up world-class shark action year-round. You'll spend 6-8 hours targeting these beasts in some of the most productive shark water on Florida's west coast.
This trip is all about adrenaline and endurance. We'll launch early and head straight to where the big fish live – those deep shipping channels where commercial traffic stirs up bait, and the warm water discharge areas that draw sharks like magnets. The 22' Pathfinder gives us the perfect platform for shark fishing, with plenty of deck space to fight fish and room for up to 4 anglers to spread out when the action heats up. Don't expect to be casting lures all day – shark fishing is a patience game that pays off big when your rod doubles over and that reel starts singing. We'll anchor up in prime spots, deploy our baits, and wait for the bite that'll test every muscle in your body. The best part? Tampa Bay's year-round warmth means these sharks stay active even when other fishing slows down.
Shark fishing isn't about finesse – it's about power and preparation. We'll be using heavy conventional reels spooled with at least 50-pound test, paired with rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Circle hooks are the name of the game, rigged on wire leaders that won't get cut by razor-sharp teeth. Our bait selection depends on what's available, but fresh cut mullet, stingrays, and big live pinfish are shark magnets in these waters. We'll anchor in 15-30 feet of water, depending on the tide and where the bait is showing up on the fish finder. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where sharks cruise, then settling in for what might be a long wait followed by pure chaos. When a shark takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – the rod tip will slam down, and you better be ready to start pumping and winding.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest sharks we target, but don't let their size fool you. These 2-4 foot fighters are incredibly common in Tampa Bay's grass flats and provide consistent action when the bigger sharks are being picky. They're actually related to hammerheads, and their unique shovel-shaped heads make them one of the coolest catches you'll see. Bonnetheads are here year-round, but spring and summer offer the best numbers. They're perfect for first-time shark anglers or when you want to keep kids engaged with steady action.
Blacktip sharks bring the aerial show that makes Tampa Bay shark fishing legendary. These 4-6 foot speedsters will jump, spin, and tailwalk across the surface when hooked, putting on a display that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They love the shallow flats and channel edges, especially during warmer months from March through October. Blacktips are notorious bait stealers, so when one shows up, expect fast, explosive action. Their acrobatic fights combined with their striking black-tipped fins make them a customer favorite every single trip.
Bull sharks are the heavyweight champions of Tampa Bay, and hooking one is like being connected to a freight train. These thick-bodied bruisers can push 8 feet and several hundred pounds, and they have zero interest in making your fight easy. Bulls patrol the deeper channels and love hanging around structure like bridge pilings and artificial reefs. They're here year-round but really turn on during summer when the water warms up. The power these fish generate is absolutely mind-blowing – plan on a 30-minute battle minimum, and don't be surprised if it takes an hour to get one boatside.
Lemon sharks combine size with attitude, creating fights that'll leave your arms burning. These 5-7 foot golden-colored sharks are surprisingly common in Tampa Bay's deeper waters and around the Sunshine Skyway Bridge area. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which is why our early morning starts often pay off big. Lemons are known for their stamina – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your patience. Their bright yellow coloration makes them easy to identify, and their fighting style is pure bulldogging power.
Tiger sharks represent the ultimate Tampa Bay trophy, and landing one is a badge of honor among local anglers. These massive predators can exceed 10 feet and are built like submarines with teeth. While not as common as other species, tigers do cruise Tampa Bay's deeper waters, especially during summer months. They're primarily night feeders, which is why our longer trips give you the best shot at connecting with one. Tiger sharks are notorious for their powerful, surging runs and their ability to cut through tackle, making every hookup a legitimate chance at the fish of a lifetime.
