CAN YOU FISH FOR SHARKS IN FLORIDA? YES, BUT HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Key West Shark Hunters – Reel ’em in, then let ’em swim. Catch and release shark fishing with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing in the Florida Keys.

If you’re heading to Florida—or specifically the Florida Keys—with hopes of battling a shark, you’re not alone. Shark fishing is one of the most thrilling experiences in saltwater angling. But before you drop bait in the water, there’s one question every angler should ask:
Can you fish for sharks in Florida?

✅ The short answer is yes.
🚫 The long answer is—it’s legal, but highly regulated.

Whether you’re fishing from a charter,Shark Adventures a pier, or from shore, Florida has some of the strictest shark fishing regulations in the country. Here’s what you need to know to fish legally, ethically, and successfully.

🦈 Is Shark Fishing Legal in Florida?

Yes—but with rules.

Sharks are a protected resource in Florida. The state, along with federal agencies, enforces regulations to prevent overfishing and ensure the safety of both sharks and anglers.

You can legally fish for sharks in Florida, but you must:

• Follow species-specific regulations (size, harvest status)

• Use approved gear

• Have a Shore-Based Shark Fishing Permit (if fishing from land or pier)

• Understand which sharks are prohibited from harvest

📄 Do You Need a Permit to Fish for Sharks?

✅ If fishing from shore or bridge:
Yes—you need to complete the Shore-Based Shark Fishing Course offered by FWC and carry the permit with you.

✅ If fishing from a charter boat:
Typically no, the captain holds the license. However, it’s your responsibility to follow legal practices—especially regarding protected shark species.

Bonus: When you fish with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we follow all FWC and NOAA guidelines, and we’ll teach you as you fish.

🚫 What Sharks Are Illegal to Catch in Florida?

Some species are completely prohibited from harvest. You can catch them, but you must release them immediately and safely.

Here are a few examples from Florida’s Prohibited Shark Species List:

🔗 Full list available at: FWC Shark Regulations

📏 What Sharks Can You Keep?

Sharks not on the prohibited list can generally be harvested if they meet minimum size limits and are caught with legal gear.

Examples of commonly harvested legal species include:

• Blacktip Shark (minimum 54” fork length)

• Atlantic Sharpnose

• Bonnethead

• Spinner Shark

Note: Even legal sharks must be landed whole and cannot be filleted at sea.

🧰 Required Gear for Shark Fishing (FWC-Compliant)

When fishing for sharks—especially from land or bridge—you must use:

• Non-stainless circle hooks (for baited hooks)

• Steel or heavy monofilament leader

• Line capable of quickly landing the shark

• Dehooking tools & cutting tools

• Minimum 80 lb test line recommended

If you’re fishing from one of our shark fishing charters in Key West, we supply all the FWC-compliant gear.

🌊 Can You Fish for Sharks in the Florida Keys?

Absolutely—and Key West is one of the best spots for it.

Here, we target species like:

• Bull Sharks

• Lemon Sharks

• Blacktip Sharks

• Nurse Sharks

• Hammerheads (catch & release)

We offer both inshore shark trips for families and first-timers, and offshore shark adventures for more experienced anglers.

⚠️ Pro Tip: Know Before You Go

Many Florida beaches and piers now restrict shark fishing. Be sure to check local ordinances—even if the state says it’s allowed, the city may not.

That’s why fishing with a licensed charter is the safest bet.
We’ll handle the legal side—so you can focus on the fight.

🎯 Book a Legal, Thrilling Shark Fishing Trip in Key West

At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we:

• Follow all Florida and federal shark fishing regulations

• Use legal gear and species-specific best practices

• Educate guests about conservation and ethical release

• Target bull, blacktip, lemon, and nurse sharks

Whether you’re new to shark fishing or looking to land a monster, we’ve got the crew, the gear, and the know-how to make it happen.

Before you hit the water:
Visit BiteBackBrand and under Local Legends, head to Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing to gear up with performance fishing apparel made for real charter life.