The beautiful coastal waters of Florida are the perfect place to chase sharks.
Florida’s best places for shark fishing stretch from Pensacola clear to Jacksonville and south to the Keys. In other words, there’s great shark fishing up and down Florida’s coastline.
Those warm, crystal-clear subtropical waters outside your beach rental are full of monsters. Several species of sharks call Florida’s beaches and offshore areas home.
Grass flats teem with bonnetheads and bull sharks. Blacktips cruise the mouths of bays and will eat anything you toss at them.
The Gulf Stream is filled with hammerheads, makos, threshers, and nurse sharks. There may even be a Great White eyeing your bait. You’ll definitely have your hands full.
Let’s dig into the very best shark fishing in Florida. It’s not an easy concept to narrow down because where you see saltwater, there will probably be sharks looking for a free meal.
Florida’s Common Shark Species
Anglers can catch the most abundant sharks in Florida off almost any beach or bay in the state.
Blacktip and Spinner Sharks
Blacktip and spinner sharks are everywhere. These sharks are typically in the three- to five-foot range, though bigger blacktip and spinner sharks are pretty common.
Both have blacktips on their fins, and at times the only way to tell the difference is by the anal fin. All spinner fins are tipped black, including the anal fins. Curiously, blacktip shark’s anal fins aren’t tipped.
Spinners get their name because of their acrobatic fight. They like to jump while spinning, trying to shake the hook.
Blacktips aren’t quite as dramatic but will still put your lighter tackle through its paces.
Bonnethead Sharks
Bonnethead sharks like to eat crabs and shrimp. The crustacean diet might explain why they taste so good. It’s possible to catch them in waters under a foot deep.
The bonnethead can get up to 4 ½ feet in length, though they tend to be closer to three. They are abundant throughout the state and are fond of grass flats and mangroves. Bays and estuaries will hold good numbers as well.
Try your skills at sight fishing for these toothy critters. Shallow, clear water makes catching bonnetheads on light tackle a blast.
Bull Sharks
Anglers can find bull sharks in considerable numbers along the coast. Look for larger bulls around estuaries, inlets, bays, and even some river systems. Bull pups are plentiful throughout grass flats and mangroves.
Some anglers seek out bulls for their size. Others try to avoid them for the same reason. They aren’t acrobatic, though they’ll pull hard enough that you’ll feel the fight for a week afterward.
Mako Sharks
Shortfin mako sharks are abundant in the deeper waters just offshore. It’s possible to catch one from some of the larger fishing piers, though landing them on the pier can be tricky.
Sport anglers seek out makos for their speed and fight. They also have that terrifying mouth for photo ops.
More Florida Sharks
Florida has more sharks than almost anywhere else on the planet. Nurse sharks, blacknose, Atlantic sharpnose, hammerheads, porbeagles, threshers and blue sharks are also lurking out there, waiting for your baited hook.
Shark fishing in Florida has several restrictions, so read up on current regulations before heading out. Better yet, go out with a guide to ensure you aren’t keeping the protected species.
The list of protected sharks continues to grow, but some of the best-known species you need to release immediately are lemon, tiger, sandbar, and great hammerhead sharks.
Florida’s Best Shark Fishing
The Florida coastline is massive. We’ll break it down by region. First up is the Panhandle to Big Bend.
Panhandle/Big Bend
Pensacola
Pensacola Beach and area bays are full of sharks. The beach has an excellent fishing pier that puts anglers right over deep waters. There’s a good chance of catching bull sharks, black tips, spinners, and bonnetheads.
Head into the bays for some fast bonnethead action. Grass flats hold good numbers. If the weather cooperates, there can be incredible sight-fishing opportunities.
Inshore fishing will bring in blacktips, bulls, and bonnetheads.
A little farther out, you’ll find reefs and shipwrecks that have any number of big sharks to target. Makos, bulls, and blue sharks are excellent targets in the deeper waters.
The best shark fishing in Pensacola is from March through October. The colder months lead them to more hospitable waters in central and southern Florida.
If the sharks aren’t biting, try your luck with the resident redfish and speckled trout or the king and Spanish mackerel when they’re in town. The point is there’s always something to catch in Pensacola.
