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Premier Key West Shark Fishing | 3-Hour Charter
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Key West
- $299 - $699 price range
- Updated Date: October 10, 2025
Summary
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Shark Battles at Dawn
Big tarpon caught in Key West
Underwater Tarpon - Key West
Big tarpon caught in Key West
Underwater Tarpon - Key West
Big tarpon caught in Key West
Key West Shark Fishing: 3-Hour Morning Thrill
Ready for an adrenaline rush before lunch? Our 3-hour Key West shark fishing charter kicks off at 8 AM sharp, giving you a chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most impressive predators. Whether you're a seasoned shark angler or it's your first time, our local guides know exactly where to find the action. We'll zip out to prime shark spots, set up our gear, and wait for that heart-pounding moment when a big shark takes the bait. It's an experience that'll have you hooked from the get-go.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The morning air is crisp, the water's typically calm, and the anticipation is through the roof. We'll cruise out to known shark hotspots, usually within 15-20 minutes of the harbor. Once we're in position, we'll deploy our chum slick and set out heavy-duty shark rigs. Then it's time to play the waiting game – but trust me, in these waters, you rarely wait long. When that rod bends and the reel starts screaming, hold on tight! Fighting a shark is like nothing else in fishing. It's you versus a prehistoric predator, and win or lose, it's a battle you'll never forget.
Shark Fishing 101
If you're new to shark fishing, don't sweat it. We've got all the gear you need, from sturdy rods and reels to wire leaders and circle hooks. Our crew will walk you through the basics, like how to properly set the hook (hint: let the shark do the work) and how to fight these powerful fish without tiring yourself out. We use a mix of live and dead bait, depending on what's working best that day. Sometimes we'll drift, other times we'll anchor up. It's all about reading the water and adjusting our tactics to put you on the fish. And hey, if you're a shark fishing pro, we're always game to learn a new trick or two from you!
Top Catches This Season
Shark fishing in Key West is hot right now. We've been seeing a lot of bull sharks in the 6-8 foot range, with a few monsters pushing 10 feet. Hammerheads have been making regular appearances too, especially around the full moon. One group last week hooked into a massive lemon shark that took them on a 45-minute sleigh ride before we could get it boatside for a quick photo and release. Whether it's the thrill of the fight or the bragging rights of landing a apex predator, our guests can't get enough of these toothy critters.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these guys punch well above their weight class. Typically ranging from 3-4 feet, bonnetheads are like the speedy welterweights of the shark world. They're known for their uniquely shaped head (hence the name) and their quick, darting fights. Bonnetheads are most active in the warmer months and love cruising the shallows. They're a blast on lighter tackle and perfect for anglers looking to build their shark-fighting skills.
Lemon Shark: These yellowish-brown sharks are a favorite among our guests. Growing up to 10 feet long, lemon sharks offer a serious fight without the extreme size of some other species. They're known for their intelligence and tend to hunt in packs, which means when you find one, you might just find a whole bunch. Lemon sharks are year-round residents in Key West, but we see peak activity in the spring and fall. They love to hang around mangrove areas and sandy flats, so we often target them in slightly shallower water.
Bull Shark: Now we're talking about the heavyweights. Bull sharks are the bruisers of the shark world, known for their stocky build and aggressive nature. These bad boys can grow over 11 feet long and pack some serious muscle. They're not picky eaters, which makes them relatively easy to target, but landing one is a whole different story. Bull sharks are famous for their powerful runs and dogged fights. They're most active in our waters during the warmer months, but honestly, you've got a shot at hooking one any time of year. When a big bull takes your bait, you better have your game face on – it's going to be a wild ride.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something addictive about shark fishing in Key West. Maybe it's the rush of battling a true apex predator, or the stunning backdrop of turquoise waters and palm-lined shores. Our repeat customers tell us it's a mix of both, plus the laid-back Key West vibe that makes every trip feel like a mini-vacation. One thing's for sure – once you've felt the power of a big shark on the end of your line, regular fishing just doesn't quite cut it anymore. And with our morning charters, you still have the whole afternoon to explore the island or brag about your catch at the local watering holes.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about why our Key West shark fishing trips are the real deal, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. Our 3-hour morning charters are perfect for fitting some serious fishing action into your Key West itinerary. We keep our groups small – just you and up to five of your closest friends or soon-to-be-friends – to make sure everyone gets plenty of time on the rods. All the gear is provided, our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and we're dead set on putting you on some sharks. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready for a fishing story you'll be telling for years to come. Trust me, once you've gone shark fishing in Key West, you'll be hooked for life.
