Shark Fishing Guide
Shark trips are some of the most exciting PCB Florida charters you can book. Here's what you can catch and how the trips work.
There's nothing quite like hooking a shark. The waters off Panama City Beach hold blacktips, bull sharks, spinners, sharpnose and hammerheads, and many charter captains run trips just for them. The fights are long and strong, and the photos last a lifetime.
Most shark trips are catch and release. Many species are protected, and the captain and mate handle the fish so it goes back in the water healthy. You get the fight and the picture, and the shark swims away.
What a shark trip includes
- Heavy tackle built for big fish
- Fresh bait and chum to draw sharks in
- A crew experienced in handling sharks safely
- Photos with your shark before release
- Catch-and-release handling that protects the fish
- Rules on which species can be kept, if any
- Early-morning departures on many trips
- Room for groups on larger boats
How a shark trip works
Set up a chum slick
The boat anchors or drifts and puts out chum to bring sharks to the area.
Put out baits
Big baits go out at different depths and distances from the boat.
Fight the fish
When a rod goes off, you take the rod and the crew coaches you through the fight.
Photo and release
The crew brings the shark alongside for a quick photo, then releases it.
Best time for sharks
Shark fishing is best in the warm months, from late spring through early fall, when the water heats up and big sharks move close to the beach and into the nearshore Gulf.
Summer is peak season, and early-morning trips often have the best action before the heat of the day.
Questions to ask your charter captain
- Is this trip catch and release?
- What species do you usually catch this time of year?
- How many people can fish at once?
- Can we take photos with the shark?
Common questions
Is shark fishing safe?
Yes, with an experienced crew. The captain and mate handle the shark, and passengers stay clear of the business end. Follow the crew's directions and you'll be fine.
Can I keep a shark?
Sometimes, but many species are protected and most charters release every shark. Your captain will explain the rules for the species you catch.
What's the biggest shark I could catch?
Bull sharks and hammerheads can be very large. Blacktips and spinners are smaller but jump and fight hard.
Is shark fishing good for kids?
Older kids love it. Fights can be long, so the crew often lets people take turns on the rod.
Know a charter captain doing great work?
We're always looking for local fishing charters to celebrate. Captains can reach out to be featured, too.