Shark Fishing Charters in Key West, FL
What We Do
The waters around Key West hold sharks close to shore, from fast blacktips to great hammerheads that can top several hundred pounds. Florida Straits Sportfishing
runs shark fishing charters off Key West, FL, using chum slicks and heavy tackle to draw hammerheads, bulls, blacktips, and lemons within casting range. Because many species are protected in Florida, our trips are largely catch and release, and the biggest hammerheads often appear in spring when they shadow the migrating tarpon along the reef.
Where We Fish
Where the Predators Patrol
We chase sharks across a range of water, from the nearshore flats and channels behind Key West to the reef edges and deeper structure offshore. Blacktips, lemons, and bull sharks prowl the shallower backcountry and nearshore grounds, while big hammerheads often shadow schools of tarpon and other bait along the reef during the spring migration. We set up and build a chum slick that carries scent down-current, drawing sharks up the trail toward the boat. Where we fish depends on the season, the tide, and which predators are most active.
Shark Trips We Offer
Key West holds many shark species across many types of water, so trips flex to the season and your appetite for a fight. Here are the shark fishing options we run off the island.
01
Hammerhead Shark Trips
Great hammerheads are the giants of the flats, often exceeding several hundred pounds. We target them along the reef and channels, especially when they trail migrating tarpon, for a marathon fight against one of the ocean's most impressive predators.
02
Bull and Lemon Sharks
Bull and lemon sharks bring brute strength and stubborn fights close to home. We fish the nearshore grounds and channels where they patrol, dropping baits into the chum slick for reliable, arm-testing action that rarely disappoints a hungry angler.
03
Blacktip and Spinner Sharks
Fast and acrobatic, blacktips and spinners rocket out of the water when hooked. These smaller, wildly energetic sharks provide nonstop excitement on lighter tackle, which makes them a fantastic target for excited kids and eager first-time shark anglers alike.
04
Nearshore Chumming
Much of our shark fishing happens close to Key West, where a good chum slick pulls predators right to the boat. Staying nearshore keeps the ride short and comfortable while still delivering big, powerful sharks and constant, edge-of-your-seat anticipation.
05
Reef-Edge Shark Fishing
Along the reef, sharks patrol for easy meals among the bait and hooked fish. We fish these edges with sturdy tackle, tempting hammerheads and bulls that hunt the drop, and bracing you for a strike that nearly rips the rod from your hands.
06
Catch-and-Release Handling
We are committed to healthy releases, so we use strong gear to land sharks quickly and handle them with real care. You get the fight and the photo, and the shark swims off strong to patrol these waters another day.
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Customers Say
Why Shark Fishing Thrills Every Angler
Few trips deliver the raw excitement of battling a shark. Here is what makes shark fishing off Key West such an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled adventure for anglers of nearly every age.
01
Raw, Powerful Fights
Sharks pull like almost nothing else. The sudden weight, the screaming drag, and the refusal to give up combine into a physical battle that leaves your arms aching and your heart pounding long after the fish is released.
02
Giant Trophy Potential
When a great hammerhead or big bull eats, you are connected to a genuine giant. The chance at a shark measured in hundreds of pounds gives every trip real trophy stakes and a story worth telling for years afterward.
03
Close to Shore
Much of our shark action happens near Key West, so the ride stays short and the fishing stays comfortable. Big predators without a long offshore run make this an easy, exciting choice for families and casual anglers alike.
04
A Family Favorite
Nothing widens young eyes like a shark beside the boat. The visible drama and sheer size make these trips a hit with kids and adults, creating shared thrills that rank among the most memorable moments on the water.
05
Sustainable Catch and Release
Because we release our sharks, you enjoy the fight knowing the fish swims away healthy. Careful handling and quick fights protect these vital predators, so the excitement never comes at the expense of the ocean's balance and future fishing.
06
Year-Round Excitement
Sharks patrol these waters in every season, with the biggest hammerheads following tarpon in spring. That steady availability means a shark trip is almost always on the table, providing action when other targets slow with the changing weather.
