Key West Bull Shark Fishing Charters

Key West Bull Shark Fishing Charters

Best Bull Shark Fishing Charters in Key West

Key West: 39 fishing charters available
Key West
Trips from US $950
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(3 reviews)
Key West
Trips from US $1,000
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(9 reviews)
Key West
Trips from US $550
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(17 reviews)
Stock Island
Trips from US $600

Bull Shark Fishing in Key West

Bull Shark
  • Size 100 to 300lbs
  • Food Value Average
  • Game Qualities Excellent
  • Habitats Inshore, Nearshore

(Carcharhinus leucas)

Key West Shark fishing will get your heart rate up like nothing else can. This is the world’s premier Shark fishing destination, where anglers land 400 lb Bull Sharks in water as shallow as 3 feet.

Bull Sharks are one of the most aggressive species, ready to eat pretty much anything you throw their way. You can fish for these bad boys in Key West any day of the year, along with Lemon, Blacktip, Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Spinner, and Tiger Sharks.

Many anglers claim that this sport is best at night, but you’ll hook into plenty of bruisers during the day, too. They cruise the shallow water of the flats and backcountry, hunting for many of the same fish people do. So heads up! Chances are you’re going to catch a Shark here even when you’re not fishing for one.

Where to Fish for Sharks

Flats and Backcountry
When you think of Jaws, you picture wide open waters far out at sea. While there are certainly Sharks out there, there’s also plenty right off the dock. The flats and backcountry of Key West are perfect for Shark fishing. Calm waves allow you to fish without getting seasick, while the clear, shallow water gives you an up-close view of all the action. You might also target Sharks in the channels and near bridges.
 
If you think these shallow inshore waters are only home to smaller Sharks, guess again: it’s common to catch plenty of brutes weighing 200 lbs and above. 
 
Marquesas Keys
If you’re ready to step it up a notch, look for a trip to the Marquesas Keys. Twenty-six miles west and a 45-minute boat ride away, this atoll features pristine waters and lots of Shark fishing action. Here you can hook into bigger, feistier Sharks.
 
More world record Sharks are caught here than anywhere else. It’s not uncommon to find Bull and Lemon Sharks around 500 lbs in size, along with monster Hammerheads and Tiger Sharks exceeding 1,000 lbs. From time to time, anglers even hook into Wide Tooth Sawfish Sharks. All this, with just a thin layer of fiberglass between you and them. Sound exciting?

How to Fish for Sharks

There are many ways to catch a Shark, but the classic method of choice is chumming. After tossing live bait or cut bait into the water and waiting for the scent to draw Sharks close to the boat, you’ll cast a baited hook into the fray.

Conventional rods with 30 lb test line are generally recommended for inshore Shark fishing. Having fresh bait on hand is the key to success. On your way out, you’ll catch Ladyfish, Bluefish, Jacks, Barracuda, and other baitfish to use.

You might also fish for Sharks using artificials, or even by fly fishing.

Need to Know

Most Shark fishing guides in Key West promote catch and release to help keep local Shark populations healthy.

Some species are strictly catch and release in Florida state waters. Size and bag limits apply to some other species. You can read more online about Shark fishing regulations as stated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Bear in mind that Shark fishing is not for the timid. Large predatory species will be circling the boat and eating live fish. This can make some passengers uncomfortable. While your guide will always make your safety the highest priority, it’s important to keep your wits about you.

If you’ve never tried Shark fishing before, we recommend starting with a half day trip so you can get comfortable first.

Key West Bull Shark Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Bull Shark fishing in Key West varies moderately throughout the year. High season is April to September. Low season is January. There is no closed season.
Key West
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,635 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Bull Shark Fishing in Key West