Hotels, resorts, private rentals, and camping are all available within feet of the water. Food and gear are also readily available.
Destin
Destin is called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” for an excellent reason. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this is the place.
The waters around Destin are some of the clearest anywhere. That means sight fishing for sharks is ready and waiting.
The surrounding deep waters offshore house just about everything on the bucket list. You have a shot at hooking bulls, spinners, makos, black tips, hammerheads, nurse sharks, blues, and tiger sharks. There are more out there, but these are the most common.
If you’re not into deeper water excursions, head into the Intracoastal waterway and fish the bays. Bonnetheads, bulls, and blacktips are abundant throughout the Intracoastal.
Sharks in these waters will readily chase live bait. Try sight fishing with imitation shrimp on a jighead if you’re after bonnetheads. It’s pretty cool watching them take the bait before peeling line.
Destin is a must for those looking to catch big sharks. It’s also the perfect spot to bring the family and stay at one of the resorts, hotels, or rentals scattered throughout the area. Most of them are either right on the Gulf or the bayside, so finding water will be simple.
Apalachicola
Apalachicola and St. George Island are a paradise of grass beds, mangroves, and mud flats. Sharks are everywhere around you as you set out on the water.
Start your day on the bay. There are plenty of great spots to catch bait fish, so take advantage and load up. Once you have some croaker or pinfish, you’re ready to target the big boys.
The area between the bay and St. George Island is teeming with blacktips, bulls, and bonnetheads.
Target the passes for blacktips. They like the moving water. Indian Pass runs between St. Vincent Island and Cape St. George. It’s a fantastic place to target any of the shark species in the area.
The East Pass between St. George Island and Dog Island is another prime section. Target the Gulf side beaches along both St. George and Dog islands.
Bull sharks can be active in the East Bay and the drainage of the Apalachicola River. They are known to head upriver in search of food, so heading into the grass beds around the mouth should pay off.
Apalachicola has plenty of places to stay, eat, and get gear. You won’t have to look very far to find a beachside resort, either.
Apalachee Bay/Big Bend
The entire area is an epic shark fishery. From Ochlockonee Bay in the west to Cedar Key to the southeast, you’ll find some of the most pristine waters in the Gulf.
Grass flats, mud flats, and untold reefs harbor everything from blacktips and spinners to tiger sharks and hammerheads that move through this area throughout the year. Warm weather is best for the big guys, though the smaller sharks are always pretty active.
The tricky part of this region is where to set up basecamp. Several smaller communities are spread through the area, though no major cities or resort towns line the coast. Most of the shoreline is in state management areas.
If you book a trip here through a charter, you’ll save yourself a headache and be able to spend the day fishing instead of navigating. It’s also the perfect place to head out and catch big sharks with a fly rod.
Crystal River
Crystal River has some great spots for big sharks. Plenty of charters are available and will take you out into the grass flats throughout the bay area.
The popular targets here are tiger sharks, sharp noses, bulls, and hammerheads. Blacktips and bonnetheads are here year-round, and most of the bigger sharks are available early spring through late fall.
The river drains into King’s Bay and the St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Reserve. Mangroves, grass flats, and mudflats are everywhere, and so are the sharks.
Test out the mangroves just after high tide. When the water is moving out, the sharks move in to nab the bait fish coming out.
For beach fishing, head to Fort Island Beach. Keep in mind other people, and don’t drag a shark into a swimming area. It’s best not to throw bait out amongst the swimmers. They tend to frown on that.
Central to Southern Gulf
Just below the bend, things start to change. The air feels a bit more tropical, and most rivers have enough alligators to walk from one side to the other. Those same rivers house bull sharks, so don’t skip fishing brackish waters at river mouths.
Clearwater
Clearwater holds some of the top shark fishing in central Florida.
March through October mark Clearwater’s prime shark fishing season, though blacktips are a year-round target. Bull sharks can provide massive tug-of-war action in the channel, while hammerheads, tiger sharks, and more await just offshore.
Clearwater has earned its reputation as one of Florida’s best shark fishing spots, particularly on light tackle. Fighting a blacktip or bonnethead on light tackle is not to be missed.