Who We Are
Predator Anglers Who Respect the Fish
Bringing a big shark boatside safely, for you and for the fish, takes know-how, and it is something we take seriously after years of targeting these predators. We are a family-owned, locally operated crew, and the whole family lights up when a shark hits. We handle every fish carefully for a healthy release. Veterans receive a discount with our thanks. When you want a raw, powerful tug of war, reach out through our contact page to book your Key West, shark trip.
Why Choose Florida Straits Sportfishing
Built for Unforgettable Fishing Trips
01
Local Key West Expertise
We know the waters surrounding Key West, including its reefs, wrecks, deep-water structures, backcountry flats, and seasonal fishing patterns. Our experienced captains use that knowledge to select the most productive locations and techniques.
02
Personalized Charter Experiences
We tailor every trip to the group’s experience, interests, and fishing goals. Whether we’re hosting a family with children or experienced anglers pursuing trophy fish, we provide attentive, hands-on guidance.
03
Professional Boats and Equipment
We operate tournament-ready boats equipped with premium tackle, radar, GPS, sonar, and essential safety equipment. We provide the gear and preparation needed for productive inshore, reef, wreck, and offshore fishing.
04
Exceptional Variety and Convenience
We offer everything from family fishing and sandbar excursions to shark, sailfish, swordfish, and Dry Tortugas trips. We depart from A&B Marina in Key West, conveniently located near Duval Street.
Go Rod-To-Fin With A Key West Apex Predator
There is nothing tame about a shark battle, and the waters off Key West, FL serve up hammerheads, bulls, blacktips, and lemons powerful enough to test any angler and thrill any family. At Florida Straits Sportfishing, we know where these predators patrol and how to draw them close with a well-set chum slick, then bring them boatside safely for the fight, the photo, and a healthy release. It is raw, hands-on excitement that stays close to shore and suits everyone from kids to seasoned anglers. When you are ready to feel the pull of an apex predator, reserve your shark trip through our contact page or online quote form.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of sharks can you catch off Key West?
Common targets include great hammerhead, bull, blacktip, lemon, spinner, nurse, and blacknose sharks. The mix changes with season and location, from acrobatic blacktips close to shore to giant hammerheads patrolling the reef edge during the spring tarpon run.
When is the best time for shark fishing in Key West?
Shark fishing is strong much of the year, but spring through summer is prime. Big hammerheads follow migrating tarpon in spring, while blacktips, bulls, and lemons stay active all through the warm summer months for reliable, hard-pulling, arm-testing action.
How big do the sharks get here?
Sizes vary widely by species. Blacktips and spinners often run a manageable few feet, while bull and lemon sharks grow much larger, and a great hammerhead can exceed several hundred pounds and stretch well over ten feet long.
Do you chum for sharks, and how does it work?
Yes, chumming is central to shark fishing. We drift a slick of ground and cut bait that carries scent down-current, laying a scent trail that draws cruising sharks up toward the boat and into range of our baited hooks.
Is shark fishing catch-and-release in the Keys?
Largely, yes. Many species, including hammerheads and lemons, are protected from harvest in Florida, so our trips focus on catch and release. We land sharks quickly and handle them carefully so they swim off healthy after the photos.
Why do sharks show up during tarpon season?
Sharks are opportunistic hunters, and the spring tarpon migration lays out an irresistible buffet. Great hammerheads in particular shadow the tarpon schools to ambush them, which is why the biggest sharks often appear right alongside prime tarpon fishing.
Is shark fishing safe for kids and families?
Yes. Florida Straits Sportfishing keeps safety first on every Key West, FL shark trip, handling the sharks and heavy tackle while you enjoy the fight. Much of the action stays close to shore, making it an exciting yet comfortable family adventure.
Can we keep a shark we catch?
Usually not, since many local species are protected and released by law and by choice. Florida Straits Sportfishing follows all Key West, FL regulations, so most shark trips are catch and release, focused on the battle and the photo rather than the cooler.
