Key West Florida Shark Fishing Guide
A few different species of sharks are found while flats fishing in the keys. Often fishing for sharks in the flats is more productive than deep sea fishing in Key West. These include black tip sharks, bonnet head sharks, lemon sharks, bull sharks, nurse sharks, spinner sharks. Sharks are on the flats chasing the bonefish and permit. They show up and ambush a hooked fish or are constantly on the prowl. Sharks respond to scent, have poor eyesight and are unpredictable. Their ability to detect blood, and other bodily fluids makes them both a fun thing to hunt, and a nuisance to anglers trying to get a catch on the boat. All too often a great catch has ended up nothing more than chum bait after a big shark got a wiff. They also can sense electromagnetic impulses, which enable them to detect distressed fish.
Seasons
Shark fishing in the Florida keys is available and caught year round in the Florida Keys. Key West fishing charters are very well versed at catching shark year round, and this is one of the most fun things to catch while fishing. The animal is one of the most ferocious fighters in the sea, and is always sure to give a big fight for anyone brave enough to try to land one.
Where to Catch Sharks in the Keys
Shark fishing in Key West is done throughout the Florida Keys and they follow the annual tarpon migration which bring in the big boys. Shark are always hungry, and willing to tangle with anyone fishing in Key West. They visit the flats to feed on schools of bait, permit and bonefish.
How/ Techniques to Catch Them
Shark fishing can be done by sight fishing on the flats and respond to top water plugs, cut or live bait. Some guides use a freshly caught barracuda or lady fish and anchor up. They will then hang the butter flied fish off the boat and have the sharks come to the boat by chumming the water.
Equipment Used to For Shark Fishing in Key West
According to Key West Fishing Charters, you better come prepared to land a large shark in the Keys. Sharks are extremely strong and have razor sharp teeth so a short piece of wire is a must. Stout spinning outfits in the 20 pound class are ideal. Hook sizes range from 2/0-4/0 circle hooks to avoid gut hooking, therefore a successful release. Fly rods in the 10-12 wt. class are used mostly. Top water poppers work wonders.
Seasons
Shark fishing in the Florida keys is available and caught year round in the Florida Keys. Key West fishing charters are very well versed at catching shark year round, and this is one of the most fun things to catch while fishing. The animal is one of the most ferocious fighters in the sea, and is always sure to give a big fight for anyone brave enough to try to land one.
Where to Catch Sharks in the Keys
Shark fishing in Key West is done throughout the Florida Keys and they follow the annual tarpon migration which bring in the big boys. Shark are always hungry, and willing to tangle with anyone fishing in Key West. They visit the flats to feed on schools of bait, permit and bonefish.
How/ Techniques to Catch Them
Shark fishing can be done by sight fishing on the flats and respond to top water plugs, cut or live bait. Some guides use a freshly caught barracuda or lady fish and anchor up. They will then hang the butter flied fish off the boat and have the sharks come to the boat by chumming the water.
Equipment Used to For Shark Fishing in Key West
According to Key West Fishing Charters, you better come prepared to land a large shark in the Keys. Sharks are extremely strong and have razor sharp teeth so a short piece of wire is a must. Stout spinning outfits in the 20 pound class are ideal. Hook sizes range from 2/0-4/0 circle hooks to avoid gut hooking, therefore a successful release. Fly rods in the 10-12 wt. class are used mostly. Top water poppers work wonders.