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Shark Fishing Charters in Key West | Full Day
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Key West
- Updated Date: January 9, 2026
Summary
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Sharks on the Line
AM 6 HR Shark Fishing Charters In Key West
There's something primal about hooking into a shark that gets your blood pumping like nothing else. Here in Key West, we've got some of the best shark fishing waters in Florida, and I'm here to put you right on top of them. This isn't your typical backcountry fishing trip—we're talking about going head-to-head with apex predators that can strip line off your reel faster than you can blink. Whether you've been dreaming about this for years or just decided you're ready for the ultimate fishing challenge, our 6-hour morning charter gives you the best shot at tangling with these legendary fighters. We're so confident in our shark grounds that we back it with our "No Fish No Pay" guarantee—that's how sure we are you'll get into the action.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll hit the water early when the sharks are most active, usually around sunrise when they're moving into the shallows to hunt. The morning bite is absolutely money for sharks around Key West—the water's cooler, baitfish are schooling up, and these predators are on the prowl. You'll be fishing from a spacious flats boat that can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight their fish without getting tangled up. The atmosphere is always electric because you never know when that rod's going to double over and start screaming drag. Some days we'll spot them cruising the surface, fins cutting through the water like something out of a movie. Other days they'll slam your bait so hard it nearly rips the rod out of your hands. Every trip is different, but they're all adrenaline-packed from start to finish.
Techniques & Tackle Setup
We're using heavy-duty spinning reels spooled with 50-80 pound test because these fish don't mess around. I'll have you rigged with circle hooks and steel leaders—sharks have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. We'll be using a mix of live and cut bait depending on what's working that day. Bonito, mackerel, and barracuda make excellent shark candy, and I always keep a good supply of fresh bait on ice. The technique is pretty straightforward—we'll anchor up or drift over known feeding areas and let the scent trail do its work. Sharks hunt primarily by smell, so once they pick up that scent line, they'll follow it right to your hook. When one hits, you'll know it immediately. The rod loads up, drag starts singing, and the fight is on. I'll coach you through the whole battle, from setting the hook to bringing them boatside for photos and release.
Top Catches This Season
The waters around Key West are home to three shark species that'll give you the fight of your life. Bonnethead sharks are our most common catch and perfect for first-timers. These smaller sharks, usually running 2-4 feet, are incredibly active and put up a scrappy fight that's pure fun. They're curious by nature and often the first to investigate your bait. Don't let their size fool you—pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in these waters. Lemon sharks are the crown jewel of our shark fishery. These golden predators can stretch 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. They're ambush hunters that love the shallow flats and grass beds around Key West, making them perfect targets for our style of fishing. When a big lemon grabs your bait, you'll feel every ounce of their power as they make blistering runs and try to head for deeper water. Bull sharks are the ultimate prize—thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless fighters. These apex predators can top 8 feet and will test every knot, every piece of tackle, and every muscle in your body. They're known for their aggressive nature and never-give-up attitude, making them the most challenging and rewarding catch you can hope for in Key West waters.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're ready to cross shark fishing off your bucket list, there's no better place than Key West and no better guarantee than our "No Fish No Pay" promise. This 6-hour charter gives you plenty of time to get into multiple fish and really experience what these waters have to offer. Morning trips are consistently our most productive, and with a maximum of 4 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on the rod. Whether you're here for your first shark or you're a seasoned angler looking for your personal best, we'll put you on the fish. The memories you make fighting these apex predators will last a lifetime, and the photos will prove to everyone back home that you've got what it takes to tangle with the ocean's top predators. Don't wait—prime shark season books up fast, and these morning slots are some of our most popular trips of the year.
Learn more about the animals
Bonnethead Shark
The smallest hammerhead you'll encounter, bonnetheads are actually pretty cool catches. These guys run 3-4 feet typically and have that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to spot. They're way more mellow than their bigger hammerhead cousins - shy and totally harmless. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and grass beds close to shore, usually in small schools of 3-15 fish. Fall and winter are prime time here in Key West when they migrate down from the Carolinas for warmer water. What makes them fun to target is they put up a scrappy fight for their size and they're always moving around in groups. Once you hook one, there's usually more nearby. My go-to trick? Fresh cut blue crab on a circle hook - slip it right through a leg piece. They can't resist it.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are the bruisers of our local waters - thick, powerful, and aggressive. These gray torpedoes typically run 8-10 feet around Key West and they mean business when hooked. What makes bulls unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so you'll find them everywhere from deep channels to shallow flats, even heading up into brackish areas. Summer through fall is prime time when they're most active in our warm waters. Guests love them because they fight like freight trains - long, brutal runs that'll smoke your drag. They're also one of the apex predators, so there's that respect factor. The bite is intense and they rarely give up easy. My secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits. Fish it on the bottom with a fish finder rig.
Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks are some of the most reliable fighters you'll tangle with around Key West. These golden-yellow beauties typically run 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. They love hanging out in shallow water over sand flats and around mangrove edges, especially during warmer months from spring through fall. What makes them special is their attitude - they're aggressive feeders but also curious, so they'll investigate baits pretty readily. The fight is what guests remember most - steady, powerful runs that'll test your drag and stamina. They're also one of the few sharks that actually taste decent if you're keeping one. Best time to target them is early morning or late afternoon when they're actively hunting. Pro tip: use a whole bonito or mackerel on a sliding rig. Keep it moving slightly off the bottom - lemons like their bait with some action.
