Shark Fishing in Florida

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Hodag Hunter
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Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Hodag Hunter » Sun Feb 04, 2018 8:40 am

Currently on a work assignment in Fernandina Beach Florida and one of my goals is to catch a shark. 4-6 footer would be awesome.

I have been fishing some of the local spots we have found but biggest shark caught was a small bonnet head shark about 2'.

I have been researching other websites and talking with locals with most instructing me it's too early to fish. Schedule to be here only until 1st part of March, possibly end of March. Anybody here have some suggestions?


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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Buckshot20 » Sun Feb 04, 2018 9:00 am

I've never really targeted sharks so I'm not much help. Although there is a great white that visits that area every year on its migration.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Tim H » Sun Feb 04, 2018 11:29 am

I have no advice except for good luck and show us what you catch!!
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Rich M » Sun Feb 04, 2018 12:04 pm

Is there any way for you to drive a little south? Water is a bit chilly right now for sharks in the surf.

Iffn I was to set up for sharks, we'd use a reel with 250 yards of 25 mono, a 4 or 6 ft 60# mono leader, 2 ft light wire leader (match the mono), 4/0 or 6/0 circle hook and drift/slow troll a live or butterflied or a fillet from a ladyfish/jack/mullet along the beach. It would be in June or July. The sharks would range from 3 to 8 ft. Take a from 3 to 20 minutes to land. They aren't likely to spool you, just give you a good tug.

How long is your work assignment? May is probably the beginning of decent shark fishing.

You can catch a small jack or ladyfish, butterfly it and float it out 3 or 4 feet under a balloon, get it about 150-200-300 feet off the beach and it will happen. Be careful about swimmers, surfers, and boaters if you fish near the inlets - good place to fish tho.

The sharks swim just on the other side of the breakers much of the time. New Smyrna Beach - immediately south of and adjacent to Ponce Inlet is the shark bite capital of the world - surfers are always getting nipped when the weather/water is warmer.

A 3 ft shark isn't likely to eat a big bait - and no shark wants to have to bit something in half to eat it - keep your bait reasonable - a 10-12-inch bait would be good. A 12-inch ladyfish fillet is great.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby BassBoysLLP » Sun Feb 04, 2018 2:24 pm

You need to wander to a local pier and talk to some locals.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Jackson Marsh » Sun Feb 04, 2018 2:49 pm

Sounds like fun, I hope you get one.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Hodag Hunter » Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:23 am

Thanks for the tips. Weather is warming and my rods will be here Wednesday from WI.

Hope to catch a bigger one this weekend.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Tufrthnails » Thu Feb 08, 2018 1:44 am

Rich Nailed it Ladyfish. Like his rig advice as well run very similar for sharks.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Hodag Hunter » Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:23 pm

Weather and water is warming and caught a nice 3 footer yesterday, along with having a few more on. Time off of work is limited the next few weeks as it's "go time".

I am working in the north eastern part of Florida and fishing the Atlantic. Wish we were on the gulf side but hope to get out at least once more before heading home.

Locals are still saying it won't get better until April-May and were surprised I caught one.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Dewey » Mon Feb 19, 2018 2:21 pm

Sharks......all other fish are just bait.

You might now be ruined for musky fishing. :lol:
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Rich M » Wed Mar 14, 2018 1:18 am

You get any yet?

They are having trouble with sharks on the offshore reefs - eating all the more "desirable" fish off the hooks.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Hodag Hunter » Fri Mar 16, 2018 5:49 am

We caught some 3 and 3 and a half footers fishing in the surf.

I'm to proud to hire a charter to take us out in a boat.....may change my mind by this weekend. Really want a 6 foot plus before I leave.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby Rich M » Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:06 am

When are you leaving? Seems like it is getting close.

You can probably line up a real fishing trip before you go - probably about $1200 for a full day offshore. Get 6 guys and it is $200/each + tip for mate. Not cheap but not crazy either.

Need to tell the captain you want to catch a shark while out on charter - he should know some spots, maybe have you fish a little diff while the other guys get a work-out on snappers, AJs and such. You need to catch and amberjack - those things hurt people.
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby sdonx » Fri Mar 16, 2018 10:29 am

You want Big Sharks...come to Massachusetts
I help run a tournament, check it out
http://sharksfundfishing.com/
Great event 100% non profit

Personal best so far:
396 lbs Mako
329 Thresher
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Re: Shark Fishing in Florida

Unread postby mauser06 » Sat Mar 17, 2018 3:21 am

Tough to catch what's not there.


The ocean is a funny place. Huge. And lots of fish. But timing can be critical.


Many species come and go.


I worked on the southern outer Banks for 3 years. It was interesting to see the seasonal changes.

I don't know Florida. But Florida and Texas are both hot spots for land based shark fishing. I just don't know when...the locals will know that though. I know Florida, a trip to the gulf side can make a complete difference in fishing.

I wasn't geared for anything big...but caught plenty of 6ft range blacktips and big stingrays. It was a blast and I miss it.

I will never forget the night I got spooled. Something has 300yds of braid trailing behind it lol. I rebuilt my reel and it cranked out pretty serious drag and I never even slowed that fish. My mentors said by the way it fought it was likely a big hammerhead. Right time of year for them too.


Good luck!


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