If you're planning a shark fishing charter near New Smyrna Beach, one of the first questions people ask is: what sharks will we actually catch? The answer is more impressive than most people expect. The waters off New Smyrna Beach hold six primary shark species — and on a good day, you might tangle with two or three of them on a single trip.
New Smyrna Beach's unique geography — the Ponce de Leon Inlet, the Indian River Lagoon system, productive nearshore reefs, and proximity to the Gulf Stream — creates ideal habitat for a remarkable diversity of sharks year-round. Captain Brad has been targeting these species for over 25 years and knows exactly where to find each one depending on the season, tide, and conditions.
This guide breaks down every major shark species you're likely to encounter on a New Smyrna Beach shark fishing charter — their habits, best seasons, typical sizes, and the tactics Captain Brad uses to put you on fish.
The 6 Shark Species You'll Catch Near New Smyrna Beach
Here's a deep dive on each species — what they look like, when they show up, how big they get, and how Captain Brad targets them.
Bull Shark
Carcharhinus leucas
The bull shark is the king of New Smyrna Beach shark fishing. Known for their aggressive nature and powerful runs, bull sharks are the most abundant species in our waters year-round. New Smyrna Beach sits at the mouth of the Indian River Lagoon — one of the most productive bull shark nurseries on the East Coast. Fall brings the biggest females inshore, with fish regularly exceeding 7 feet and 300 lbs. Bull sharks are notorious for their explosive first runs and relentless fighting style — expect a serious battle on heavy tackle.
Large cut bait (stingray, bonito, ladyfish) on the bottom near structure and depth changes. Chum slicks draw bulls up from depth. Best action at dawn, dusk, and overnight.
Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus
Blacktip sharks are one of the most exciting species to target near New Smyrna Beach. Famous for their spectacular aerial jumps — often spinning multiple times — blacktips put on a show that rivals any offshore fish. Spring and fall migrations bring massive schools of blacktips through the nearshore waters off Volusia County. During peak migration, it's not uncommon to see dozens of sharks working bait schools within sight of the beach. Blacktips are fast, acrobatic, and absolutely relentless on light to medium tackle.
Live bait (mullet, menhaden, ladyfish) under a float or free-lined near bait schools. Sight fishing during migrations is possible from the boat. Light to medium tackle makes for an incredible fight.
Hammerhead Shark
Sphyrna mokarran / Sphyrna lewini
Hammerhead sharks are the ultimate trophy for shark anglers near New Smyrna Beach. Great hammerheads and scalloped hammerheads both frequent our offshore waters from spring through early summer. Great hammerheads are among the largest predatory sharks in the world — fish over 12 feet and 700 lbs are caught in Florida waters every season. The distinctive hammer-shaped head (cephalofoil) gives them exceptional sensory capability and makes them one of the most recognizable sharks on the planet. Hooking a hammerhead is a bucket-list experience that Captain Brad specializes in.
Large live baits (stingrays, bonito, large jacks) fished on the bottom in 30–80 feet of water. Hammerheads are often spotted on the surface and can be sight-fished. Requires heavy 80–130 lb class tackle.
Spinner Shark
Carcharhinus brevipinna
Spinner sharks are one of the most acrobatic shark species you can target near New Smyrna Beach. Named for their habit of spinning rapidly out of the water when hooked — sometimes completing 3–4 full rotations — spinners are an absolute blast on medium tackle. They're often confused with blacktips but grow larger and are more commonly found slightly further offshore. Spinner sharks are highly migratory and show up in large numbers along Florida's east coast from spring through early summer, often mixed in with blacktip schools.
Live bait or fresh cut bait near bait schools and nearshore structure. Spinners are aggressive feeders and will hit both surface and bottom presentations. Medium-heavy tackle in the 30–50 lb class is ideal.
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum
Nurse sharks are a common catch on bottom fishing trips near New Smyrna Beach and are a great species for first-time shark anglers. While they're not the acrobatic fighters that blacktips and spinners are, nurse sharks are powerful bottom dwellers that put up a serious tug-of-war fight. They're nocturnal hunters that rest on the bottom during the day near reefs and rocky structure. Nurse sharks are completely harmless when handled properly and make for great photos before release. Kids especially love catching them.
Cut bait or whole small fish on the bottom near reefs and rocky structure. Nurse sharks are most active at night but are caught throughout the day. Light to medium tackle is sufficient for most fish.
Lemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris
Lemon sharks are a prized catch near New Smyrna Beach, recognized by their yellowish-brown coloration and stocky build. They're one of the more common large shark species in Florida's nearshore and inshore waters, frequently found near reefs, inlets, and the mouths of estuaries. Lemon sharks are strong, stubborn fighters that make long, powerful runs without the acrobatics of blacktips or spinners. They're most abundant in summer when warm water temperatures push them into the shallows. A 7-foot lemon shark is a serious trophy.
Live or fresh cut bait near structure, inlets, and reef edges. Lemon sharks are opportunistic feeders and will hit a variety of presentations. Medium-heavy tackle in the 50–80 lb class handles most fish comfortably.
Shark Fishing Seasonal Calendar
When to target each species near New Smyrna Beach throughout the year.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bull Shark | ||||||||||||
| Blacktip | ||||||||||||
| Hammerhead | ||||||||||||
| Spinner | ||||||||||||
| Nurse Shark | ||||||||||||
| Lemon Shark |
What to Expect on a Shark Fishing Charter
All Gear Provided
Captain Brad provides all heavy shark tackle — rods, reels, wire leaders, hooks, and bait. You show up ready to fish. No experience necessary.
Catch & Release
All sharks are carefully handled, photographed, and released healthy. This protects the fishery and ensures great shark fishing for future generations.
Safety First
Sharks are fought from the boat and handled by the captain using proper tools. Guests are never in the water. Shark fishing with Captain Brad is completely safe.
Multiple Species
On a typical shark trip you may encounter 2–4 different species. Captain Brad targets the most active species based on season, conditions, and your goals.
Great for All Ages
Shark fishing is one of the most exciting experiences for families. Kids and adults alike are blown away by the power and size of these fish.
Year-Round Action
Unlike many fisheries, shark fishing near New Smyrna Beach is productive 12 months a year. Bull sharks are present every single month.
Shark Fishing FAQ
Common questions about shark fishing near New Smyrna Beach.