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Florida Keys Shark & Tarpon Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 3, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $700 - $1,600 price range
- Updated Date: September 13, 2025
Summary
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Sharks on the Line
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Exciting deep sea light tackle action at Whale Harbor Marina! Best fishing adventure with quality catches on deck.
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Nice Great Barracuda on light tackle today!
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Exciting deep sea light tackle action at Whale Harbor Marina! Best fishing adventure with quality catches on deck.
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Nice Great Barracuda on light tackle today!
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.
Shark & Tarpon Action in Islamorada's Backyard
Ready to tangle with some toothy critters in the Florida Keys? Captain Joe's got you covered with this 3-hour inshore shark fishing adventure right out of Islamorada. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, you'll be in for a treat as we hunt for blacktip and lemon sharks in the crystal-clear shallows. And hey, if the silver king decides to make an appearance, we might just find ourselves hooked up to a high-flying tarpon. This private charter's perfect for groups up to six, so grab your crew and let's hit the water!
Trip Overview
We'll kick things off at the dock in Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world. Once you're aboard, we'll cruise through the stunning Florida Keys, weaving between mangrove islands and over seagrass flats. Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll be headed straight for the hotspots. You'll get hands-on with top-notch gear as we set up to battle some of the ocean's most exciting predators. Don't sweat the small stuff - we've got all the tackle, bait, and licenses covered. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack if you get hangry. We'll keep you hydrated with ice-cold water, but the real refreshment comes from the rush of hooking into a toothy shark or watching a tarpon go airborne.
Shark Tactics 101
Alright, listen up anglers! We're not just chunking bait and waiting around. Inshore shark fishing is an art, and Captain Joe's got it down to a science. We'll be using a mix of live and cut bait, strategically placed to bring those sharks right to us. Sometimes we'll chum the water to get them fired up. When a shark takes the bait, it's go time! You'll need to let them run with it for a sec, then set the hook hard. These critters fight dirty, so be ready for some serious pull. We might do some sight fishing too, especially for those lemon sharks cruising the flats. And if tarpon are on the menu, we'll switch gears to some finesse tactics with lighter tackle. It's all about reading the water and adapting on the fly.
Customer Stories
"Cap. Joe and Jess took myself and 16 year old son and 10 year old out on 8 hour trip. Kids said it was the best fishing trip we have been on (and we have gone on alot). 1st mate Jess was fantastic with the kids and wass patient and explained everything they were doing. Did great with my daughter. Highly recommend for a family trip. Kids want to come back and go out again next year. Caught tuna, king mackerel, snapper, and bonito. Thanks!" - Tim
Toothy Targets & Silver Kings
Blacktip sharks are the speed demons of the shallows. These guys can hit 30 mph when they're chasing bait, and they're not afraid to put on a show. Expect some serious runs and even some acrobatics when you hook up. They average around 4-5 feet, but we've seen some push 6 feet or more. Blacktips are here year-round, but spring and fall are prime time when they follow the bait migrations.
Lemon sharks are the bulldogs of the flats. They're stocky, powerful, and built like linebackers. These yellow-tinted predators can grow up to 10 feet, but we usually tangle with ones in the 6-8 foot range. Lemons love to cruise in shallow water, so sight fishing for them is a real rush. They're around all year, but winter and early spring can be red hot when they gather to mate.
And let's not forget about the tarpon, the silver king of the Keys. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and put on one heck of a show. When a tarpon goes airborne, shaking that big old head, it's a sight you'll never forget. The big migration hits Islamorada from April to June, but we can find resident fish year-round. Hooking one is awesome, but landing one? That's bragging rights for life.
Time to Land Your Trophy
Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of battling sharks in skinny water or watching a tarpon light up the surface. But words don't do it justice - you've gotta experience it yourself. This 3-hour trip is the perfect taste of what Islamorada fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to cross shark fishing off your bucket list or just want to bend a rod with the family, Captain Joe's got you covered. The boat's ready, the fish are waiting, and the only thing missing is you. So what do you say? Let's get you hooked up with some toothy critters and make some memories on the water. Book your spot now and get ready for some serious fish tales!
Customer Reviews
Family Fish Frenzy
Tim W
January 16, 2024
Had an absolute blast Amazing captain & first mate; friendly, funny and knowledgeable Tons of action with both tarpon, shark, barracuda and tuna Would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a great day on the ocean
Keegan Flynn
June 28, 2022
Learn more about the animals
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are a real thrill to catch around Islamorada. These streamlined predators usually run 4-5 feet long and put up a heck of a fight. You'll find them cruising the flats and channels, especially near artificial reefs where baitfish hang out. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love targeting blacktips for their acrobatic jumps - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. To land one, use a heavy braided line (at least 50-pound test) and circle hooks. Chum the water with oily fish like mackerel to get them fired up. Once they're in a feeding frenzy, it's game on. Just watch out - these excitable sharks have been known to jump right into boats! For the best action, I like to set multiple lines at different depths. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget.
Lemon Shark
Lemon sharks are one of the coolest catches in the Keys. These yellowish sharks usually run 6-9 feet long and have a stocky build. You'll spot them cruising the shallows and mangrove edges, especially in summer. They like warm water, so the flats heat up is prime time. Lemon sharks put up a stubborn fight, using their bulk to test your tackle. Anglers dig 'em for their power and the challenge of landing such a big predator in skinny water. To hook one, use fresh cut bait like bonito or jacks. I like to chum a bit, then let a bait soak on the bottom. When you get a run, give it a sec before setting the hook - lemons have tough mouths. Once hooked, be ready for some serious pulling. Keep the shark in the water for a quick photo, then release it carefully. It's an up-close encounter with a apex predator you won't forget.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of Islamorada, and for good reason. These prehistoric giants can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. You'll find them prowling the flats, channels, and bridges from spring through fall. May and June are peak months when big schools roll through. Tarpon aren't prized for eating, but the thrill of the catch keeps anglers coming back. They're famous for spectacular leaps and blistering runs that'll test your stamina. To hook up, live bait like mullet or pinfish works best. I like to stake out above tarpon hangouts and let baits drift down. Fly fishing the flats is next-level excitement - nothing beats watching a school turn on your fly. Just remember to bow to the silver king when it jumps or you'll lose that hook. Patience and a smooth drag are key to landing these bucket-list fish.
About the Coral Sea Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Deisel Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 15
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 500
Cap. Joe and Jess took myself and 16 year old son and 10 year old out on 8 hour trip. Kids said it was the best fishing trip we have been on (and we have gone on alot). 1st mate Jess was fantastic with the kids and wass patient and explained everything they were doing. Did great with my daughter. Highly recommend for a family trip. Kids want to come back and go out again next year. Caught tuna, king mackerel, snapper, and bonito. Thanks!