Tampa Bay's shark fishing scene is heating up, and spots on the best boats fill fast during peak season. This top-rated charter puts you on fish that most anglers only dream about, with a captain who knows these waters like his backyard. Whether you're looking to cross shark fishing off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler ready for the ultimate test, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year. The 22' Pathfinder is perfectly rigged for shark fishing, and with room for 4 anglers, it's ideal for groups looking to
This freshly restored 22' Pathfinder center console is your perfect partner for battling Tampa Bay's toothy predators. With a punchy 150HP Evinrude pushing you up to 40 knots, you'll reach the best shark holes fast and have plenty of power to chase down moving fish. The center console layout gives you 360-degree fighting room when that big bull shark decides to make a run for it. Built for serious fishing, she's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to mark structure and bait schools, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow feeding areas, and a solid icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles. The multimedia system keeps spirits up between bites. At 22 feet, she's big enough to handle Tampa Bay's chop when you're running to the shipping channels or deep holes, but nimble enough to slip into those skinny water spots where the big sharks love to hunt. Perfect for up to 4 anglers who want room to move and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll tangle with in Tampa Bay waters. These 4-6 foot speedsters are known for their spectacular jumps - they can launch 20+ feet in the air when hooked, making for some wild photo opportunities. You'll find them patrolling the bay's deeper channels and around structure in 15-60 feet of water, especially during summer and fall when baitfish are thick. They're excitable and social, so where you find one, there's usually more nearby. The fight is what keeps guests coming back - pure energy and acrobatics that'll test your drag and your arms. They love oily baits like mackerel, sardines, and herring. Pro tip: keep some live sardines if you can get them. The oil slick they create in the water is like ringing the dinner bell for blacktips.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerheads, bonnetheads are perfect for anglers wanting their first shark on the line. These 3-4 foot sharks with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads cruise Tampa Bay's shallow flats and grass beds year-round, often in small schools. They're shy compared to other sharks but still put up a solid fight once hooked. You'll find them in 2-10 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is that unique hammerhead look without the intimidation factor of their bigger cousins. Fresh cut blue crab is your golden ticket - slice it in half and hook it through a leg. The oily scent drives them crazy, and that firm crab meat stays on the hook through their initial runs.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are Tampa Bay's brawlers - thick, aggressive sharks that'll fight you all the way to the boat. These 6-10 foot bruisers love shallow, murky water where other sharks won't go, making them perfect for our bay's back country and near shore structure. They're year-round residents but most active in warmer months when they push up into really shallow water to feed. What makes bulls special is their attitude - they hit hard, fight dirty, and never quit. Plus, they can handle fresh water, so you might hook one way back in the creeks where you'd never expect a shark. The power they pack in that stocky frame is something every angler should experience at least once. Fresh eel is absolutely deadly for bulls - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through their aggressive hits and runs.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are Tampa Bay's yellow bulldozers - stocky, powerful fish that average 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. Their golden-yellow color makes them easy to spot in clear water around the flats and mangrove edges where they love to hunt. These sharks prefer shallow, sandy areas and grass beds, often cruising in 5-20 feet during high tide. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active in the bay. What makes lemons special is their tenacity - they don't give up easily and will make multiple strong runs that'll test your tackle. They're also one of the few sharks that actually taste decent if you decide to keep one for the table. Lemons have great eyesight, so fresh cut bait works better than old stuff. My go-to trick is using a big chunk of fresh mullet or ladyfish on a circle hook - the natural oils and movement drive them wild.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the ultimate prize in Tampa Bay - true apex predators that can push 10-14 feet and several hundred pounds. These solitary hunters patrol deeper waters around the shipping channels and drop-offs, usually in 30-100+ feet. Their dark stripes fade with age, but that massive bulk and powerful jaw never do. Summer through fall gives you the best shot when water temps are up and they're following baitfish. What draws serious anglers is the sheer power - tigers are built like freight trains and fight like it. They're ambush predators, so they hit hard and stay committed to the fight. For bait, go big with whole mackerel, bluefish chunks, or fresh tuna. Here's the key: tigers are patient hunters, so let your bait soak. Don't get antsy and reel in too early - sometimes they'll circle and investigate for 20 minutes before committing.
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