Tips & Techniques for Capturing Sharks in Destin

So many areas in Florida are considered some of the best fishing destinations in the world. If you think about sharks in the United States, Florida is the place that comes to mind. It takes us to Destin, a city known as a shark fishing paradise because so many shark species reside in its local waters. Destin is an excellent choice for shark anglers because it’s not as crowded as Miami or Tampa. 

It’s always best to hire Destin Florida fishing guides or charters when targeting sharks on your fishing tours because shark fishing is an adventurous feat that requires great skill and knowledge, as well as the appropriate gear and equipment. Here’s what anglers need to know about the excellent shark fishing off of Destin’s Emerald Coast and the Gulf Coast:

Sharks Species in Destin

Destin shark fishing features hunting for the hammerhead shark and the bull shark. You can also find other fish species in the city’s coastal and offshore waters, but those two are the most prominent ones you can catch. Bull sharks are found in abundance in Destin, but they are notoriously dangerous. They are part of the top species involved in shark attacks. It is because they are very territorial fish that like to stay inshore and nearshore, even withstanding being in freshwater. Drift fishing and chumming are the best ways to catch a bull shark. Hammerhead sharks are many anglers’ favorites because they are popular on deep sea fishing excursions. They can also be caught in both the day and night; they swim in schools in the daytime while hunting a loner shark when the sun is down is a great night fishing Florida experience. Hammerheads are catch-and-release only. 

Other shark species you may encounter when on a shark fishing Destin adventure are blacktip sharks, sand sharks, tiger sharks, mako sharks, spinner sharks, bonnethead sharks, dusky sharks, and nurse sharks. Blacktips put up a good fight like hammerheads and bulls, although they aren’t as heavy. They are also one of the most sought-after species for deep sea fishing. You can lure them easily because they like most types of bait. Plus, they are known to be very delicious and commonly found on local restaurants’ menus. Sand sharks are terrific targets for surf fishing because they tend to stay near the shoreline. They are also catch-and-release only fish. Tiger sharks are some of the largest fish you can catch in Florida. Mako are exciting targets because they can jump up to 20 feet above the water at incredible speeds, making them the fastest shark in the ocean.

How To Fish for Sharks in Destin

Here are some tips to have successful shark fishing Destin experiences:

1. When and Where

The best places to go shark fishing in Destin are in Choctawhatchee Bay and Destin Harbor. The most productive areas are offshore, particularly where there are tons of bait and prey. 

As for when it’s best to catch sharks, the summer season (May to August) is when they are most abundant and active in the city. It is because sharks thrive in warm waters, and the state sees a lot of these fish. Since Florida stays warm in any season, you can attempt to go shark fishing anytime. 

2. Baits and Techniques

Sharks aren’t very picky eaters. Anything oily or bloody will work well because live bait or cut bait will pique their sense of smell. The most recommended bait fish are mackerel, trout, ladyfish, jack, bonito, shrimp, herring, and pilchards. 

Deep sea fishing is the best way to catch sharks, but you can also use light tackling, drifting gillnets, longlining, striking nets, and chumming.

3. Follow Fishing Regulations

It’s important to note that some sharks are catch-and-release only. There are also restrictions on how many fish you can catch daily or per person. Always keep in mind the impact shark fishing has on the environment. Anglers are urged to comply with the state and city regulations and are encouraged to release the sharks they catch rather than keep them so they would better help the ecosystem. Anglers should also have a Florida or shark fishing license.

4. Shark Fishing Safety

The chances of shark attacks and freak accidents are rare, so you don’t have to worry too much about your safety. You are more likely to drown or get into a boat accident than fall victim to sharks. Still, you should be well-prepared and follow the proper safety tips.

Shark Fishing Charters

You can find plenty of fishing charters that offer amazing adventures of targeting sharks in Destin and the rest of Florida. Seize The Bay Fishing Charters will help you catch blacktips and bull sharks in Weeki Wachee. Reel Adventures offers an exciting shark fishing excursion in Jacksonville. Capt Ben Fishing Charters is a guide based in Tarpon Springs that targets blacktips. Optimus Fishing Charters is a fantastic shark charter service in Tampa Bay.