Florida Fish Species

Shark Fishing Seasons in Florida – Best Times to Catch Trophy Sharks

When to Target Blacktip, Bull, Hammerhead, and Tiger Sharks

Shark fishing in Florida’s Panhandle is a year-round adventure, but certain species become more active depending on the season. At Drop Zone Fishing Charters, we specialize in land-based shark fishing in Destin, Navarre, and Panama City Beach, where seasonal migrations bring Blacktip Shark, Bull Shark, Hammerhead Shark, and Tiger Shark closer to shore. Spring and fall are peak times for Blacktip Sharks, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. As water temperatures rise in summer, Bull Sharks, Hammerheads, and Lemon Sharks become more active, while fall months offer some of the best chances to land a trophy Tiger Shark.

Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter Shark Fishing in Florida

• Spring (March – May): The arrival of Blacktip Sharks and Bonnethead Sharks kicks off the season, as they migrate along the coast. Mako Sharks also start making appearances offshore.
• Summer (June – August): Warmer waters bring in Bull Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and Nurse Sharks in higher numbers. This is also the best time to target Tiger Sharks, which prefer deeper surf zones.
• Fall (September – November): Blacktip Sharks return, and Thresher Sharks become more common. Large Bull Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks are still active, making fall a prime time for shark fishing.
• Winter (December – February): While fewer species are actively feeding in the winter, Nurse Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and occasional Thresher Sharks can still be caught in the cooler months.

No matter the season, Drop Zone Fishing Charters provides expert-guided trips to help you land some of the biggest sharks in Florida. Check our fishing reports for up-to-date conditions and plan your next land-based shark fishing adventure today!

Trending Questions About Shark Fishing in Florida

1. What is the best time of year to catch Blacktip Sharks in Florida?

Blacktip Sharks are most active in spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) as they migrate along Florida’s coast. These fast, hard-fighting sharks are commonly caught along the shores of Destin, Navarre, and Panama City Beach during their seasonal runs. Drop Zone Fishing Charters targets Blacktips during these peak months when they are feeding aggressively near the surf.

2. What is the biggest shark I can catch from the beach in Florida?

Some of the largest sharks caught from shore include Tiger Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, and Bull Sharks. Tiger Sharks can exceed 12 feet and 1,000 pounds, while Great Hammerheads often surpass 14 feet. At Drop Zone Fishing Charters, we use heavy-duty tackle, fresh bait, and expert surf fishing techniques to give anglers the best chance of landing a trophy-sized shark.

3. Are Bull Sharks common in Florida’s Gulf Coast?

Yes! Bull Sharks are one of the most aggressive and powerful sharks in Florida’s waters and are commonly caught from the beaches of Destin, Navarre, and Panama City Beach. They thrive in warm waters and are most active during summer (June–August), but they can be caught year-round. Our guided shark fishing trips focus on areas where Bull Sharks are frequently spotted.

4. Can I catch a Mako Shark or Thresher Shark from shore in Florida?

While Mako Sharks and Thresher Sharks are typically found in deeper waters, they occasionally come close to shore, especially in late fall and early winter. Thresher Sharks are known for their long, whip-like tails, while Makos are among the fastest sharks in the ocean. Drop Zone Fishing Charters provides expert guidance on the best times and locations for a chance at hooking one of these rare species.

5. What bait works best for catching big sharks in Florida?

The best bait depends on the species, but fresh-cut bait like bonito, mullet, ladyfish, and stingray are top choices for large sharks like Hammerhead, Bull, and Tiger Sharks. Blacktip and Bonnethead Sharks often prefer live baitfish or chunk bait. Our captains at Drop Zone Fishing Charters use the most effective bait based on shark activity, tide conditions, and time of year to maximize your chances of landing a big one.

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