Casting bait from the beaches is another excellent option. Chuck bait out and relax on the 7th best beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
Don’t use chum nearshore or in the bay. It’s not allowed. Try fishing just off Clearwater Beach using big baits. Pinfish, shad, and large shrimp make great options.
Pier 60 is the perfect spot to get out past the swimmers and access deeper waters. Everything from hammerheads to makos have been caught on the pier.
Clearwater offers incredible locations to target sharks. Deep ocean waters are just offshore, while reefs and flats are plentiful. Plus, Tampa Bay is right around the corner.
Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay is a must for shark anglers.
Deep water in the bay attracts monster sharks, while the river mouths and shallow mangrove areas provide prime breeding spots for bull sharks. Take your pick among several famous islands and passes.
Anna Maria Island has several oyster bars, grass flats, mud flats, and two passes to test your luck. Longboat Pass on the south end tends to have good numbers of bull sharks. Bean Point Pass to the north is famous for its massive tarpon runs.
Passage Key, just north of Anna Maria Island, has some of the best sight fishing opportunities on the Gulf side of Florida. Shallow, crystal-clear flats teem with bonnetheads waiting for your spot and cast.
Egmont Key has two great passes, with the north being the main shipping channel. The north channel just off the Key has a 90-foot-deep section often loaded with sharks prime for targeting.
Egmont Key has some great grass flats along its shoreline. Bull sharks and blacktips move in and out of the passes with the tides.
Also, high tide along the Key offers unbelievable sight fishing opportunities.
The entire area is full of blue crabs, so bonnethead fishing can be epic. Bonnetheads typically school up in groups of three to six.
Use live bait like threadfin shad, menhaden, pilchards, and pinfish. Fresh-cut bait also works, though live works best.
Sarasota
Sarasota has some of the best surf fishing for sharks along the Gulf. Turtle Beach is packed with small-to-midsized bonnetheads, blacktips, and bull sharks.
The area offshore is punctuated by reefs and sunken boats. This is where you’ll find the larger species. Several charters in the area will get you on big sharks.
Longboat Key offers great fishing for lemon sharks, nurse sharks, and hammerheads. Take your boat just offshore, and you’ll find them in the reefs. Freeline a live bait and be ready to flip the bail when the line starts stripping out. It’s an automatic hookset, and the fight is on.
Lido Key is just south and borders Big Sarasota Pass. The pass has enough deep water to allow the larger sharks to move into the bay occasionally.
You’ll likely find bulls, bonnetheads, spinner sharks, and blacktips throughout the pass, along with the occasional lemon and nurse shark.
Siesta Key sits on the south side of the pass. Head into deeper waters from here to target the big guys. Tigers, makos, blue sharks, and even the occasional great white have been caught in the nearshore section here.
Turtle beach is south of Siesta Key. This is THE place to go for surf fishing. Be sure to stay away from people recreating. It can be crowded, particularly in the springtime.
There are plenty of resorts and hotels to choose from. You won’t have a problem finding bait shops and charters, either. Plus, the pizza’s pretty good at Ripfire Pizza.
Fort Myers
Winter is the best time to target Fort Myers for highly aggressive, huge bull sharks. Throughout the year, you can find these beasts, but the winter does something to ratchet up the aggression level, making it an epic day of fishing.
The islands and bays around Fort Myers offer the perfect conditions for bull sharks.
The spring and summer will bring in the bigger shark species. Tigers, nurses, lemons, hammerheads, makos, and blue sharks all pay a visit to the Fort Myers area.
Landings Marina is a great local spot to launch your boat. The launch provides easy access to all inshore and nearshore locations for shark fishing.
Cape Coral, Captiva Island, and nearby Sanibel and Pine islands are surrounded by sharks, giving both boaters and surf anglers a shot at catching some real giants. (Speaking of giants, these waters also teem with some of Florida’s biggest snook.)
San Carlos Bay and the brackish waters behind San Carlos Island make the perfect nursery for bull sharks. You can catch them in almost any weather, so the only thing that should keep you home is an approaching hurricane.
The mangroves around the islands are super dense and packed with several bucket-list species. So why not pull a snook or redfish out for dinner while you’re fishing for sharks?
Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are an epicenter of shark fishing. Whether you want to toss live bait or bring in a hammerhead on a 12-inch streamer, you can make it happen here.
Saltwater fly fishing was basically invented here. Once you visit, you’ll understand why this is so.
Key Largo
Key Largo is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on the Atlantic side. If you’re a diver, these waters are a must. If you’re a shark angler, head to the backcountry.
Blackwater Sound is the perfect habitat for bonnetheads and blacktips. The occasional bull shark is caught here as well.
There’s some decent shore access just past the sound as you make your way to the skinny part of the Key. Surf fishing can be epic here.
Deeper waters on the Atlantic are perfect if you have the time to spare. All the giants are here and in huge numbers.
The Gulf meets the Atlantic along this section and has all the sharks eager to snap up some bait fish. The channel between Key Largo and Cuba is deep and relatively narrow. Spend the day catching massive sharks.
Islamorada
Islamorada is the perfect spot to set up basecamp and explore the surrounding waters, rich not only with sharks but also other prized gamefish, including some of Florida’s better tarpon fishing.
Sight fishing for sharks was practically invented here. The sheer number of sharks in the area makes fishing fast and frantic.
The flats around Islamorada are packed with bonnetheads, blacktips, bulls, and nurse sharks. Live bait is the go-to, though giant streamers also will do the trick. Fighting a 150-pound shark on a fly rod is not for the faint of heart.
The backcountry between the island and the mainland has it all. You’ll find hammerheads, bulls, makos, spinners, blacktips, lemons, and nurse sharks there. All of these sharks will wear you out and provide that perfect photo op with the kids.
Nearshore on the south side of the Key has all the usual sharks along with tiger sharks and blues. Sand tiger sharks are brought in occasionally, though any tiger shark is protected.
One of the best things about shark fishing in the Florida Keys is that you can basically toss a line into the water wherever you are and catch a shark.
Bonnetheads, blacktips and spinners migrate to the Keys during the winter months. They’re everywhere and are easy to catch.
Islamorada has all the hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bait and tackle shops you need. It’s best to plan this one in advance.
Key West
Key West is home to all the offerings from Islamorada and offshore fishing for all types of ocean giants. Winter is the most comfortable time here, though summer brings the largest numbers and sizes of sharks.
Key West Harbor and the surrounding area are full of sharks year-round. Head here to launch your boat or, in most cases, to meet with your charter.
Bahia Honda Bridge houses deep waters and has the perfect bait fish to draw in everything from lemon and nurse sharks to hammerheads and big bulls.
Plenty of hotels, resorts, food, and tackle shops are spread around Key West. You’ll be able to find anything you need here. Don’t forget to bring along a Hemmingway novel or two to relax between battles.
Central and Southern Atlantic Coast
Don’t worry, if live or visit the eastern shores of Florida, you won’t be left out on tremendous shark fishing.
Indian River
The Indian River is the place to go for big bull sharks. They use the mouth of the river area as a nursery, along with the surrounding connected inlets and bays.
Think heavy tackle for this adventure. The bulls here can get upwards of 400 pounds and will destroy light tackle.
Use live bait for your best chances. Toss a live mullet, pinfish, menhaden, or pilchard into the high tide along the mangroves.
Don’t worry, you’ll know when a big shark is on the line. Your reel will start screaming as a few hundred yards of line peel off.
The tiger sharks and hammerheads are off the beaches and nearshore. Head out and hook into a giant. Shortfin makos and blue sharks are cruising around out there as well.
Upriver boasts a big bull shark nursery so that you can catch several pups. They still fight like mad. Brackish waters in the backcountry have excellent fishing year-round.
Mosquito Lagoon
It’s part of the Indian River Lagoon system on the Atlantic and offers incredible grass-flat fishing.
Sight fishing bonnetheads and blacktips with a fly rod is a popular approach. Tie an 8″ to 12″ streamer and mimic an injured bait fish. Quick jerks with short pauses work well.
Live baits are the prime baits for bulls and blacktips.
Keep in mind that sharks are known to be voracious eaters. They found car parts in the stomach of a tiger before. That means sharks will take your bait. If they’re around, you’ll catch them.