Just come have a good time and catch some great fish. Find a restaurant to cook your catch too.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just come have a good time and catch some great fish. Find a restaurant to cook your catch too.
Jolly Roger II
Jolly Roger II
Just talk to the captain about your experience and expectations and just remember the captain cannot change the weather conditions.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just talk to the captain about your experience and expectations and just remember the captain cannot change the weather conditions.
FloAlong Charters
FloAlong Charters
I brought 2 never fished adults and they taught them everything with patience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I brought 2 never fished adults and they taught them everything with patience.
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Book a 3/4 or full day trip. 1/2 day is too short with the commute to the fishing area
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Book a 3/4 or full day trip. 1/2 day is too short with the commute to the fishing area
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
At first we booked this trip without targeting something specific so we could maybe catch a little bit of everything, but our captain suggested us tarpon because we wanted something with action and it was a good time to target them. It didnโ€™t disappoint! Amazing experience like nothing else!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
At first we booked this trip without targeting something specific so we could maybe catch a little bit of everything, but our captain suggested us tarpon because we wanted something with action and it was a good time to target them. It didnโ€™t disappoint! Amazing experience like nothing else!
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Donโ€™t expect to always catch a huge amount of fish. The fishing is not like it used to be. You are lucky to catch a few. Tell Capt if u prefer to catch to eat or catch for fun /size. That matters.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t expect to always catch a huge amount of fish. The fishing is not like it used to be. You are lucky to catch a few. Tell Capt if u prefer to catch to eat or catch for fun /size. That matters.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
Book the whole day, it took close to 45 minutes to get on the fishing spots so a 4 hour trip would not give you as much time to fish. Be open and listen to your captains as they are very knowledgeable. Iโ€™ve fished freshwater species but this was my first time in saltwater and there are differences I had to make but they coached me through it. Great experience.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book the whole day, it took close to 45 minutes to get on the fishing spots so a 4 hour trip would not give you as much time to fish. Be open and listen to your captains as they are very knowledgeable. Iโ€™ve fished freshwater species but this was my first time in saltwater and there are differences I had to make but they coached me through it. Great experience.
Fish Key West - The Coolcast
Fish Key West - The Coolcast
Yes. He explained more than other guides. He worked hard the whole time and kept everyone busy.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Yes. He explained more than other guides. He worked hard the whole time and kept everyone busy.
Too Lethal Charters
Too Lethal Charters
Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
If it's your first time, look for shorter trips on calmer waters. Then you can work your way up towards 4 hour and 8 hour trips! They are all out there and available!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If it's your first time, look for shorter trips on calmer waters. Then you can work your way up towards 4 hour and 8 hour trips! They are all out there and available!
ScreamingLines Center Console โ€“ 27'
ScreamingLines Center Console โ€“ 27'
Absolutely. One of the best fishing spots in the whole world. There's such a diverse ecosystem here. Anglers can fish for any type of fish you could possibly imagine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. One of the best fishing spots in the whole world. There's such a diverse ecosystem here. Anglers can fish for any type of fish you could possibly imagine.
Key West Charter Fishing โ€“ Shallows
Key West Charter Fishing โ€“ Shallows
These were great for anglers with little to moderate experience with Gulf fishing, and theyโ€™d be good for people with more experience. We caught a wide variety of fish and had fun. The 2 captains were a cool twist as both were very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would highly recommend these guys.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
These were great for anglers with little to moderate experience with Gulf fishing, and theyโ€™d be good for people with more experience. We caught a wide variety of fish and had fun. The 2 captains were a cool twist as both were very knowledgeable and very helpful. I would highly recommend these guys.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Trust in your captain and mate, they are truly knowledgeable and intuitive in what they are doing!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Trust in your captain and mate, they are truly knowledgeable and intuitive in what they are doing!!!
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
LOL....I guess it was good. Everyone was catching fish...which puts it in at least the "Good" realm!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
The afternoon charters are nice because you will enjoy the sunset on your ride back to the dock.
Second Nature Charters
Second Nature Charters
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing for some of the other species that we would have liked to catch like Mahi, Sailfish, and Marlin would probably be better in other months. If you are looking to fish for specific species and have the flexibility to schedule your trip and any month, I would recommend just talking with Captain Maryann. She sincerely wants her clients to have great experience, is very easy to talk to and seems very kind and honest!
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Fly directly into Key West unless you like 6 hour drives from Fort Lauderdale in our case.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fly directly into Key West unless you like 6 hour drives from Fort Lauderdale in our case.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West

Fish Species Similar to Bull Shark in Key West