Florida’s coastal waters offer thrills far beyond Snook and Tarpon. Sharks bring raw excitement to any Florida fishing charter. On a YACHTFISH Florida Shark fishing charter, you’re signing up for a heart-racing experience with species ranging from acrobatic Blacktips to iconic Hammerheads. Whether you’re a seasoned angler looking for a trophy catch or a first-timer ready for an adrenaline rush, knowing the species you might encounter makes your trip even more exciting.
Discover the most exciting Sharks you’ll encounter on our charters, complete with photos, fishing advice, and the stories that make each catch unforgettable.
1. Blacktip Sharks
Blacktip Sharks are the stunt performers of Florida’s waters. With sleek, dark-gray backs, white bellies, and signature black-tipped fins, they’re easy to spot once you know what to look for. They typically grow to 5 feet, but larger specimens can reach 9 feet.
Where & When: On a summer Florida Shark fishing charter, Blacktips thrive in shallow bays, mudflats, and nearshore reefs along both coasts of Florida.
Fight Style: Once hooked, Blacktips are famous for their explosive energy, often leaping clear out of the water in spinning arcs. They’ll test your reflexes and stamina from the moment they strike.
Angler Appeal: Perfect for those who love fast action and dramatic visuals, Blacktips deliver an unforgettable fight and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
2. Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerheads are among the most striking species in the ocean, with a flattened head and wide-set eyes giving them unmatched sensory perception. The Scalloped Hammerhead is the species most often caught on Florida fishing charters, though great Hammerheads sometimes make surprise appearances.
Where & When: They’re found both in shallow coastal waters and offshore. Tampa Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys are prime locations, especially when you book a summer Florida Shark fishing charter.
Fight Style: Hammerheads are strong swimmers and capable of sudden bursts of speed. They often make long, powerful runs after the hook is set.
Angler Appeal: Their unique head shape and commanding presence make them one of the most memorable catches for any angler. Landing one is a true bucket-list moment.
3. Lemon Sharks
Lemon Sharks get their name from their yellow-brown skin, which blends perfectly with sandy bottoms. These docile yet determined fighters are a year-round catch in Florida waters.
Where & When: Frequently spotted in shallow flats, estuaries, and near mangroves. On a Florida Shark fishing charter, they’re common in the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast, especially around warm, sandy shallows.
Fight Style: While not as fast as Blacktips, Lemon Sharks are powerful pullers. They’ll stay deep and use their weight to their advantage.
Angler Appeal: Because they’re reliable and fight hard without wearing you out, Lemon Sharks are an excellent introduction to Shark fishing for all skill levels.
4. Bull Sharks
Bull Sharks are the brawlers of the Shark world. Stocky, aggressive, and incredibly strong, they’re considered one of the toughest opponents an angler can face.
Where & When: Found in rivers, inshore channels, bays, and even freshwater systems. A Florida Shark fishing charter in spring through fall offers some of the best opportunities to catch these powerhouses.
Fight Style: Bulls deliver raw power. Expect long runs, head shakes, and plenty of drag-pulling action. They won’t give up without a fight.
Angler Appeal: For anglers chasing a true test of strength, nothing beats the challenge of bringing a Bull Shark to the boat.
5. Nurse Sharks
Nurse Sharks may not be the fastest fish in the sea, but they’re fascinating in their own right. With smooth, brown skin and a habit of resting on the bottom, they’re easy to spot for observant anglers.
Where & When: Common on reefs, wrecks, and sandy bottoms throughout Florida. On many Florida Shark fishing charters, they’re a frequent bycatch that delights anglers.
Fight Style: They’re strong but slow, often relying on their bulk to resist being reeled in rather than explosive runs.
Angler Appeal: Great for families and beginners, safe to view up close, and relatively easy to land.
6. Bonnethead Sharks
The Bonnethead is the smallest member of the Hammerhead family, characterized by its distinctive, rounded head. They’re curious, mild-mannered, and often travel in small groups.
Where & When: Common in shallow flats and grassy areas, particularly in the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast during warm seasons. A half-day fishing charter is perfect for targeting them.
Fight Style: Quick bursts of speed followed by steady resistance make them a fun light-tackle target.
Angler Appeal: A perfect “first Shark” species, small enough to handle easily but still exciting to catch.
7. Caribbean Reef & Silky Sharks
Caribbean Reef Sharks: Sleek and streamlined, these Sharks are most often found near reefs and drop-offs. Calm yet powerful, they’re a thrill to encounter on a Florida Shark fishing charter.
Silky Sharks: True offshore wanderers, Silky Sharks are fast, curious, and often approach boats out of curiosity.
Where & When: More common on extended offshore trips into deeper Gulf waters.
Angler Appeal: Adds variety and surprise to deep-sea adventures, and each appearance is a treat.
8. Occasional Guests: Tiger & Thresher Sharks
Tiger Sharks: Known for their stripes and powerful jaws, Tigers are opportunistic feeders and can grow very large.
Common Thresher Sharks: They’re famous for their long whip-like tails, which they use to stun prey with incredible leaps.
Where & When: Mostly encountered far offshore, often as surprise catches during deep-water fishing.
Angler Appeal: Landing one of these species on a Florida Shark fishing charter is a story you’ll tell for a lifetime.
Seasonal Guide
| Season/Trip | Most Likely Shark Encounters |
| Year-Round (Keys Flats) | Lemon, Nurse, Blacktip, Bonnethead |
| Spring – Fall (Inshore) | Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, Caribbean Reef Sharks |
| Offshore Excursions | Silky, Tiger, Thresher Sharks |
Charter Tips & What to Expect
- All Gear Included: YACHTFISH provides high-quality rods, reels, and fresh bait for every trip.
- Private Experience: No sharing the boat with strangers, your charter is just for you and your crew.
- Guided Learning: Captains share species ID tips, safe handling practices, and fishing techniques tailored to the day’s conditions.
- Size Preparation: Expect a range of sizes, from small Bonnetheads to massive Hammerheads, on any Florida Shark fishing charter with YACHTFISH.
Why Choose YACHTFISH for Your Florida Shark Fishing Charter
YACHTFISH is a premium Florida Shark fishing charter experience built around expertise, comfort, and unforgettable memories. With decades of combined experience, our Captains know exactly where and when to find the Sharks you’re after. We keep our boats equipped with top-tier gear, safety equipment, and the latest electronics to ensure every trip is productive and safe.
Whether you’re looking for a quick half-day adventure or a full-day offshore hunt, we tailor the experience to your goals. Families, first-time anglers, and seasoned pros all get the same dedication to excellence and the same thrill when a Shark takes the bait.
With YACHTFISH, you’re not just catching fish. You’re living the adventure.
Ready to get started? Book your Florida Shark fishing charter today and see for yourself why we’re Florida’s top choice for shark fishing.
