Shark Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Shark fishing has a different pace from a typical offshore trip. You may spend time getting the bait in the right place and watching for a bite. When a shark takes it, the fight can become a test of patience and strength. Larger fish may make long runs, stay deep, and take time to drag alongside the boat.
Second Wynnd Fishing Charters offers private shark fishing trips out of Fort Lauderdale. We use heavy tackle and choose a fishing location based on conditions, bait activity, and your group’s goals. If sharks are your main reason for booking, tell Captain Preston ahead of time so he can plan the trip accordingly.
Private Fishing Trips With Second Wynnd
Your trip begins at Cox’s Landing in Fort Lauderdale. Once aboard, the crew prepares the tackle, your bait is prepped, and fishing plan is established. Captain Preston then heads to an area that makes sense for the conditions that day.
Shark fishing is often more focused than a trip where we move between several fish and techniques. The crew sets the lines and monitors the baits while your group waits for a bite. When a shark is hooked, we help you manage the rod and reel, keep steady pressure, and work through the fight.
A shark may come by fairly quickly, or the fight may take considerably longer. Its size, the current, and how it runs all make a difference. The crew handles the fish and decides how it should be released or, when legally permitted, retained.
Your charter includes:
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Captain and crew
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Rods, reel, and tackle
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Fuel
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Water and ice
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Fishing licenses
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Safety, fishing gear, and equipment
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Instruction from the crew
Our Premium Charters
Pricing includes up to 6 guests.
1/2 Day
4 HOURS
Trips typically run from 8am-12pm, or 1pm-5pm. Want to fish but don't want to commit the entire day, the half day is the smart choice.
Full Day
8 HOURS
Full-day trips provide enough time to try numerous styles of fishing, allowing us to catch a multitude of fish.
3/4 Day
6 HOURS
Our most popular option, and typically run from 8am-2pm. These trips allow us to be a bit more flexible with our fishing style.
Swordfish
9 HOURS
Swordfish can be found year-round in our area. Fishing for these “gladiators of the sea” is a passion and specialty of ours.
How We Target Shark
Shark fishing requires tackle suited to powerful fish and long runs. The crew selects the rig based on the bait, conditions, and size of shark being targeted.
Rod, Reels, and Lines
A typical setup uses a heavy rod with a large spinning reel, such as an 8000-size or larger, or a conventional reel. The reel may be spooled with 50- to 80-pound braided mainline. That combination gives anglers the line capacity and strength needed for a demanding fight.
Gear
The rig may include roughly 10 feet of heavy monofilament leader in the 300- to 800-pound range, along with a wire trace to protect the line from a shark’s teeth. Hook size can vary with the bait and target fish, but large circle hooks in the 12/0 to 24/0 range are among the options.
Circle hooks are designed to catch near the corner of the mouth, which can make a shark easier to release. When using natural fish bait for sharks, FL requires non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks. The crew chooses the exact tackle for the trip rather than relying on one setup for every shark.
The Fight and Release
When sharks take the bait, the crew helps the angler get positioned and manage the rod. Some fish make a strong initial run; other sharks stay deep and require steady work to bring alongside the boat. Captain Preston manages the steering while the crew keeps the other lines clear.
For safety, the crew handles the leader, hook, and shark. A cutting tool is kept ready in case the leader or hook needs to be cut for a prompt release.
What Happens When You Catch a Sharks?
FL fishing regulations protects many shark species from harvest. Prohibited shark catches must remain in the water with its gills submerged and cannot be brought out of the water for a photo. Other Atlantic shark may be harvestable, subject to identification, size limits, and bag limits.
The crew will identify the shark and handle it according to the rules in effect that day. We do not treat every shark as a fish that can be brought aboard or kept. You can review the current rules on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s shark fishing page.
Fish With Captain Preston Courtney
Captain Preston grew up in Fort Lauderdale and has spent much of his life saltwater fishing and diving in South FL. He began working on charter boats in high school and later fished throughout FL, the Bahamas, and Cuba.
Second Wynnd is a private charter, so we can discuss what your group wants before leaving land. Captain Preston considers the weather, sea conditions, recent activity, and your experience level when planning the day.
Book a Fort Lauderdale Shark Charter
If you want a trip built around the chance to battle a shark, speak with Captain Preston before booking. He can explain how the fishing has been, recommend a trip length, and help set realistic expectations for your group.
Call Second Wynnd Fishing Charters at 954-770-2832 or explore our private Fort Lauderdale charters.