SHARK FISHING FROM SHORE VS. CHARTER: WHAT’S BETTER IN THE FLORIDA KEYS?

Onshore or offshore—both shark fishing styles have their place in the Florida Keys. This blog breaks down the pros and cons of each.

choose to fish can completely shape the experience.

Some anglers love the DIY feel of surf casting from shore. Others want the power, precision, and access of a charter boat. So which is better?

In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and key differences between shore-based shark fishing and going out with a shark fishing charter in Key West.

🦈 This post is part of our Shark Fishing Florida Keys Series—your go-to resource for legal, ethical, adrenaline-packed shark trips in the Keys.

🌴 Shark Fishing from Shore in the Florida Keys

✅ Pros:

• Free or very low cost

• Accessible—no need to book a trip or travel offshore

• Great for locals or extended-stay visitors

• Some solid fishing spots on bridges and public beaches

⚠️ Cons:

• Highly regulated (and getting more restricted)

• You must complete the FWC Shore-Based Shark Fishing Course

• Many species are prohibited from being harvested from shore (including lemon sharks)

• Limited reach—can’t chase big bulls, hammerheads, or offshore feeders

• You carry all your gear, manage your own releases, and may lack safety support

🧠 Legal Requirements (FWC):

• Shore-Based Shark Permit (must pass FWC course online)

• Non-stainless circle hooks only

• No fishing for sharks from beaches with swimmers

• No gaffing or dragging sharks onto land for photos

• Must release protected species immediately and safely

TL;DR: Shore fishing can be fun, but it’s tricky to do legally and safely—and you’re limited by what you can target.

🛥️ Shark Fishing from a Charter Boat in Key West

✅ Pros:

• Expert captain and crew with decades of shark experience

• Access to prime inshore and offshore spots loaded with bulls, blacktips, lemons, hammerheads

• All FWC-compliant gear provided: rods, reels, leaders, hooks, bait

• Big boats = better for families, first-timers, or hardcore shark hunters

• Safe, clean, fast release of all sharks (especially protected species)

• Educational, exciting, and camera-ready moments

🚫 Cons:

• Higher cost than DIY

• Needs to be booked in advance

• Still subject to all FWC shark laws (but we handle that for you)

🎣 What You Can Expect to Catch

Charters expand your shark target list dramatically. You can chase pelagics, reach offshore wrecks, and handle monsters that shore gear just can’t manage.

🧭 Which One Is Right for You?

🛟 The Best of Both Worlds?

Some locals mix it up—shore fish when the tides are right, then go charter to chase the monsters.
But if you’ve only got one shot at it, we’ll say it straight: Go with a shark fishing charter in Key West.

You’ll get:

• A fully legal, dialed-in setup

• Gear that can handle anything

• A crew that’s done it a thousand times

• And the shot at the biggest sharks in the Florida Keys

Book with Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing and join the hunt as a Key West Shark Hunter.
We offer inshore, reef, and offshore shark adventures targeting bull sharks, blacktips, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and more.

Before you hit the water:
Grab your gear at BiteBackBrand under Local Legends > Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing—where real shark hunters shop.