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HOW TO CATCH A BULL SHARK IN THE FLORIDA KEYS: GEAR, BAIT & LEGAL TIPS

Shark fishing gear setup on a Key West charter boat including heavy rods, reels, circle hooks, and bait used to catch bull sharks in the Florida Keys

Here’s the exact gear setup we use to catch bull sharks on our Key West shark fishing charters—from rods to leaders to bait.

Bull sharks are bold, powerful, and one of the most thrilling sharks to catch in the Florida Keys. Found in both inshore and offshore waters, they hit hard, fight dirty, and test every part of your setup—especially your gear.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • The gear you need (line, leaders, hooks, rods, reels)

  • The bait that works best

  • And how to stay legal and compliant with Florida shark fishing rules

Let’s rig up.

🎯 Why Target Bull Sharks?

  • Aggressive eaters—not picky about bait

  • Found in shallow water, bridges, channels, and nearshore wrecks

  • Known for powerful runs, headshakes, and brutal fights

  • Can grow up to 8+ feet and over 300 lbs

They’re one of the most common sharks caught on our Florida Keys shark fishing charters, and they’ll test your tackle from the first second they hit.

🎣 Bull Shark Fishing Gear: What You Need to Handle the Beast

When fishing for bull sharks, the wrong gear isn’t just ineffective—it’s unethical and possibly illegal. Florida law requires shark anglers to use gear that allows for quick hookups, strong control, and safe releases.

✅ Rods

  • Heavy-action spinning or conventional rods

  • 6’6″ to 7’6″ in length

  • Designed for 80+ lb test line

  • Stiff backbone to control large sharks during the fight

Pro Tip: Look for rods labeled “Shark,” “Tuna,” or “Big Game.” We use heavy saltwater setups aboard our charters.

✅ Reels

  • High-capacity, high-drag spinning or conventional reels

  • Minimum: 50–80 lb braid or mono

  • Preferred: 100 lb braid with 200–300 yards of line

Recommended Models:

  • Penn Slammer, Penn Fathom, Shimano Saragosa, Avet SX or HX

  • Lever-drag or star-drag reels with smooth release and braking

✅ Mainline

  • 80–100 lb braid or 60–80 lb mono

  • Braid offers better capacity; mono stretches more

✅ Leader Setup

  • 5–10 ft of 400–600 lb monofilament or steel cable leader

  • Crimped or haywire twist connections

  • Attached via barrel swivel to mainline to reduce twist

Bonus: Mono leaders are more flexible and natural; steel leaders offer maximum protection against big shark teeth. We often use a mono + cable combo.

✅ Hooks (FWC-Compliant)

  • Non-stainless circle hooks required for baited setups

  • Size: 8/0 to 14/0, depending on bait size

Why circle hooks?
They reduce gut-hooking and make release safer for the shark.

✅ Terminal Gear

  • Large snap swivels, heavy-duty crimps, glow beads

  • Balloon rig or float if fishing from shore or bridge

  • Weight: 4–8 oz pyramid or bank sinkers to hold bottom

🧲 Best Bait for Bull Sharks

Bull sharks will eat nearly anything, but they love fresh, bloody bait.

Top producers:

  • Bonito chunks (our #1 choice)

  • Barracuda

  • Mackerel

  • Jack Crevalle

  • Ladyfish

  • Stingray (offshore, when legal)

Presentation Tip: Use large bait chunks or half-sections with the spine in to keep bait on the hook longer.

📍 Where to Find Bull Sharks in the Florida Keys

  • Inshore channels and bridges: Especially around tide changes

  • Wrecks: Nearshore structure always holds sharks

  • Offshore reef edges: Big bulls roam the dropoffs in summer

  • Backcountry basins: Calm water, big surprise sharks

Key West locals’ tip: They show up heavy during tarpon season—bulls love a wounded fish near the surface.

📜 Legal Requirements (FWC Rules to Follow)

Florida has specific regulations for shark fishing:

  • Circle hooks (non-stainless) required for all baited setups

  • Sharks must be released quickly if not legal to harvest

  • No gaffing prohibited species

  • Use dehookers or bolt cutters to safely release hooked sharks

  • Shore-Based Shark Permit required if fishing from land

✅ Charter fishing with us? We’ve got the legal gear, permits, and training ready—so you don’t have to stress.

🛥️ Want to Hook a Bull Shark with the Pros?

At Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing, we run bull shark trips year-round from our dock in Key West. Whether you want a quick 3-hour inshore hunt or a full 8-hour offshore adventure, we’ll put you in the right spot at the right time—with the right gear.

You bring the camera—we’ll bring the heavy tackle.

Before you come aboard: Don’t forget to grab your BiteBackBrand shark gear under Local Legends > Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing—it’s built to handle the heat and the fight.

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