Key West Shark Fishing | 3 Hour Morning Charter
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
3hour morning charter targeting sharks in Key West watersExpert guides provide gear and support for all skill levelsTarget bull sharks and hammerheads with 4person capacity
Want to feel what it's like when a bull shark decides your bait looks tasty? Our 3-hour shark fishing charter puts you right in the action with some of Key West's most exciting predators. Starting at 8 AM, we'll get you out on the water while it's still calm and the sharks are actively feeding. This isn't your typical tourist trip – we're talking about real fishing for real sharks that can put up one heck of a fight. Whether you've been chasing fish your whole life or this is your first time holding a heavy rod, our crew knows exactly where to find these apex predators and how to get them to bite.
We keep our charters small – just 4 anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from our guides. The morning departure is perfect timing because that's when sharks are most active, and you'll beat the afternoon chop that can make fighting a big fish even tougher. We'll head to our top-rated shark grounds where the water drops off and these predators cruise looking for an easy meal. The Key West backcountry and nearby channels hold some serious sharks, and our captains have been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to set up. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and wire leaders – the only way to safely target these toothy critters. Don't worry about bringing anything except your camera and maybe some snacks; we've got all the heavy tackle, fresh bait, and know-how to make this trip memorable.
Shark fishing is all about patience and the right setup. We use heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line, because when a bull shark decides to make a run, you need gear that can handle the pressure. Our guides will rig up with circle hooks – they're safer for the sharks and much more effective at getting a solid hookset. We'll be using fresh cut bait like bonito, mackerel, or whatever we can source that morning. The technique is pretty straightforward: we'll anchor up or drift over known feeding areas, deploy multiple lines at different depths, and wait for that telltale screaming drag. When a shark picks up your bait, there's no mistaking it – these fish don't nibble. The fight is what separates shark fishing from everything else. These are powerful, determined fish that use their whole body to try and break free. Our crew will coach you through the fight, help you pump and wind effectively, and make sure you get some great photos before we release your catch.
The Bonnethead Shark might be the smallest of our target species, but don't let that fool you – these 2-4 foot sharks are scrappy fighters and perfect for first-time shark anglers. They're actually the most common shark we encounter, and they feed year-round in the shallow waters around Key West. What makes bonnets special is their unique head shape and the fact that they're one of the few sharks that actually eat a lot of vegetation along with crabs and small fish. They're also one of the few sharks that form schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Lemon Sharks are the crowd favorite – these beautiful golden-colored sharks can reach 6-8 feet and put up an amazing fight. Spring through fall is prime time for lemons around Key West, and they love the shallow flats and channels where we do most of our fishing. What's cool about lemon sharks is they actually return to the same nursery areas where they were born, and Key West serves as one of these important nurseries. They're curious fish too, often circling the boat after being released. The juveniles we typically catch are incredibly strong for their size and will test your endurance on the rod.
Bull Sharks are the ultimate prize – these are the bruisers that can top 200 pounds and provide a world-class fight that'll have your arms burning. Bulls are here year-round but seem most active during warmer months. They're famous for being one of the few sharks that can handle both salt and fresh water, which is why they can show up just about anywhere around the Keys. When you hook a bull shark, you'll know it immediately. They make powerful runs, they'll sound toward the bottom, and they have the stamina to keep fighting for 20-30 minutes. These are the fish that create the stories you'll be telling for years.
This 3-hour morning charter hits the sweet spot – enough time to get into fish without burning your whole day. The 8 AM start puts you on the water when conditions are typically at their best, and you'll be back to the dock by lunch with some serious fish stories. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're passionate about putting you on fish while keeping things safe and fun. We provide all the heavy tackle, bait, and expertise you need. Just bring your sense of adventure and get ready to feel what it's like when something with serious teeth decides to eat your bait. Book now because our morning shark trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and everyone wants a piece of the action.
This 22' Pathfinder 2200 Tournament Edition is built for serious shark fishing in Key West waters. The boat features a spacious cockpit with rod holders positioned all around for multiple lines, plus a quality livewell to keep your bait fresh and active. Modern Simrad electronics help locate the best fishing spots and track underwater structure where sharks cruise. The washdown system keeps things clean after battling these powerful fish, while the trolling motor provides quiet positioning when you need stealth. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to fight bull sharks and hammerheads without getting tangled up. The Tournament Edition design handles Key West's offshore conditions smoothly, getting you to productive shark grounds quickly and safely for your 3-hour morning adventure.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead you'll encounter around Key West, bonnetheads are perfect for first-time shark anglers. These 3-4 foot sharks have that distinctive shovel-shaped head and travel in schools of 10-15, so when you find one, you'll likely hook several. They're abundant in our shallow waters year-round, feeding on crabs and small fish near grass flats and sandy bottoms. While they're considered gentle compared to other sharks, they still put up a scrappy fight that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Best part? They're curious and aggressive feeders. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab chunks - cut it in half and thread the hook through a leg. The scent drives them crazy and they can't resist hitting it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the heavyweights you're after - thick, powerful sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. These gray torpedoes patrol our deeper channels and drop-offs, but also cruise surprisingly shallow water hunting for rays and tarpon. Year-round residents, they're most active during summer months when baitfish are thick. What sets bulls apart is their raw power and aggressive nature - they'll slam your bait hard and make brutal runs that'll smoke your reel. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back. They're not picky eaters, but fresh bonito or mackerel works great. Pro tip: once you get one on, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Bulls have incredible stamina and will tire themselves out if you stay patient and let your drag work.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most reliable targets here in Key West waters. These golden-colored beauties average 6-8 feet and love our shallow flats and mangrove creeks, especially during warmer months from April through October. They're curious by nature and will cruise right up to investigate your bait, making them exciting to watch and fight. What makes them special is their stamina - once hooked, they'll make long, powerful runs that really test your drag. They're also surprisingly smart, often following boats and checking out divers. For consistent success, fish the incoming tide around dawn or dusk with live bait like yellowtail or pilchards. Keep your bait moving slightly - lemons prefer active prey over dead offerings.
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