Miami species guide

Shark Fishing in Miami

Selachimorpha

Miami has some of the best shark fishing in the country, with several species found within a few miles of the beach. Hooking a big shark is a test of strength and teamwork. We fish with circle hooks and release protected species quickly, so you get the photo and the shark swims away healthy.

Quick facts

Typical size50–150 lb

Blacktips, spinners and bull sharks are common.

Big fish300 lb and up

Large bull and hammerhead sharks are possible.

SpeciesMany

Blacktip, spinner, bull, sandbar, hammerhead and more.

ReleaseMost fish

Many species are protected and must be released.

Depth10–200 ft

From shallow flats to the deep reef.

Where to catch them off Miami

Reef and wrecks

Bull sharks and others patrol the reef and wrecks.

Off the beaches

Blacktips and spinners follow the bait schools along the coast.

Deep edge

Larger sharks hunt along the drop-off.

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Season in Miami

How to read this meter

  • PPeak best time to catch
  • FFair can catch
  • OOff rarely caught
  • CClosed season, no harvest
JanPeak
FebPeak
MarPeak
AprPeak
MayFair
JunFair
JulFair
AugFair
SepFair
OctFair
NovPeak
DecPeak

Sharks are caught all year. Winter brings the big blacktip and spinner migration along the coast.

Key events

September to November · dates vary

Fall mullet run

The first real cold fronts of fall, nearshore water cooling toward the upper 60s °F, and days of northeast to east wind that push the schools against the beach.

Usually builds in Miami-Dade in October, with the peak around mid-October to early November. A warm fall can push it into November; a strong early front or storm can bring it in September.

AffectsTarponSnookSharkBarracudaKing Mackerel

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Best time and conditions

Winter

Large schools of blacktips and spinners travel down the coast.

Moving water

Current spreads the chum and gets sharks feeding.

Techniques and baits

Chumming

A chum slick draws sharks to the boat.

Circle hooks

Required, and they hook sharks in the corner of the mouth.

Heavy tackle

Strong rods and reels shorten the fight.

Fast release

Protected sharks stay in the water and are released quickly.

Top baits and lures

  • Fresh bonito
  • Barracuda
  • Mackerel
  • Chum

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Florida regulations

Daily bag limit1 shark per person, 2 per vessel
GearCircle hooks and a cutting device required
Protected speciesHammerheads, tiger, lemon, sand tiger and others must be released
Federal watersHMS permit rules apply

Many sharks may not be kept, and size limits vary by species. We release almost every shark. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.

FWC: Shark rules · Last checked October 27, 2026

On the table

We release our sharks.

Which charter is best?

Shark alongside the boat
Saltwater

Shark Fishing

  • $750 per trip
  • 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
  • Up to 4 guests
  • Also targets Tarpon, Barracuda, Amberjack and Cobia
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Full day catch on the boat
Saltwater · full day

Full Day Fishing

  • $1,200 per trip
  • 8 hours, 7:00 AM start
  • Up to 6 guests
  • Also targets Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, King Mackerel, Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Tripletail, Amberjack, Almaco Jack and Barracuda
Book Full Day Fishing

Shark FAQ

When is shark season in Miami?

All year. Winter is great for big schools of blacktips and spinners.

Can I keep a shark?

Some species can be kept under strict limits. Many are protected and must be released. On our trips we release them.

What sharks can you catch in Miami?

Blacktip, spinner, bull, sandbar, nurse, lemon and hammerhead sharks, among others.

Is shark fishing safe?

Yes. The crew handles the shark, and you reel it in.

Which charter is best for shark?

Our dedicated Shark trip.

Can I cancel my trip?

Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.

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