BEST TIME TO GO SHARK FISHING IN THE FLORIDA KEYS
No matter the month, there’s always something biting—shark fishing in Key West is a year-round adventure.
Month-by-Month Breakdown for Bull Sharks, Blacktips, and More
Whether you’re planning your dream shark trip or just wondering what’s biting when, timing is everything when it comes to shark fishing in the Florida Keys.
With warm water year-round and plenty of species to target, you can catch sharks any month—but some times are better than others.
In this guide, we break down the best time to shark fish in Florida by:
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Species (bull, lemon, blacktip, nurse, hammerhead)
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Season
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Water temp and migration
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Trip style (shore, reef, charter)
🦈 This post is part of our Shark Fishing Florida Keys Series—your go-to resource for ethical, exciting, and expert-guided shark trips.
🗓️ Best Shark Fishing by Season
🐟 Winter (December – February)
What’s Biting:
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Blacktip Sharks
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Nurse Sharks
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Atlantic Sharpnose
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Lemon Sharks (inshore)
Why it’s good:
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Cooler water brings sharks into shallower inshore channels
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Low winds = easier fishing from shore and nearshore reefs
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Blacktip migration peaks off the south coast of Florida
Best Trip Type:
✅ Inshore or reef trips
✅ Great time for light-tackle shark fishing
🌸 Spring (March – May)
What’s Biting:
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Bull Sharks
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Blacktips
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Lemon Sharks
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Hammerheads (offshore)
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Spinner Sharks
Why it’s hot:
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Warming water brings in big bulls and migrating blacktips
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Hammerheads begin moving across reef lines and drop-offs
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Tarpon migration also kicks off, drawing in hungry sharks
Best Trip Type:
✅ Inshore & nearshore for bulls
✅ Offshore trips for hammerheads
✅ Great season for shark/sport fishing combos
☀️ Summer (June – August)
What’s Biting:
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Bull Sharks
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Lemon Sharks
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Blacktips
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Hammerheads
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Bonnethead & Nurse Sharks
Why summer rocks:
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Warmest water = most aggressive feeding
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Longer days = more trip time
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Sharks hunt bait balls, jacks, tarpon—nonstop action
Best Trip Type:
✅ Full-day offshore or wreck trips
✅ Deep reef edges for monsters
✅ Family-friendly inshore trips for high volume
🍂 Fall (September – November)
What’s Biting:
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Bull Sharks
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Lemon Sharks
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Blacktip Sharks
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Nurse Sharks
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Spinner & sharpnose sharks
Why fall’s underrated:
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Fewer tourists = less pressure
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Water stays warm into November
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Bull sharks are still around, especially near wrecks and bridges
Best Trip Type:
✅ Half-day inshore/reef trips
✅ Shark fishing + sunset trip option
📌 Month-by-Month Snapshot
| Month | Best Sharks to Target |
|---|---|
| January | Blacktip, lemon, nurse |
| February | Blacktip, nurse, sharpnose |
| March | Bull, lemon, hammerhead, spinner |
| April | Bull, blacktip, hammerhead |
| May | Blacktip, bull, lemon, nurse |
| June | Bull, lemon, blacktip, hammerhead |
| July | Bull, hammerhead, bonnethead, nurse |
| August | Bull, lemon, blacktip, nurse |
| September | Bull, lemon, sharpnose |
| October | Bull, lemon, blacktip, nurse |
| November | Blacktip, lemon, spinner |
| December | Blacktip, lemon, nurse |
🔥 Best Time to Fish by Style
| Trip Type | Best Months |
|---|---|
| Shore-Based Fishing | Jan–Apr, Sept–Dec |
| Inshore Charter | Year-round (best in Spring/Summer) |
| Reef/Wreck Fishing | Mar–July |
| Offshore Shark Hunts | Apr–Aug (Hammerhead peak) |
🛥️ Let’s Match the Trip to the Season
At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we offer:
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Inshore shark trips for first-timers and families
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Reef and wreck charters for variety
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Offshore shark hunts for hammerheads and giants
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Plus combo trips (sharks + sandbar or reef fishing)
We tailor the trip based on season, species, and your crew’s experience level.
🎯 Want to target sharks during peak season? Book early—spring and summer fill fast.
🧢 And don’t forget to grab your gear from BiteBackBrand, under Local Legends > Cowboy for sun shirts made for big fights.