A Florida Keys Fishing Trip Everyone Can Enjoy

Shark fishing is all about the anticipation.

We'll set out heavy tackle and fresh bait in productive areas around Marathon and wait for the action to begin. Once a shark picks up the bait, things can get exciting very quickly.

These fish are known for long runs, powerful fights, and giving anglers a completely different experience from traditional reef fishing.

Shark fishing can be an excellent choice for:

• Families with kids or teenagers looking for something exciting

• First-time anglers who want the chance to catch a big fish

• Experienced fishermen looking for a powerful fight

• Groups looking for a unique Florida Keys adventure

• Visitors who want big-fish action without spending an entire day offshore

Every trip is private, so your captain can adjust the day around your group, weather conditions, and the current bite.

What Sharks Can We Catch in the Florida Keys?

The species we encounter can vary by season, location, water temperature, and conditions.

Sharks commonly found around the Florida Keys can include:

Blacktip Sharks – Fast, aggressive fighters known for strong runs and exciting battles.

Bull Sharks – Powerful sharks capable of putting even experienced anglers and heavy fishing tackle to the test.

Nurse Sharks – A common Florida Keys species that can grow surprisingly large and provide a strong fight.

Lemon Sharks – Frequently encountered in South Florida and the Keys and known for their size and power.

Hammerhead Sharks – One of the most recognizable sharks in the world and an incredible animal to encounter on the water.

Other shark species may also be encountered depending on where we fish and the time of year.

There is never a guarantee of a particular shark species or size. Your captain will choose the location and fishing technique based on current conditions and recent activity.

Catch, Photograph & Release

Many of the sharks found throughout the Florida Keys are protected species.

Hennessy Sportfishing follows all current Florida and federal shark fishing regulations and responsible shark-handling practices.

Protected sharks are kept in the water and released as quickly and safely as possible. When conditions allow, we'll help you get a great photograph of your catch while minimizing stress on the shark.

Our goal is to give you an incredible fishing experience while protecting these important Florida Keys predators for future generations.

4-Hour Shark Fishing Charter

Our 4-hour shark fishing trip is a great choice for families, beginners, and anyone wanting to experience shark fishing without spending the entire day on the water.

Depending on conditions, we may fish the Atlantic side, Florida Bay, bridges, channels, reef areas, or other productive waters around Marathon.

Four hours provides plenty of time to get the baits out and target sharks while keeping the trip manageable for younger anglers.

Great for: Families • Beginners • Kids • Vacation activities • First shark

6-Hour Shark Fishing Charter

Want more fishing time and flexibility?

Our 6-hour shark fishing charter gives your captain additional time to explore different locations, adjust to tides and conditions, or combine shark fishing with other fishing opportunities.

This is the trip we'd recommend for groups specifically looking to maximize their chances at larger fish or spend more time experiencing everything the waters around Marathon have to offer.

Great for: Serious anglers • Families wanting more fishing time • Multiple anglers • Bigger-fish opportunities

Your Private Florida Keys Fishing Charter

Hennessy Sportfishing charters are private.

You won't be placed on a boat with another group. The boat and captain are reserved for you, allowing us to personalize the fishing trip around your family's experience level and goals.

Our fishing charters include:

• Professional captain

• Rods and reels

• Shark fishing tackle

• Bait

• Ice

• Fishing licenses covered while fishing aboard our licensed charter vessel

• Instruction for beginners

• Local Florida Keys fishing knowledge

Just bring your drinks, food or snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and excitement for the day.

Shark Fishing in Marathon, Florida

Marathon's location in the Middle Florida Keys gives us access to an incredible variety of water.

Within a relatively short distance, we can reach the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, bridges, channels, reefs, wrecks, and deeper water.

That flexibility is especially valuable when shark fishing because wind, current, tides, bait movement, and water temperature can all affect where sharks are fYour captain will determine the best area to fish based on the conditions on the day of your charter.

Can Kids Go Shark Fishing?

Absolutely.

Shark fishing can be one of our most exciting fishing experiences for kids.

There's something completely different about watching a big rod bend over and realizing there's a shark on the other end.

Our captains can help younger anglers throughout the fight, and multiple family members can assist when appropriate.

As with every fishing trip, the captain has final say regarding weather, fishing location, fish handling, and anything involving passenger safety.

When Is the Best Time to Shark Fish in the Florida Keys?

Sharks can be encountered around the Florida Keys throughout the year.

Species, numbers, locations, and fishing techniques change with water temperatures, tides, bait movement, weather, and seasonal conditions.

Instead of limiting the trip to one particular season, our captain will use recent fishing activity and conditions to determine where we have the best opportunity for action.

Add Shark Fishing to Another Charter

Not sure you want to spend the entire trip specifically targeting sharks?

Let us know when you book.

Depending on conditions and the fishing that day, shark fishing may be incorporated into one of our longer reef, wreck, Gulf, bridge, or inshore fishing charters.

This can be a great option for families that want to catch dinner fish such as snapper while also trying to hook something much bigger.

Before Your Charter

Your captain will contact you approximately 24–48 hours before your trip to review the weather, fishing conditions, departure time, meeting location, and the plan for your charter.

Because conditions in the Florida Keys can change quickly, this allows us to create the best possible fishing plan for your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you guarantee we'll catch a shark?

No responsible fishing charter can guarantee a particular species or catch. However, your captain will use current conditions, tides, recent activity, and local knowledge to give your group the best opportunity possible.

Do we keep the sharks?

Most shark fishing is focused on the experience of catching and safely releasing the fish. Many shark species found in Florida waters are protected and cannot legally be harvested. All fish will be handled according to current Florida and federal regulations.

Do you bring sharks onto the boat?

Protected shark species must remain in the water. Your captain will determine the safest and legally compliant way to handle and photograph each shark.

Is shark fishing good for beginners?

Yes. You don't need previous fishing experience. We'll show you what to do and assist throughout the fight.

Is shark fishing good for children?

Yes. It's often one of the most memorable trips for families and older children because of the size and excitement of the fish.

What should we bring?

Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, food or snacks, drinks, and appropriate clothing for the conditions. Fishing equipment and bait are provided.

Can we combine shark fishing with reef or wreck fishing?

Often, yes. Longer trips provide more flexibility. Tell us what your group wants to experience when booking and we'll help determine the best option.

Ready to Catch a Shark in the Florida Keys?

Put some serious bend in the rod on a private Florida Keys shark fishing charter with Hennessy Sportfishing.

Whether you're bringing the kids, chasing your first shark, or looking for a powerful fish that will test your strength, we'll build the trip around your group and the conditions.

Book your private shark fishing charter in Marathon, Florida today.

Hennessy Sportfishing
Marathon, Florida Keys
www.hennessysportfishing.com