Learn more about the animals
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) Fish Description
The Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) is a type of hammerhead shark that can be distinguished from its bonnet or shovel-like head (hence the name) and its smaller stature. This shark is also quite different from its more aggressive cousins as it’s known to be a bit shy and considered harmless to humans. Aside from its spade-like head, Bonnethead Sharks can easily be identified through its greyish-brownish body which gradually lightens to white when it reaches the underside of the fish.
The Bonnethead Shark can usually be seen near beaches along the Carolinas and Georgia when the weather is warm; although they would often migrate down south to Florida and Gulf of Mexico come autumn and winter in search of food and warmer waters. It feeds mostly on small fishes and crustaceans, including crabs, shrimps, and mollusks. It can also be found swimming in schools of about ten to fifteen, especially during spawning season when they migrate south.
After mating, a female Bonnethead will store the sperm for months at a time until the environmental conditions for its young’s survival is just about right—that’s the time when they’d be able to fertilize the eggs. When they finally give birth, females would move to shallower waters to care for its pups and the males would move to a different location as to avoid eating their own young.
Interesting Facts About Bonnethead Sharks
- The biggest ever caught on record weighs twenty-eight pounds and measures over four feet long.
- The humongous fish was caught by 13-year old angler Carter Wells off Halifax River, Florida.
- They are the smallest of the ten hammerhead shark species.
- They are known to be timid and harmless sharks.
- Only one attack on human has ever been recorded.
- They are the only shark species known to exhibit sexual dimorphism—a distinct difference in size or appearance between sexes.
- The spade-like heads of males and females are different in shape—females have wider and rounder cephalofoils, while males have a distinct bulge on the top of their head.
- Females are larger than males on average.
- They are viviparous—or they develop their embryos inside their body and they are born live.
- They are rarely seen swimming alone.
- A school of Bonnethead Sharks can consist between three to fifteen individuals.
- They can live up to twelve years in the wild.
- Like other shark species, they use electroreception (ability to perceive natural electrical stimuli) to detect prey.
Bonnethead Shark Average Speed and Size
Bonnethead Sharks average size can vary between 36 to 48 inches, but have been known reach a maximum length of about 59 inches, with females reaching greater lengths as compared to males.
When it comes to their speed, most sharks can swim really fast, especially in warm waters. So you can expect Bonnetheads to be quick and agile. They also have this ability to swim a lot faster in short bursts when they’re going after a prey or if they feel threatened. Nonetheless, their being fast swimmers doesn’t factor much when you’re trying to fish for one because, as most sharks, Bonnetheads can be really aggressive in getting their meal.
Where to Find Them - Habitat and Distribution
Bonnethead Sharks are pretty abundant in the western Atlantic from North Carolina to the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side of the country, you can mostly find them in the warm waters of southern California. Most of them usually stay in shallow water, often near the coasts, bays, estuaries, and channels where they usually feed. So they are not really that hard to come by, especially during summer when they can wander as far north as the Carolinas. But come autumn and winter, you would have to follow them to the warmer waters of Florida and Gulf of Mexico.
Bonnethead Shark Fishing Tips
Yes, Bonnethead Sharks may be easy to locate—heck, you won’t even have to go far from the shore to be able to catch one of these. But, as most shark species, landing one can be a bit tricky because if you happen to hook one, you’ll be in for a long and tiring fight as they are known to be tough and spunky. For the gear, a stout rod and reel spooled with at least 20-pound test line, a sliding sinker and a three- to four-foot monofilament or wire leader with a large circle hook are more than enough to handle this shark. As for bait, a fresh piece of chunked blue crab is the best way to go. Just make sure to cut the crab in half and slip the hook through one of its limbs to make your bait more irresistible for Bonnetheads.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are the heavyweights of Key West shark fishing. These stocky powerhouses can hit 12 feet long and pack a serious punch. They're aggressive feeders and aren't picky - they'll eat just about anything. You'll find bulls in shallow coastal waters, but they're unique in their ability to swim up into freshwater too. Summer's the best time to target them here, when they're most active in our warm waters. Fishing for bulls is an adrenaline rush - they fight hard and don't quit easy. It's all about the power and thrill with these guys. For bait, fresh cut fish works well, but if you want the local secret, try using a whole eel. The high oil content drives bulls wild. Just be ready for a serious battle - these sharks will test your strength and your gear.
Lemon Shark
About the Maverick Mirage
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 70
