Key West Shark Fishing Charters – Inshore, Reef & Offshore Trips

Your trip starts with a safety briefing at the dock. We run heavy conventional tackle built for shark fishing—stout rods, big reels, braided line, and steel leaders—and your captain and mate handle all rigging and baiting. No experience or gear needed.

When a shark takes the bait, the rod loads up and the fight is on—anywhere from five minutes to half an hour depending on size. Once the shark is alongside, the crew secures it in the water for photos while you stay safely aboard, then removes the hook and releases it. "Reel 'em in, then let 'em swim" is how we operate: circle hooks, short fight times, and sharks kept in the water whenever practical. We use catch-and-release practices intended to give each shark the best chance after release.

Our family has fished Key West waters since 1965. Three generations later, that local knowledge of tides, currents, and water temperatures shapes how our captains plan each shark trip.

Today every dedicated shark trip is catch-and-release. Our owner, Mark "Sharky," also runs boats in the Spanish Fly Shark Tournament.

Shark fishing here is year-round—Florida Keys water rarely drops below 70 degrees. Spring and summer (March–August) is peak season: blacktips move into the shallows, bull sharks work the reef, and hammerheads patrol the deeper edges. Fall and winter fronts push bait close to shore for some of the best inshore action of the year, with tiger sharks and makos possible in deeper water.

For a month-by-month breakdown, see our seasonal shark fishing guide.

Families and first-timers: there is no minimum age, and inshore trips fish calm backcountry water while the crew handles baiting and releasing. Thrill-seekers: nothing on the island compares to a bull shark pulling drag or a hammerhead running 200 yards of line.

Experienced anglers: tell us what you hope to target, and the captain plans the trip around conditions. No species is guaranteed. Groups and celebrations: we coordinate multi-boat charters so everyone fishes together. Call (305) 304-2946 for group options.

All our shark fishing charters are private trips priced per boat, not per person. Inshore, reef, and offshore shark fishing prices are shown on the trip cards above. A fuel surcharge is added on top of each listed price: $50 for inshore, $100 for reef, and $150 for deep water (offshore) trips.

For a complete breakdown of what drives charter costs—including trip length, boat selection, and seasonal factors—see our guide to Key West fishing charter prices.

Prefer a different kind of fishing experience? We also run offshore fishing charters in Key West targeting mahi, tuna, sailfish, and other pelagic species.

Most charter companies in Key West started in the last decade. We have been at it since the 1960s—same family, same docks, same obsession with putting anglers on fish. That continuity translates into something you can feel on the water: our captains don't guess where sharks hold. They know, because they have been tracking patterns across thousands of trips and every season imaginable.

Shark fishing is not tied to one specific boat in our fleet. All six of our vessels are equipped for shark trips, and the captain selects the best boat based on conditions, group size, and the type of trip you want. This flexibility is something most operations cannot offer. Whether seas are calm enough for a center console run to the reef or you need the comfort of a sportfisher for an offshore trip, we have the right boat ready.

Our crews know what sharks eat in different seasons, how tide changes affect their behavior, and which wrecks and ledges produce the most consistent action. They also prioritize safety above all else—every captain is USCG licensed, every boat carries required safety equipment, and every decision factors in conditions and passenger comfort.

Healthy shark populations keep the entire reef ecosystem in balance. That is why we release every shark we catch—using circle hooks, controlled fight times, and in-water handling that lets the animal recover quickly. You get the fight, the photos, and the story. The shark swims away strong.

If you're looking for budget options, shared fishing charters in Key West let you split the cost with other anglers on a half-day trip. But for dedicated shark fishing, private charters give you the flexibility and focused attention the experience deserves.