Giant bulls, tigers, lemons, and blue sharks are found nearshore in the Atlantic. They’ll put you through your paces for sure. Several charters are available to get you on the fish.
Mosquito Lagoon is among several spots in this article that also made it on our list of best redfish fishing spots in Florida.
Miami
Miami shark fishing is pretty close to the best in the world. Every type you could dream of makes an appearance here at some point. Bulls, makos, hammerheads, and thresher sharks are the most common. Tigers and sand tigers are around, though not in significant numbers.
Surf fishing in Miami Beach will bring you fast action if using squid or cut bait. No chumming is allowed. There are several public fishing piers.
Hammerhead sharks are possible targets nearshore. While there are great hammerheads that get above 1,000 pounds, the common hammerhead you’ll find around Miami is closer to 200 to 300 pounds. During the day, you’ll find them grouped in large schools.
Offshore you’ll find the makos, threshers, and great hammerheads. You don’t have to travel far before finding yourself over 1,500 feet of water with massive sharks all around.
Biscayne Bay
Biscayne Bay runs along the southeast shore just below Miami. Key Largo is to the south.
There are sharks everywhere here. Hammerheads use the bay as a nursery, as do bulls, spinners, and lemon sharks. Most of the bay is within the National Park.
Biscayne Bay gives you access to bonnetheads, blacktips, and nurse sharks as well. Sight fishing the flats is a fun and fast way to catch bonnetheads and the occasional blacktip.
Watch for bonefish as well. They’re all along the southern end of the bay.
Lemon sharks also cruise the flats. They target the bonefish and redfish throughout the area. That doesn’t mean they won’t take your pinfish or mullet.
Try to find spinner sharks in the bay. They put on an acrobatics demonstration that’s not to be missed. While airborne, they will wrap the line around themselves and attempt to break off. Challenging, sure, but worth it.
Miami is just north of the bay and has plenty of everything you need for a perfect fishing trip.
Northern Atlantic Coast
The farther north you travel, the shorter the season. Spring through fall can be good, with the summer being nothing short of epic. Winter finds the sharks heading south with the warmer currents.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville and the waters in the surrounding areas are laden with sharks. Start your day at the Jacksonville Beach Pier or the Jim King Fishing Pier. Both piers will get you over deeper water, giving you access to big sharks entering the bay.
Take a boat and fish the nearshore and inshore areas for some fantastic action. Blacktips, bulls, and even the occasional tiger shark show up here throughout the summer months.
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park and Amelia Island Park are perfect for those looking for deeper water without a boat. The entire bridge over Nassau Sound is a pedestrian-only fishing bridge and gives you access to water usually reserved for boaters.
Shark fishing in Jacksonville heats up in June and lasts through October. Once the cooler currents set in, the sharks head south for warmer waters.
Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach has everything you’re looking for. Beaches, BBQ, spring break, and shark fishing.
Daytona is considered one of the top shark fisheries in Florida. The best season runs from March through October. You can still find them in the winter, though it’ll take a bit more time.
Sharks range from the usual bulls, blacktips, bonnetheads, and spinners to more exotic offerings. Giant tiger sharks, blue sharks, and the occasional great white are seen offshore.
Shortfin makos are nearshore in significant numbers, ready to smack your bait at 50 mph. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, makos are it.
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna is known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.” It earned this moniker because there are more sharks in the shallows here than almost anywhere else on the planet.
Surf fishing in New Smyrna is the name of the game. Plenty of guides provide all you need to catch blacktips, bulls, and bonnetheads right on the beach.
Target hammerhead, thresher, and tiger sharks from the shore as well. Dragging a hammerhead into shallow surf waters is an experience to be had.
The beach has several boat launches into either the Atlantic or the Indian River lagoons.
River Deck Marina is a prime location for launching your boat on the lagoon. Callalisa Park has plenty of room to get out in a kayak.
The entire backcountry is full of channels and deep creeks cutting through the thick mangrove cover. Bull sharks and bonnetheads are everywhere in the shallow areas, including the mangroves and dense weed beds.
Oyster bars and jetties out into the Atlantic run next to each other in several areas, making it possible to sight fish from the jetty.
New Smyrna Beach has plenty of places to stay and enjoy the region. Just be sure not to be another statistic in the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”