Shark Fishing Fort Lauderdale
Within two miles of beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach you can catch one of the most sought after game fish in the world – shark. The reef system is located one mile from our beaches and on the outside edge is the area where sharks haunt and hunt. Good currents along the reef and lots of baitfish are also contributing factors to the abundance of shark in these waters. Some of the sharks you will find and catch in these waters are the mighty hammerhead, the mako, the thresher and the bull shark. While most boats now practice catch and release, we can offer replica taxidermy mounts by taking the fishes measurements before release.
 

The Hammerhead Shark

The Hammerhead, known for its broad nightmarish, hammer-like head, is readily available in Fort Lauderdale waters. The Hammerhead shark is probably one of my most favorite fish to catch.

Their brute strength and lightning speed make them a formidable adversary in the wild and at the end of a fishing line. It is quite a sight to see a full grown hammerhead slice and rip the ocean’s surface with its large golden dorsal fin and tail as it explodes on a live or dead bait presented from a fishing kite. The hammerhead is often seen from a distance as it closes in on a struggling baitfish or the scent trail of a big, oily mackerel bait. There is no mistaking a Hammerhead’s intentions as it closes the gap between itself and its prey; throwing water in the air with its tail as it rolls its eyes back in its head with its mouth open as it devours your bait. Your line is released from the kite clip and you are “connected”; hang on for the fight of your life as we throttle the boat forward to help penetrate the sharks tough cartilage, razor toothed filled mouth with the giant triple strength big game hooks capable of taming such a beast. Are you ready? Upon capture we will hold your catch at boat side or if it “behaves” pull it through the fish door for a picture and then release the magnificent creature to fight another day, thus ensuring more great battles in the future.

Big Eye Thresher Sharks

The Big Eye Thresher shark encountered in Fort Lauderdale waters run large and deliver sizzling runs and brutal Mexican standoffs as their giant tail holds them firm in deep waters. The tail is not the only unusual part of this fish, because as its name implies its eyes are huge, perfect for feeding in the dark depths foraging on mackerel and squid. When a Big Eyed Thresher is pulled up to the boat, “watch out”; that massive, elongated tail is deadly.
The Big Eye Thresher uses its unusually long tail for slashing, whipping and stunning its victim before it turns around for the kill. I know of several deck hands scarred from these tails while preparing one for release.

 

The Mako Shark

The Mako shark is one of the baddest fish in the ocean. The Mako shark has an electric blue and purple color with a giant mouth, giant teeth and an attitude to back up these demons of the sea. Catching one is a truly an incredible experience! They are high flying; tackle busters that will leave you speechless after an encounter. When Makos jump they cartwheel end over end up to 15 feet in the air! Watch Out! These fish command respect especially at boat side. They are the fastest shark and have lighting like reflexes that make them an incredible adversary. We catch Makos at all depths; from the surface, which is my favorite, as well as mid-depth and bottom fishing. To experience catching on of these fish is truly amazing and needs to be put on your fishing ‘bucket list’.

 

Bull Sharks

Fishing in Fort Lauderdale waters also offers you a chance to catch a bull shark. The Bull shark is a notorious member of the shark clan, especially here in Florida as it has a reputation for biting bathers. Bull sharks are hard fighters and seem to have no end to their brute strength, never giving up. At boat side they often try to eat the boat, gnawing on the back of the boat like an overgrown chew toy. Bull sharks have massive mouths with triangular teeth like a great white but not serrated. Their bodies are huge, it seems like there are almost as big around as they are long.

These sharks are just a few of the sharks you can encounter and fish for in the local Fort Lauderdale waters. Me, my boat, Local Knowledge and my crew are ready for all of them, are you?

Comments are closed.