Key West Shark Fishing: Elite Offshore Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Key West
$700 - $1,800 price range

Summary

Get ready for an action-packed shark fishing adventure in Key West! Our expert guides will take you out on the pristine waters, where you'll have the chance to reel in some impressive catches. Choose from our 6-hour trips, starting at 8 AM or 2 PM, or go all-in with our 8-hour journey kicking off at 8 AM. Key West's waters are teeming with diverse marine life, and our seasoned captains know just where to find the best shark hotspots. You'll be right in the thick of it, feeling the rush as you battle these powerful creatures. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, our team will ensure you have an awesome day out on the water. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a perfect outing for friends or family looking to share in the excitement. Don't miss this chance to create lasting memories and maybe even land the catch of a lifetime in the beautiful Florida Keys.

Key West Shark Fishing: Elite Offshore Charters

Shark Fishing Action Shots

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Offshore Fishing the Florida Waters

Prawn Catch Key West FL

key west fishing charters

Shark Fishing Charters in Key West: Reel in the Big One

Ready for some serious shark action in the Florida Keys? Second Nature Charters has you covered with our top-rated shark fishing trips out of Key West. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for an adrenaline rush, our expert guides will put you on the hottest shark spots in these world-class waters. Choose from our 6-hour morning or afternoon charters, or go all-in with our full 8-hour day trip. We're talking monster sharks, bent rods, and stories you'll be telling for years to come.

What to Expect on the Water

Our shark fishing charters kick off bright and early at 8 AM (or 2 PM if you're not an early bird). We'll cruise out of Key West harbor on our fully-rigged charter boat, stocked with all the heavy-duty gear you need to battle big sharks. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll head straight for the prime fishing grounds where the sharks are biting. You'll learn pro techniques for hooking and fighting these powerful predators, from chumming and baiting to the art of the perfect hookset. And trust me, when that reel starts screaming and you're locked in a tug-of-war with a 200-pound shark, you'll be glad you've got our expert crew backing you up.

Shark Fishing 101

Shark fishing isn't your average day on the water – it's a whole different ballgame. We use heavy-duty conventional reels spooled with braided line that can handle the brutal runs these toothy critters are known for. Our go-to setup involves wire leaders (those teeth are no joke) and large circle hooks baited with fresh, bloody fish chunks or whole smaller fish. We'll set up a chum slick to draw the sharks in close, then it's a waiting game. When that rod bends over, be ready for the fight of your life! We practice catch-and-release to keep these awesome predators in the ecosystem, but don't worry – we'll snag plenty of photos so you can prove just how big that shark really was.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about shark fishing in Key West that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the rush of battling a true apex predator, or the crystal-clear waters that let you see these incredible animals up close. Our guests love the laid-back Key West vibe combined with the intense action when a big shark takes the bait. Plus, with a max of 6 people per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and one-on-one attention from our expert guides. Whether you're crossing "catch a shark" off your bucket list or you're a seasoned sharpie looking for your next trophy, our Key West shark charters deliver the goods.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Shortfin Mako Shark: These speed demons are the fastest sharks in the ocean, known to clock in at over 60 mph when chasing prey. Makos are prized for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. While they're more common in slightly cooler months, hooking into one of these metallic blue beauties is a true trophy catch any time of year.

Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these hammerhead relatives put up a scrappy fight on lighter tackle. Bonnetheads cruise the shallows year-round, often hunting for crabs and small fish. Their unique hammer-shaped head makes for some awesome photos, and they're a great target for anglers of all skill levels.

Great Barracuda: While not technically a shark, these toothy torpedoes are a blast to catch and often show up when we're shark fishing. Barracuda are known for their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays when hooked. They're abundant in Key West waters year-round, with the biggest specimens hanging around deep structure and reefs.

Tiger Shark: The striped bad boys of the shark world, tiger sharks are apex predators that'll test your stamina and your tackle. These monsters can grow over 14 feet long and are known to eat just about anything – from sea turtles to license plates! While less common than some other species, hooking into a tiger shark is the highlight of any fishing trip.

Lemon Shark: Named for their yellowish-brown color, lemon sharks are a Key West staple. They're often found in shallower coastal waters and put up a great fight on medium-heavy tackle. Lemon sharks are known for their powerful runs and tendency to circle the boat once hooked, making for an exciting catch-and-release experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're itching for some real fishing action in Key West, our shark charters are where it's at. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the hotspots to put you on fish that'll make your arms sore and your camera roll full. Whether you're a hardcore angler or just looking for a wild day on the water, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Those sharks aren't going to catch themselves. Give us a shout, pick your date, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on the crystal-clear waters of Key West. Trust me, this is one fishing trip you won't forget anytime soon. Book now and let's go shark hunting!

