Shark Fishing

Shark Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida

Call or Text: (786) 508-2483

Marathon Shark Fishing

The Florida Keys and all of South Florida are home to some of the most exciting shark fishing opportunities in the world. Fishing for sharks is a year-round adventure that attracts anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith puts you on these apex predators in shallow water where you can watch the action unfold. If you want to hook into a fish that “bites back,” sharks are the ultimate target!

Shark Fishing Charter Options & Pricing

Shark Fishing Marathon FL

Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Perfect for families or first-time shark anglers wanting fast-paced action. We’ll catch bait with artificial lures, then set up the chum slick and get you hooked up with multiple sharks.

3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for serious shark fishing. Enough time to catch plenty of bait, work multiple locations, and maximize your shots at different shark species. Also available as our famous Shark & Supper combo trip.

Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Extended time for the ultimate shark fishing experience. Target multiple shark species, then switch gears to catch edible fish like snapper, grouper, and trout to take home for dinner. Perfect for groups wanting variety.

All charters accommodate up to 6 anglers.

For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →

Florida Keys Shark Fishing: Year-Round Action

Shark Fishing FL Keys

Peak Season (Spring through Fall)
Warmer water brings the most aggressive feeding behavior and highest shark concentrations. Expect to see dozens of sharks circling the boat within minutes of starting the chum slick.

Year-Round Opportunities
Unlike many species, sharks are active all year in the Florida Keys. Even during cooler months, we consistently find blacktip, lemon, bonnethead, and bull sharks cruising the shallow flats. That’s why shark fishing makes a perfect target any time of year.

Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Shark Fishing

Florida Keys Shark Fishing

Proven Shallow Water Techniques
We specialize in chumming sharks up in shallow water, often just 3 feet deep. This visual fishing experience lets you see the sharks approach, pick your target, and watch the entire fight unfold. Within minutes of starting the chum slick, the first sharks begin to appear. In less than half an hour, it’s not uncommon to see dozens of sharks ranging from 4 to 10 feet long circling the boat.

Accessibility for All Skill Levels
Shark fishing is perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re casting a spinning rod or looking for the ultimate challenge on a fly rod, we teach you the techniques that work. You get to pick your shark and make the cast. These toothy predators deliver long drag-screaming runs, violent headshakes, and occasional leaps out of the water.

Multi-Species Action
Most trips begin by catching barracuda or jacks using artificial lures. These hard-fighting fish are exciting on light tackle and also serve as perfect fresh bait for sharks. It’s pure adrenaline and a great way to hone your fish-fighting skills before we even start targeting sharks.

What Makes Florida Keys Shark Fishing Special

Shark Fishing The Flats

Here in the Middle Keys, we encounter a variety of shark species year-round:

Blacktip Sharks
Known for acrobatic jumps and fast runs. These are the high-flyers of the shark world, often launching completely out of the water during the fight.

Lemon Sharks
Powerful fighters with incredible endurance. These sharks test your strength and stamina with long, sustained runs that will have your arms burning.

Hammerhead Sharks
One of the ocean’s most iconic predators. Seeing that distinctive head shape cruising toward your bait is an unforgettable sight.

Bonnethead Sharks
A smaller cousin of the hammerhead, perfect for light tackle. Great for kids and beginners wanting to experience shark fishing without the extreme power of larger species.

Bull Sharks
Strong, aggressive, and ready to test your strength. These are the bruisers that make even experienced anglers work for every inch of line.

Conservation Note: All sharks are catch and release. We’ll help you get great photos before releasing your catch to fight another day and protect this incredible fishery for future generations.

Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect

Our Shark Fishing Fleet

Marathon Shark Fishing Charter

23′ Center Console
Perfect for shark fishing with room for up to 6 anglers. Stable platform for fighting big fish, with plenty of deck space for everyone to watch the action. Equipped with all necessary safety gear and chumming equipment.

18′ Flats Skiff
Ideal for shallow water sight-fishing for sharks. Gets into skinny water where sharks patrol the flats. Perfect for smaller groups (1-2 anglers) wanting an intimate experience.

Gear We Use

Spinning Tackle Setup:

Medium-heavy spinning rods with 30-50 lb braided line
Wire leaders (mandatory for those razor-sharp teeth)
Circle hooks for better hook-ups and easier release
Fresh cut bait and whole fish for maximum attraction

Fly Fishing Setup:

10-12 weight fly rods for shark fishing
Heavy shock tippet and wire bite guard
Large baitfish and crab patterns

Chumming Equipment:

Professional-grade chum dispenser
Fresh fish parts and blood for maximum scent trail
Years of experience knowing exactly where to set up

Departure Point

Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050

Get Directions on Google Maps →

Convenient free parking. Fuel, ice, and tackle shop on-site. Restaurant available for post-trip meals where you can enjoy waterfront views and celebrate your catches.

Shark Fishing FAQ

Shark Fishing Charter Marathon

Is shark fishing catch and release?
Yes, absolutely. All sharks are released to protect these important apex predators. The fight is the reward with these incredible fish. We’ll help you get great photos and videos before releasing your catch.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. We provide all fishing equipment, licenses, bait, tackle, and ice. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.

Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter. You’re legal to fish from the moment you step on the boat.

Do I need experience to fish for sharks?
Not at all! Shark fishing is perfect for all ages and experience levels. We teach you everything: how to handle the rod, proper fighting techniques, and safe release procedures. Kids especially love the visual excitement of seeing sharks circle the boat.

What’s the best time of day for shark fishing?
Sharks feed throughout the day, but we often have best success during incoming or high tides when sharks move onto the flats to hunt. We customize departure times based on tide schedules for optimal conditions.

How big are the sharks we’ll catch?
Most sharks range from 4 to 10 feet long. Smaller bonnetheads might be 2-3 feet, while bull sharks and hammerheads can exceed 8-10 feet. We regularly see dozens of sharks once the chum slick is established.

Can we catch other species on a shark trip?
Absolutely! Most trips start by catching barracuda or jacks with artificial lures for bait. Our 6-8 hour Shark & Supper combo trips let you target sharks first, then switch to catching edible species like snapper, grouper, and trout to take home for dinner.

The Shark & Supper Combo Trip Experience

Shark and Supper Charter

For anglers who want the best of both worlds, our 6-8 hour Shark & Supper Combination Trip delivers non-stop action from start to finish.

First: The Thrill
We target sharks for pure adrenaline and the fight of a lifetime. Watch dozens of sharks circle the boat in crystal-clear shallow water. Pick your target and experience drag-screaming runs and explosive power. All sharks are catch and release, so you can fight as many as time allows.

Then: The Dinner
After you’ve had your fill of shark action, we switch gears to target edible species you can take home. Depending on the season, these may include snapper, grouper, trout, and other local favorites. You’ll return home with incredible memories and a fresh seafood dinner.

This is our most popular full-day option because it combines the excitement of shark fishing with the satisfaction of bringing home quality fish for your table.

See the Action: Shark Fishing Video Gallery

Watch More Epic Catches →

Book Your Marathon Shark Fishing Trip Today!

Marathon Shark Fishing Videos Year-round shark action in shallow water where you can watch the entire fight unfold. Perfect for all ages and experience levels. From blacktip to hammerhead, Florida Keys shark fishing delivers memories that last forever.