Shark fishing in Destin, Florida waters has become a big draw for visitors to the area. Though sharks have been around for millions of years, predating dinosaurs and humans, many of us dread the thought of shark encounters at the beach. The reality is that sharks in the Gulf of Mexico are very much part of the natural experience as sharks live and hunt just off the coast of Destin, Florida.
From a fisherman’s perspective shark fishing Destin waters is life changing. There is plenty of big fish off Destin, but few strike fear or elate awe as much as the sharks do. When you book a shark fishing charter you:
- Become the predator – the reversal of roles is an adrenalin rush.
- Experience the thrill of taking on big, aggressive fish in a safe environment.
- Gain the experience of a qualified captain and crew whose job it is to bring the sharks to you.
Shark Fishing Charters – Safely, experience the Thrill of Shark Fishing Destin Waters
Booking a shark fishing charter is one of the most thrilling experiences available for adventure seekers. Within the safety net of an experienced captain and crew members, guided shark fishing trips are the best way to experience the strength, size, and beauty of sharks in a one-on-one encounter. Once you feel the strength of the bite, the battle has just begun. Winning the tug-of-war match between man and shark is determined by knowledge and wit. Though sharks are unpredictable creatures, the help of an experienced charter crew is essential for the best chances of reeling in a massive trophy shark.
A 329-pound Bull Shark took home the top prize at the Destin Fl fishing rodeo in 2021. Shark fishing Destin waters is already amazing, and 329 pounds of bull shark is just one example of the thrills. There are plenty of sharks out there that are larger.
Sharks Species and Shark Fishing Opportunities
The Gulf of Mexico is home to many species of sharks. That fact means that there are plenty of variances between size, speed, and capabilities among the sharks that call the gulf home. It is important to understand the laws and regulations for shark fishing in the gulf, as they are different for each species that you may encounter. This is another great reason to book a shark fishing charter out of Destin, Florida. Whether you’re interested in catch and release or catch and keep, the Finest Kind charter boat can help you to distinguish the keepers from the untouchables while hosting your unique charter experience for shark fishing adventures.
What’s your top shark? Remember the movie JAWS? There are great white sharks in the Gulf and many other species too. If you are lucky, you may encounter a Great Hammerhead Shark which can reach 20 feet in length. That is the stuff of legends when it comes to shark fishing Destin FL. To put this into perspective, a 20-foot Great White Shark can weigh 4,000 pounds. A 14-foot Great Hammerhead shark will weigh around 1,300 pounds. Remember that 329-pound bull shark record – There are plenty of sharks off Destin that will smash that record.
There is truly nothing more exciting in the world of fishing than hooking a shark!
Destin, FL is a Shark Fishing Paradise
Shark caught of Destin, Florida coast with Capt Jason Michael & daughter
There are many types of sharks in Destin, but those most commonly caught on the Emerald Coast include Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, Blacktips, and Sand sharks. It is also possible to hook Shortfin Makos or Tiger sharks in deeper waters, particularly if you’re working with an experienced charter deep sea fishing crew who understand sharking Destin waters.
We intend to make your charter fishing experience both exciting and educational. Though you will be in great hands and learn from the Finest Kind charter crew, while on board, we encourage you and your shark charter fishing guests to learn more about the species that you will be hunting. Not only are shark facts interesting, but you’ll get to know your opponent and his characteristics well enough to say “Shark On” by the tug of your line!
Bull Sharks
Bull Sharks are very plentiful but also dangerous. The Bull Shark is among the top three species involved in human attacks, and it can be very menacing. This shark is a very territorial fish that prefers to stay close to shore and can even survive in fresh water. Chumming and drift fishing are great ways to hook Bull Sharks.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead Sharks are well known for their distinctive and unusual head shapes, and they’re one of our favorites. These sharks prefer to swim in schools by day but act as lone hunters at night. These sharks are listed as catch-and-release-only fish and are best sought out as part of a chartered deep-sea fishing excursion.
Spinner Shark
Spinner sharks are similar to Blacktip sharks, but they grow longer and heavier. One difference is that the marking that gives the Blacktip shark its name is missing from the Spinner Shark – the black tipped anal fin. You can catch Spinner sharks in January, February, and March near shore as they feed on fish just over the breaker line. The rest of the year, you find them in deeper water. They max out around 8 feet in length.
Blacktip Sharks
Blacktip Sharks do not grow as heavy as some other sharks, but they can still put up a terrific fight which makes them a prime target for deep-sea fishing adventurers. Blacktips are eating machines that love any kind of bait! They’re popular for their unique flavor and are common on many restaurant menus here in Destin.
Sand Sharks
Sand Sharks, named for their preference to stay near the shoreline, are mean-looking fish. They swim with their mouths open, displaying three rows of sharp pointy teeth. Sand sharks are the only known species of shark that will rise to the surface to gulp air which can give the kids quite a scare! They store the air in their stomachs so they can maintain buoyancy to hunt prey while remaining nearly motionless. These sharks are catch-and-release only.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
Perhaps the most often caught shark around Florida, the Sharpnose shark is not heavily regulated for size or fishing season. You can fish them from shore with larger baitfish or in deeper water. These sharks remain fairly small growing to around 32 inches long.
Tiger Sharks
Tiger Sharks are easily recognized by their unique pattern. Spotted as juveniles, these marks combine to form stripes as the shark matures which gives them a tiger-like appearance. This shark is one of the largest caught by Florida fishermen and their strength and size make them a formidable foe.
Mako Sharks
Mako Sharks are known among anglers as one of the most exciting sharks to catch. They’re always popular among bachelor parties and guy groups! These sharks are known for jumping up to 20 feet out of the water at amazing speeds, and they’re the fastest swimming shark in the ocean.
Common Thresher Shark
Thresher sharks have a dramatic tail which they use to stun fish. These monsters can grow to 18 feet in length and feed on small baitfish. The best season to target Thresher Shark is the fall.
There are many large sharks in the Gulf of Mexico that do not feed on fish. The Whale Shark and Basking Shark can be massive and both feed on plankton or shrimp.
Brace Yourself for Battle!
Shark Fishing in Destin, Florida, is a thrilling experience you’ll surely never forget! Come to the heart of the Emerald Coast and make memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to talk about your options for shark fishing in Destin’s waters.