Where to Find Sharks in Florida | Top Shark Fishing Locations

Florida’s coastal waters are home to a wide range of shark species, providing anglers with countless opportunities for shark fishing. Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading out on a boat, knowing the best locations to find sharks is key to a successful fishing trip. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top shark fishing locations in Florida, including the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and Southern Florida, as well as tips for targeting sharks in these areas.

Best Shark Fishing Spots on Florida’s East Coast

Fort Pierce Inlet

• Overview: Fort Pierce Inlet is a prime location for targeting sharks, including blacktip sharks, bull sharks, and lemon sharks. The inlet’s deep channels, structure, and baitfish abundance make it an ideal feeding ground for sharks.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near the rocky areas, sandbars, and drop-offs. The best time to fish here is during the incoming tide, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.

Ponce Inlet

• Overview: Known for its deep water and rich structure, Ponce Inlet offers excellent opportunities for catching bull sharks and blacktip sharks.

• Fishing Tips: Cast near the rocks and mangrove edges. The incoming tide brings baitfish closer to shore, attracting sharks.

Daytona Beach

• Overview: Daytona Beach is a popular spot for targeting blacktip sharks and bull sharks, especially during the summer months.

• Fishing Tips: Fish the surf zone and sandbars during the early mornings or late afternoons when sharks are most active.

Best Shark Fishing Spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Tampa Bay

• Overview: Tampa Bay offers a mix of shallow flats, mangroves, and deeper channels, making it a prime location for targeting bull sharks and blacktip sharks.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on drop-offs, sandbars, and mangrove edges during incoming tides. Fishing at night can yield great results, particularly for bull sharks.

Sanibel Island

• Overview: Sanibel Island is known for its rich estuaries and mangrove forests, which attract sharks year-round, including lemon sharks and sandbar sharks.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and inlets. Fish the incoming tide and fish early morning or late evening for the best success.

Destin

• Overview: Destin offers abundant shark fishing opportunities, with species like blacktip sharks and bull sharks commonly found near shore.

• Fishing Tips: Target sandbars and nearshore reefs, especially during the incoming tide and low-light conditions.

Best Shark Fishing Spots in Florida’s Southern Coast

Florida Keys

• Overview: The Florida Keys are world-famous for their shark fishing opportunities. Species like lemon sharks, bull sharks, and hammerhead sharks thrive in the warm waters of the Keys.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near the mangrove islands, reef edges, and deep channels. Night fishing is especially effective for large sharks, including bull sharks.

Miami and Biscayne Bay

• Overview: Miami’s waters, including **B Biscayne Bay, provide excellent opportunities for targeting sharks like bull sharks, blacktip sharks, and lemon sharks. The area’s warm, shallow waters, along with abundant baitfish and diverse habitats, make it a top location for shark fishing year-round.

• Fishing Tips: Target the mangrove shorelines, reefs, and drop-offs around Biscayne Bay. During the summer, sharks are found closer to shore, especially around the inlets and estuaries. Night fishing near the deeper channels can also be particularly productive for larger sharks such as bull sharks and lemon sharks.

Best Shark Fishing Locations in the Florida Panhandle

Panhandle Beaches (Pensacola, Destin, Panama City)

• Overview: Florida’s Panhandle offers a variety of shark fishing opportunities, from blacktip sharks to hammerhead sharks. The surf zone, shallow flats, and offshore reefs attract sharks year-round, especially during the summer months.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on fishing nearshore or offshore reefs, and deep channels along the coast. The best times to fish are early mornings or late afternoons, particularly during the incoming tide. If fishing from a boat, you can also target sharks in deeper waters or around wrecks where larger sharks are often found.

Fishing from Shore vs. Boat: Considerations for Shark Fishing

Surf Fishing

• Best Locations for Surf Fishing: Many of the best shark fishing locations in Florida can be accessed from shore, including the surf zones, sandbars, and inlets along the East and Gulf coasts. Surf fishing is ideal for anglers who prefer to fish without a boat, as it allows easy access to productive shark habitats, especially for species like blacktip sharks, bull sharks, and lemon sharks.

• Fishing Tips: Cast from pier structures, beachfront areas, or jetty points to reach the deeper waters where sharks often roam. The early morning and late evening provide the best chances for a shark bite. It’s also important to consider the incoming tide, which draws sharks closer to shore.

Boat Fishing

• Best Locations for Boat Fishing: Boat fishing offers greater access to offshore and deep-water areas, where larger sharks like hammerheads, tiger sharks, and great whites can be targeted. Popular spots for boat fishing include offshore reefs, wrecks, and deep channels near the Florida Keys, Miami, and the Panhandle.

• Fishing Tips: When fishing from a boat, focus on offshore structures, deep drop-offs, and wrecks in deeper waters. These locations attract larger sharks. Night fishing from a boat, especially near deeper channels, can increase your chances of catching big sharks like bull sharks and hammerheads.

Shark Fishing Regulations in Florida

Before heading out to fish for sharks, it’s essential to be aware of Florida’s shark fishing regulations. These rules help protect shark populations while ensuring that anglers can continue to enjoy shark fishing responsibly.

• Shark Species Regulations: In Florida, there are specific regulations concerning the harvesting of certain shark species. For instance, some sharks like great whites and hammerheads are protected and must be released if caught.

• Fishing License Requirements: Anglers must have a Florida fishing license to fish for sharks in state waters. For shark fishing in federal waters (beyond 9 nautical miles from shore), a federal permit is required.

• Catch and Release: Many shark species are encouraged to be caught and released due to conservation efforts. It’s important to use appropriate tackle, handle sharks gently, and minimize the time spent on the line to improve their chances of survival after release.

Where to Find Sharks in Florida

Florida is a prime destination for shark fishing, offering a wide variety of habitats for different shark species. Whether you’re targeting bull sharks along the Gulf Coast, blacktip sharks near Florida’s East Coast, or lemon sharks in the Florida Keys, there are abundant opportunities for shark fishing year-round.

By knowing where to fish and the ideal conditions for shark activity, you can maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or from a boat, Florida’s diverse coastline offers numerous prime locations for targeting sharks. With careful planning, the right equipment, and an understanding of the best shark fishing spots, you’ll be well on your way to landing one of these powerful and exciting predators.