Half Day Shark Fishing Adventure - New Smyrna Beach
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday shark fishing adventure with guaranteed catchCaptain Brad provides all equipment and local expertiseSmall group experience accommodating up to four guests
If you've been dreaming about tangling with some serious predators in the shallows, Captain Brad's got you covered with this 4-hour shark fishing trip that'll get your heart pumping and your drag screaming. We're talking about targeting some of the most badass species that cruise the waters around New Smyrna Beach - bonnetheads, tigers, lemons, bulls, and sand tigers. This isn't your typical day of throwing jigs at reds; we're going after apex predators that'll test your tackle and give you bragging rights for years to come. Captain Brad brings decades of experience reading these waters, knowing exactly where the sharks are feeding and what they're hungry for on any given day.
You'll meet Captain Brad at the dock ready to load up on his well-equipped boat that's built for handling the big boys. We keep the group small - just 4 anglers max - so everyone gets plenty of shots and personal attention from the captain. The vibe is laid-back but focused; we're here to fish hard and put some serious bend in your rod. You'll spend most of the trip in the inshore waters where sharks patrol the shallows looking for their next meal. Captain Brad knows every sandbar, every drop-off, and every feeding zone where these predators like to hang out. The boat's equipped with quality tackle that can handle whatever we hook into, from smaller bonnetheads that are perfect for beginners to massive bulls that'll make seasoned anglers question their life choices. Don't worry about bringing anything except your enthusiasm and maybe some snacks - we've got all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need.
Shark fishing is all about presenting the right bait in the right spot with tackle that won't fail you when things get real. We're using heavy spinning reels spooled with braided line that can handle long runs and sudden direction changes these fish are famous for. The rigs are simple but effective - circle hooks on wire leaders that give the sharks something to grab onto without cutting through your line. Fresh bait is key, and Captain Brad knows which baits work best for each species we're targeting. We'll be using everything from live pinfish and blue runners to fresh-cut chunks of mackerel and bonito. The technique varies depending on what we're after - sometimes we're drifting with the current, letting our baits work naturally in the water column, other times we're anchored up over structure where sharks come to feed. Captain Brad will coach you through the fight, teaching you how to pump and wind effectively, when to give line, and how to bring these powerful fish to the boat safely for a quick photo before release.
The bonnethead sharks are absolute crowd-pleasers and perfect for anglers who want to get their first taste of shark fishing without jumping straight into the deep end. These unique-looking sharks with their shovel-shaped heads are abundant around New Smyrna Beach year-round, but they're most active during the warmer months from May through October. They typically run 2-4 feet long and fight way above their weight class, making multiple runs and keeping constant pressure on your tackle. What makes bonnetheads special is their curious nature - they'll often investigate the boat and hang around after you release them, giving everyone great photo opportunities.
Tiger sharks are the holy grail for many shark anglers, and New Smyrna Beach is one of the best places in Florida to target them from shallow water. These apex predators can grow over 10 feet long and are known for their incredible strength and unpredictable fighting style. Tigers are most active during dawn and dusk, and Captain Brad knows exactly when and where to find them. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit almost any bait, but they have a preference for fresh-cut fish with a strong scent trail. The fight is absolutely epic - long runs, sudden direction changes, and enough power to make your arms burn. Landing a tiger shark is a bucket-list experience that'll have you talking about it for years.
Lemon sharks are another favorite target that combines impressive size with an aggressive feeding style that makes for exciting hookups. These yellow-tinted predators can reach 8 feet or more and are known for their tenacious fights and acrobatic displays. They're most active during the summer months when water temperatures peak, and they love to cruise the shallows looking for easy meals. Lemons have excellent eyesight and will often follow your bait before committing, making the anticipation even more intense. When they finally hit, the fight is fast and furious with multiple runs that'll test your drag settings.
Bull sharks are probably the most respected and feared species we target, and for good reason - they're pure muscle and attitude wrapped in a torpedo-shaped package. These stocky predators can push 300+ pounds and are known for their ability to thrive in both saltwater and brackish environments around New Smyrna Beach. Bulls are ambush predators that hit hard and fight dirty, using their incredible strength to try to break you off on any available structure. They're active year-round but peak during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed and reproduce.