Learn more about the species

Bonnethead Shark

Bonnethead sharks are on the smaller side, usually 3-4 feet long. They're pretty common in the shallows around Key West, especially in summer. Look for them cruising the flats, hanging around sandbars, or in the channels. These guys aren't as aggressive as their bigger cousins, which makes them fun to target for anglers of all levels. They put up a decent fight for their size, and their unique hammer-shaped head is always a cool sight. Best time to catch them is during the warmer months before they head south for winter. Use light to medium tackle with 20 lb test line and a wire leader. Fresh cut blue crab is your best bet for bait - they can't resist it. Here's a local trick: cut the crab in half and thread your hook through one of the leg joints. It'll stay on better and look more natural in the water. Remember, these sharks are catch-and-release only in Florida waters.

Great Barracuda

Great Barracudas are the speedsters of the Keys, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. They're long and sleek, usually 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet. You'll spot them around reefs, wrecks, and sometimes in the shallows. They're ambush predators, so look for them hanging motionless near structure. Barracudas are a blast to catch - they hit hard and make blistering runs. Plus, those teeth make for an impressive photo op. They're active year-round, but fishing heats up in summer. Use heavy spinning gear or light trolling setup. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but they'll also chase flashy lures. Here's a tip: when you see one following your bait, speed up your retrieve. That sudden burst often triggers a strike. Watch those teeth when landing them - I always use a net and heavy gloves. While they're edible, most folks here practice catch and release due to potential ciguatera concerns.

Lemon Shark

Lemon sharks are a common sight in the Keys, usually 8-10 feet long with that distinctive yellow-brown color. They like hanging around shallow coastal waters, especially near mangroves and seagrass beds. Spring and early summer are prime times to target them, as they move into the shallows to pup. Lemons are popular with our guests because they're big enough to put up a good fight, but not as intimidating as some other shark species. They're also pretty cooperative - once you find a spot, you can often catch multiple sharks. Use medium to heavy tackle with 50-80 lb test line. Fresh cut bait like mullet or ladyfish works well. Here's a local secret: lemons have a great sense of smell, so a chum slick can really get them fired up. When you're fighting one, keep steady pressure - they like to make short, powerful runs. Remember, it's all catch and release, so handle them gently and get them back in the water quickly.

Shortfin Mako Shark

The Shortfin Mako is one of the fastest sharks out there, clocking speeds up to 35 mph. These powerful swimmers usually grow 6-8 feet long but can reach 13 feet. You'll find them in open waters off Key West, especially in summer when they follow the warm currents. Makos are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting nature, making them a favorite for sport fishing. They're aggressive feeders, so chumming with ground mackerel or tuna works well to attract them. When you hook one, be prepared for a real battle - they're known to leap clear out of the water and even jump into boats. Use heavy tackle, at least 50 lb class, with wire leaders. My top tip: keep a close eye on your line near the boat. Makos often circle underneath and can snap it if you're not careful. It's an adrenaline rush, but always prioritize safety when dealing with these ocean speedsters.

Tiger Shark

Tiger sharks are the heavyweights of our waters, often hitting 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds. You'll find them cruising the deeper waters off Key West, but they'll come in shallower to feed. These guys are most active in the warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream. Tigers are prized catches due to their size and power - hooking one is like trying to stop a submarine. They're not picky eaters, which makes them easier to target than some sharks. Live bait is king - mackerel, bluefish, or bonito work well. Use the heaviest tackle you've got - 100 lb test minimum with 10/0 hooks or bigger. Chumming helps bring them in, but be patient. My local tip: once you've got one on the line, be ready for a long fight. These sharks have serious stamina and can go for hours. It's all catch-and-release, so have your camera ready for a quick photo before sending them back.

About the 37’ Torres

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 12

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 580

Ready for some serious shark action in Key West? Our private charters are the real deal for anglers looking to tangle with some toothy predators. We'll take you straight to the hotspots where sharks love to hang out, giving you the best shot at hooking into some impressive catches. Choose from a 6-hour trip in the morning or afternoon, or go all-in with our 8-hour full-day adventure. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you right on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to shark fishing, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need. Get ready for some heart-pounding action as you battle it out with some of the ocean's most formidable creatures. Just imagine the stories you'll have to tell after reeling in a monster shark in the crystal-clear waters off Key West. Don't miss out on this chance to test your skills against some of nature's most impressive predators.

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