Shark Fishing in Tampa Bay: The Surprise Thrill You Didn’t Know You’d Get

If you’ve spent any time on the water around Tampa Bay, you know this place is full of life. From snook on the mangroves to mackerel busting bait in open water, there’s always something chewing. And every now and then—when the conditions are right—you hook into something a little bigger, a little stronger, and a whole lot more exciting.

At Five O’Clock Charlie Tours, we don’t specifically target sharks on most trips. But because Tampa Bay is packed with bait and healthy marine life, sharks are a common bycatch—and they definitely know how to put on a show.

Why Sharks Show Up in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for sharks. There’s warm water, grass flats full of small fish, and plenty of places for them to cruise around looking for a meal. So while we’re usually focused on species like snook, redfish, trout, mackerel, and grouper, a shark will often decide to crash the party.

Common “surprise guests” include:

• Blacktips – strong runs and wild energy
• Bonnetheads – fun-sized and great for beginners
• Bull sharks – the muscle of the bay
• Spinners – famous for jumping during the fight

They’re not our main target, but they sure up the excitement level fast.

What Happens When We Hook One

When a shark grabs the bait, you’re going to know it immediately. The rod loads up, the drag screams, and before you know it, you’re in a full-on tug-of-war. We’ve got the right gear, the right setup, and a captain who’s handled plenty of these battles.

Safety—for both you and the shark—is always the priority. We handle them responsibly, keep things controlled, and release them quickly so they can swim off healthy.

Why Shark Bycatch Is So Common Here

From late spring through early fall, the bay gets loaded with baitfish. When the bait moves in, the sharks aren’t far behind. Even in cooler months, bonnetheads are still cruising the flats and popping up on our lines now and then.

So while we don’t set out saying, “Let’s go shark fishing today,” there’s always a chance you’ll get that adrenaline rush anyway.

What to Bring for the Adventure

Just bring the basics:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Your phone or camera—the photos are half the fun

We’ve got everything else covered.

A Real Florida Surprise on the Water

Shark bycatch is one of those moments that sticks with people long after the trip is over. It’s unexpected, exciting, and a cool reminder of how alive Tampa Bay really is.

If you’re ready for a fun day on the water—with the possibility of a surprise shark encounter—Five O’Clock Charlie Tours has you covered.