Sand tiger sharks round out our target species list and offer a completely different experience from the other sharks we chase. These prehistoric-looking predators with their gnarly teeth and imposing presence can grow quite large, often reaching 6-8 feet. They're more methodical fighters compared to the explosive runs of tigers and bulls, but they make up for it with incredible stamina and determination. Sand tigers are most active during the cooler months from November through March, making them perfect targets when other species are less cooperative. Their unique appearance and impressive size make them incredibly photogenic, and they're generally more docile during the release process.
Captain Brad's shark fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot an
Captain Brad's center console is built for serious shark hunting in New Smyrna's productive waters. This well-equipped fishing machine comes loaded with a fish finder to locate baitfish schools where sharks patrol, plus GPS and radar to keep you on the best spots even when conditions get murky. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking your targets. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fight these powerful fish without getting tangled up. The flybridge gives you elevated visibility to spot fins cutting the surface, while the icebox keeps your bait fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour hunt. When nature calls, the onboard toilet means no interrupting the bite. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained between hookups, and all the navigation tech ensures you're fishing the most productive shark grounds around New Smyrna Beach.
Sphyrna TiburoThese smaller hammerheads are perfect for families and new shark anglers. Running 3-4 feet on average, bonnetheads have that distinctive shovel-shaped head and are surprisingly feisty fighters for their size. You'll find them in our shallow bays and grass flats year-round, but they're most active during warmer months when they school up in groups of 10-15. They're harmless and actually pretty shy, making them great for photos. What guests love is how accessible they are - we don't need to go deep or far from shore. Pro tip: fresh blue crab cut in half works best. Hook it through a leg so it stays on, and these guys can't resist it. They put up a solid scrap on lighter tackle.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the toughest fighters in our local waters - thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless once hooked. These gray torpedoes run 8-12 feet and are built like tanks with incredible strength. What's unique is they handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them in the inlet, river mouths, and even upstream. Summer brings the best action from June through September when they move into our area to feed. Guests love the challenge - bulls don't give up easy and will test every knot and connection. They're famous for their bulldogging runs and sudden direction changes. Fresh eel is my go-to bait; the oil content drives them wild. Fish it on the bottom with heavy tackle and be ready for a war.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemons are solid mid-size sharks that offer great action without being overwhelming. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 6-8 feet and are known for their aggressive feeding and strong runs. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, mangrove edges, and sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What guests love is their willingness to take bait and their spirited fights - they're not shy about showing off with some aerial displays. They're also curious sharks that often circle the boat before committing. Live pinfish or cut mullet works great, but here's my secret: fresh stingray strips. The scent drives them crazy and they can't resist.
Carcharias TaurusSand tigers look scary with those needle-like teeth, but they're actually pretty mellow sharks that make great targets for photos. These brownish-gray sharks with spotted backs typically run 7-9 feet and prefer hanging near the bottom in 20-200 feet of water. They're around year-round but most active May through October. What's cool is they gulp air to hover motionless while hunting - makes them easier to spot. Guests enjoy them because they fight hard but aren't overly aggressive, plus those gnarly teeth make for amazing pictures. They're bottom feeders that love fresh, oily baits. My trick: use a chunk of fresh bonito or barracuda weighted down to stay on the bottom where these guys cruise looking for an easy meal.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the apex predators that serious anglers dream about. These bruisers average 11-14 feet and pack serious power with their broad, serrated teeth. You'll spot them by those dark stripes that fade with age. They cruise deeper waters around 1000 feet but move shallow to feed, especially at night. Best action happens during warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream north. What makes them special is their reputation as one of the ocean's top predators - landing one is a real achievement. They're strong, smart fighters that test your gear and stamina. Fresh tuna or mackerel on heavy tackle works best. My trick: use a sliding weight rig so they don't feel resistance when they pick up the bait.
Daytona Beach, FL, United States