Shark Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys
Catch-and-release shark fishing targeting hammerhead, bull, and blacktip sharks out of Key Largo. Heavy tackle, big fish, raw adrenaline.
Book a Shark Fishing CharterFlorida Keys Shark Fishing
The Florida Keys hold one of the widest ranges of shark species anywhere: blacktips, lemons, sandbars, and reef sharks right up through bulls and hammerheads. Great whites pass through too (Mike has had them swimming around the boat a couple of times), but landing one is a true needle in a haystack. A shark trip targets the dozen-plus species that are genuinely catchable here.
And there are more of them every year. Since the U.S. banned the sale of shark fins, the commercial pressure is gone and the populations have come roaring back. On a typical trip, Captain Mike puts the odds of hooking up north of 50%.
A shark day usually starts by catching fresh bait. We run for tuna, bonito, or barracuda first thing, because nothing pulls a shark in like fresh blood in the water. From there it is the reef lines and wrecks, where the bait lives and the sharks hunt. Mike fishes the heaviest tackle on the boat, built for animals that can break you off on structure in seconds. When a big one eats, settle in. Fights run anywhere from 25 minutes to well over an hour of raw, hands-on work.
Catch-and-Release. Around 90% of our shark trips are all-release, and a trophy no longer means killing the fish. A length measurement is enough for a replica mount, so the shark swims away healthy. The few species that are legal to keep change year to year, and Captain Mike follows all FWC regulations.
What You'll Target
Shark Species in the Florida Keys
You never really know what's going to eat, and that's half the fun. These are the sharks we run into most off Key Largo.
Hammerhead Sharks
The apex predator of the reef. Great hammerheads and scalloped hammerheads are found near wrecks, drop-offs, and channel edges. Known for powerful, determined runs and their unmistakable profile.
Bull Sharks
Aggressive and powerful fighters found in both nearshore and offshore waters throughout the Florida Keys. Bull sharks are one of the most commonly encountered shark species and put up an intense battle on heavy tackle.
Blacktip Sharks
Common throughout the Keys and well-known for spectacular aerial leaps when hooked — similar in behavior to a tarpon. Often found near the reef and in nearshore waters.
Nurse Sharks
Bottom-dwelling sharks frequently encountered on reef and bottom fishing trips. Slower-moving but surprisingly strong. A common catch for anglers new to shark fishing.
Lemon Sharks
A Keys staple. Stocky, golden-hued sharks that hold tight to reef and structure, and one of the more reliable catches on a shark trip.
Sandbar Sharks
Heavy-bodied reef sharks with a tall first dorsal fin, common along the reef lines and ledges. Dogged, bulldogging fighters.
Caribbean Reef Sharks
True to the name, found right on the reef throughout the Keys. A frequent, hard-pulling catch close to home.
Silky Sharks
Sleek, open-water sharks that show up just about everywhere off the Keys. Fast and active on the line.
What to Expect
Shark trips work the reef and wreck lines off Key Largo, with the first part of the morning often spent catching fresh bait before the real hunt begins. Expect quiet stretches and then sudden, explosive runs, with big tackle to match. All rods, reels, and bait are included.
It is a great trip for families and first-timers. The action is visual, the odds are good, and you do not need any experience to hang on. Shark fishing also pairs well with a reef or offshore trip, so you can target multiple species in a day. Ask Captain Mike what makes sense for the season.
On the Water
Shark Fishing in Action
Book a Shark Fishing Charter in the Florida Keys
Catch-and-release shark fishing out of Key Largo. Heavy tackle, big fish, unforgettable experience.