The Biscayne Bay shallow-water difference
Shark fishing on the Key Biscayne flats is different from offshore shark fishing. We do not park in deep water and wait. We search the flats, use tide and sun, and chum so sharks can be seen and targeted. That takes local knowledge of Biscayne Bay and time on the water.
Tide decides where sharks travel and how they feed. Fresh chum pulls them into water you can see. Knowing which flats, channels, and drop-offs have been holding fish lately is what turns a slow day into shots you can watch happen.
Species we target
Lemon, bull, hammerhead, and blacktip sharks cruise the water around Key Biscayne. We fish them on heavy spinning tackle and braided line so you can handle a strong fish without turning the trip into an offshore soak.
| Species | Peak season | Water depth | How we fish them |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacktip shark | Jan – Apr | 2 – 4 feet | Chum and sight-cast |
| Lemon shark | Year-round | 1.5 – 3 feet | Flats sight-fishing and live bait |
| Bull shark | Nov – May | 2 – 5 feet | Channel mouths and deeper cuts |
| Hammerhead shark | Dec – May | 3 – 6 feet | Scent trail and heavy spin |
How the hunt works
With the sun at your back you can see a long way across the flats. Sharks push water toward the chum. You watch the fish come, see it eat, then hook up. That is the point of this trip: you are hunting, not sitting on a rod in the holder.
Kids and first-timers stay involved because there is something to look at. You scan for wakes, fins, and dark shapes crossing grass and sand.
The strike and the fight
A large shark in two feet of water has nowhere to sound. The first run is fast and sideways across the flat. Blacktips and lemons sometimes jump. You see the whole fight instead of waiting until the fish is at the boat.
More than one shark will often come to the same chum slick. That is part of why Biscayne Bay flats shark fishing feels different from an offshore wait.
Catch and release
Some sharks in these waters are protected. All of them go back. Florida Native Charters uses a 100% catch-and-release policy on shark trips, with circle hooks and a quick release at the boat.
If you want to mix species, look at Miami tarpon fishing or the full rates on the charter info page.
Call Capt. Tom to match a date to tide and sun for a shark trip.
Frequently asked questions
What shark species can you catch on Miami flats?
We primarily target lemon sharks, bull sharks, blacktip sharks, and great hammerheads in shallow flats and cuts throughout Key Biscayne and Biscayne Bay.
How deep is the water during a flats shark fishing trip?
We fish in shallow water ranging from 18 inches to 4 feet. This allows anglers to visually track sharks moving across turtle grass and sand flats.
Are shark fishing trips good for kids and families?
Yes. Shallow-water shark fishing is visual and active, which makes it a good option for children and first-time anglers because you can see sharks approach the boat in clear water.
Are fishing licenses and tackle included in the charter?
Yes. Charters with Capt. Tom Weber include heavy spin tackle, bait, chum, ice, drinks, and Florida saltwater fishing licenses for guests.
Do you keep sharks?
No. Florida Native Charters uses a 100% catch-and-release policy for all shark species.