When Is The Best Time To Catch Sharks In Fort Myers, FL?

The Best Time To Catch Sharks In Fort Myers, FL

Shark Fishing Charters on Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Fort Myers is a popular shark fishing spot.

Shark fishing charters is an exciting family excursion in Fort Myers and throughout SW Florida. Shark can be caught inshore and nearshore, without going too far deep sea into the gulf. Therefore, both local and visiting anglers will have a great time going shark fishing with Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters.

Here’s what you need to know about shark fishing in Fort Myers, FL:

While sharks can be caught year round, truly the best time to catch them in Fort Myers Beach, FL is during summer months when weather is warmer, ranging from May to September. We see the highest shark activity during these warmer months mostly because of the water temperature. However, we also catch more shark during the summer season because of their migratory patterns.

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Shark Fishing Charters

Night fishing is one of the best times to go shark fishing because most shark species become more active and feed after dusk. Hence the reason Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters offers shark fishing charters in the morning, afternoon and evening! One of our most popular build-your-own-charter trips is our Shark Fishing and Sunset charter combo. Take in the beautiful scenery of one of Southwest Florida’s greatest features (which is our sunsets) as you cast out and reel in a variety of shark species.

Some of our most common shark families on Fort Myers Beach, Florida: 

Blacktip Shark –

they are known for their dexterous, aggressive behavior which provides a fun challenge!

Tiger Shark –

they are known for their long and powerful fights, full of strength and resilience!

Bull shark –

they are known for being bigger and stronger than other sharks, so get ready to use some muscle!

Hammerhead Shark –

they are known to be fierce fighters, running long and hard when hooked, making them a thrill to catch!

Lemon shark –

they are known to put up a good, long fight to keep things interesting!

Bonnethead shark –

they are known to be a bit smaller but don’t let the size fool you; they’re still feisty!

Nurse shark –

they are known to be a bit more passive, making it all the more fun when you catch one!

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The Rules of Shark Fishing Charters on Fort Myers Beach

Know Before You Go!

Not all shark species are legal to keep or even bring aboard the boat in the Fort Myers area. Nevertheless, the thrill of hooking in and reeling up is always an amazing adventure just waiting to happen with shark fishing charters. Many anglers don’t realize that some shark can be good eating. Don’t take our word for it, book a shark fishing charter and find out for yourself. Refer to the list below for more information:

Blacktip Sharks –

Blacktip sharks are legal to catch and keep, with a bag limit of one blacktip shark per person and a maximum of 2 blacktip sharks per boat vessel. There is no size limit at this time. Blacktip sharks are considered to be one of the nicer-tasting sharks. When cooked just right, they have a mild, sweet, and meaty flavor. They are often compared in taste and texture to that of swordfish, chicken, or pork chops. Book your shark fishing charter today for a chance at having Blacktip steaks for dinner!

Tiger Sharks –

Tiger Sharks are not legal to harvest or possess, meaning we must catch and release them. Targeting Tiger sharks are prohibited.

Bull Sharks –

Bull sharks are legal to catch and keep, with a bag limit of one bull shark per person and a maximum of two bull sharks per boat vessel. The minimum size permitted to harvest is 54 inches. Bull sharks can be eaten but it is important to handle their meat correctly. The best way to do this is by soaking the meat in milk or an acidic ingredient like lemon juice. Bull shark meat is best described as a firm, white flesh with a mild flavor. Their flavor and texture is also similar to that of swordfish or pork loin.

Hammerhead Sharks –

Hammerhead sharks are not legal to harvest or possess, so they must be released without bringing onto the boat. We do not target Hammerhead sharks as it is prohibited.

Lemon Sharks –

Lemon sharks are not legal to harvest or possess, so they are another catch and release on our list. Targeting Lemon Sharks is prohibited.

Bonnethead Sharks –

Bonnethead sharks are legal to catch and harvest, with a limit of one bonnethead per person and a maximum of two sharks per boat vessel. There is no size limit at this time. Bonnethead sharks can be eaten and are very good-eating when prepared properly. Bonnethead shark meat has a mild, white, and flaky taste and texture. They are similar to that of chicken or firm white fish (such as, red snapper and grouper).

Nurse Sharks –

Nurse sharks are legal to catch and keep, with a limit of one shark per person and a maximum of two sharks per boat vessel. The shark must be at least 54 inches in size to keep. Nurse sharks are not the best recommended for eating, due to their high levels of mercury. If you decide to harvest and eat a nurse shark, please be sure to prepare and cook it thoroughly.

Here is a complete list of common sharks that are legal to catch during your shark fishing charter, on Fort Myers Beach and through Southwest Florida:

Group 1 Sharks (No Minimum Size):

  • Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (good eating)
  • Blacknose Shark
  • Blacktip Shark (good eating)
  • Bonnethead Shark (good eating)
  • Finetooth Shark
  • Smooth Dogfish (good eating)
  • Florida Smoothhound Shark (good eating)
  • Gulf Smoothhound Shark

Group 2 Sharks (Minimum Size of 54 inches):

  • Bull Shark (good eating)
  • Nurse Shark
  • Spinner Shark (good eating)
  • Blue Shark
  • Oceanic Whitetip Shark
  • Porbeagle Shark (good eating)
  • Common Thresher Shark (good eating)

Important Note About Eating Shark:

Just like all other meats, it’s important to harvest and cook shark meat properly after you finish your shark fishing charter. Sharks tend to have high levels of mercury from the amount of fish that they eat. They also have high levels of urea in their body which break down into ammonia after death. The key to preparing shark meat in a healthy state is to follow guidelines and soak the meat as quickly as possible. Ask your captains for more tips on harvesting the shark you catch on Fort Myers Beach.

Summer Shark Fishing Charters

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While on your shark fishing charter, there are plenty of opportunities to catch other fish as well. Our shark fishing charters are run inshore and nearshore off Fort Myers, where you there’s also a chance of fishing for tarpon, snook, redfish, trout, snapper, grouper, and more.

Fort Myers Beach Shark Fishing Charters

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Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for an adventure in Fort Myers, FL that you’re sure to be talking about for years to come, then look no further than Luck o’ The Irish Fishing Charters! Our summer shark fishing charters are the best time to catch sharks in Fort Myers, FL and the perfect photo opportunity to capture memories of lifetime.  Contact Captain Rich today to book your shark fishing charter!
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