Key West Bull Shark Fishing Charters

Key West Bull Shark Fishing Charters

Best Bull Shark Fishing Charters in Key West

Key West: 40 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(113 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(26 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $699
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(15 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $1,000
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(8 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(19 reviews)
Key West
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Stock Island
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500

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 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Bull Shark Fishing in 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
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We weee here for a quick weekend with friends, so not really the better time of year for tarpon. Would probably try later in June or July if tarpon are what youโ€™re looking for.
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Absolutely. Wonderful trip with amazing crew. Canโ€™t say thanks enoughโ€ฆ
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Find a captain that matches your personality. Donโ€™t go chasing the big catch. Just enjoy the trip.
Jolly Roger II
Jolly Roger II
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a full day trip. Give the captain ample time to take you to mutuple spots and show you various fishing techniques for the various species available in this area. You won't be disappointed. Lastly be sure to have one of the local restaurants cook part of your catch. There is nothing better than freshly caught fish and these restaurants do a wonderful job preparing it.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fishing in early March meant a beautiful sunny day with temps around 80 degrees. However, the seas were rougher than we expected, and a couple in our group got seasick.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This is great trip - especially for first timers. Saw a lot of experienced fishermen back for another great trip. Captain and crew are very helpful to make sure even non-fisherman caught fish and had a good time.
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Do the 6hr rather than just a 4hr this gives you time to make moves if youโ€™re not catching
Reel Easy Charters
Reel Easy Charters
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not sure what to recommend since this was my first time. Maybe motion sickness medicine.
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Capt. Conch Charters - Stella Blue
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t go if youโ€™re above average afraid of getting sea sick. If you get sick, the whole boat kind of suffers.
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
Gulfstream IV Party Fishing Boat
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were in Key West for the last week in February. We had super sunny days all under 80 degrees and about 30-40 percent humidity. We had light jackets and went barefoot on the boat. The captain provided all equipment and was busy baiting our lines and going back and forth to the live-well constantly. Best experience ever.
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
Good Times Key West โ€“ 19'
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It can get really windy and a bit chilly this time of year. If the forecast is windy and under 70 degrees, highly recommend dressing in layers and prepare for a bit of a rougher ride on the water.
Easy Does It
Easy Does It
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Have fun whilst enjoying the splendid scenery! Captain Scott was very professional and an experienced captain. Once we got to our spot he put us on some beautiful fish. We even got to have some fun catching the apex predators of the limitless gulf. 4 hours felt like 30 minutes the amount of fun we had! Thank you Captain Scott for making it a great experience for a first time fisher!
Too Lethal Charters
Too Lethal Charters
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather changes are not controlled be any person so check weather before you go out. Mother nature plays a big part in how well your day goes.
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Boa Vida Charters โ€“ Jazmine
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book Corsair 2. These guys have the local knowledge needed to succeed out here.
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Captain Cory & Crew on the Cora Beth. They will explain everything there is to know about boat safety & reef fishing. They will also help everyone on the boat with setting up lines and making sure everyone is catching fish!
Cora Beth Fishing
Cora Beth Fishing

Fish Species Similar to Bull Shark in Key West