Shark Fishing

Shark Fishing in Islamorada has become extremely popular the last couple of decades. We catch sharks all year long and on both sides of Islamorada, meaning offshore and in the backcountry. Our shark fishery is all catch and release. We primarily use circle hooks to help ensure a healthy release. The time of year will dictate what species of shark you can try to catch. Both kids and adults love catching sharks since they put up such a great fight!

Our heavy tackle MONSTER Shark Fishing is best from March through May. The amberjack spawn this time of year offshore on the humps, which creates a feeding frenzy with giant sharks. These bad boys include massive tiger sharks up to 1000 lbs, hammerheads up to 500 lbs, bull sharks up to 400 lbs, and a variety of others. Sometimes people catch the hard fighting amberjack, nicknamed “reef donkeys”, and then we stick the 40 lb jack out for bait! These are true monsters and are without a doubt considered “trophies”.

Since we don’t keep the sharks, fiberglass replicas are often made, which are called “release mounts”. We get a good estimation of the size and a picture next to the boat, and then the taxidermist will make what could only be described as a “piece of artwork”.

Every person that see’s it on the wall will want to hear the story behind it. From August through November we also catch big dusky sharks, silky sharks, bull sharks, hammerheads, etc. The rest of the year there are always a few sharks around too, both on the reef, wrecks, and further offshore.


The backcountry is also home to a variety of different sharks. In the winter months we see lots of acrobatic spinner sharks (which jump and twist), blacktip sharks, bull sharks, bonnetheads, etc. In the spring and summer months the lemon sharks are extremely active, as well as many of the other species. All of this shark fishing is light tackle (10 – 30 lb test), and is catch and release. Many of these sharks are 10 – 100 lbs, but a 200+ lber isn’t uncommon! We often catch smaller stuff to use for bait such as ladyfish, which we use both live and dead. You also have shots at plenty of other large species while your shark fishing, such as tarpon, sawfish, goliath grouper, cobia – you never know what may grab your bait!

So when your are ready to go fishing for sharks in the Florida Keys, mention it to us and we will get you set up. On many trips you can shark fish for part of the day, and then still spend the rest of the time going for other fish. Sharks are usually readily available just about any time of year, however at time they can be tough just as anything in fishing. In particular with the backcountry fishing, they can be tough when the water is cold during a cold front. Sharks can make a great trophy to hang on the wall as well. We almost always practice catch and release with sharks and a fiberglass replica mount can be created with a simple measurement of the fish.

Fishing Reports

5 star ratingThis review is for Bud and Mary's 'Miss Islamorada' 'headboat' party fishing charter. My son and I were out in the Keys for a few days of
fishing looking to do some deep sea fishing. Bud and Mary's was recommended by several people. Called up - folks were super friendly
on the phone and booked my son and I for $70 each including licenses, tackle, and bait (great price!). Went out with them and about 20 others on the Miss Islamorada the following day and had a great day fishing. We rolled out of the harbor around 9:30 and got back in around 3:30. Stopped at around 8 spots throughout that time. Everyone on board caught fish and had a great time. Hats off to the Captain (Don't know his
name ) and especially deckhands Jude and Tyler - who ran around the entire 6 hours chumming, taking fish off hooks, baiting peoples lines, untangling lines...you name it. If you go out - tip these guys well after
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Ken S. Avatar
Ken S.
10/24/2018
4 star ratingWell we got this place as a recommendation to cook our fish that we just caught! Great and staff super nice. The Conch Fritters were delicious. Our Snapper was cooked in a sautéed way. But be specific on how you want to cook "your" fish. We thought it was sautéed but actually came sautéed in a battered egg covering. We just wanted the delicious fresh fish taste which didn't happen.
Cole slaw God and basic salad was fine.
Would recommend this place. Good service, good fritters and of course my fish.
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Gail Z. Avatar
Gail Z.
2/03/2015
5 star ratingThis marina is great! Came with a few friends for MDW and within 5 minutes on the phone, we had a boat locked down. It was super easy and the boat was new and in great shape! Perfect for the sandbar adventures that we had planned. The whole team is very helpful and pretty funny as well. Couldnt have asked for an easier situation.We will 100% be using this marina to rent our boats every year!!
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Cristina P. Avatar
Cristina P.
6/01/2017