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Are Sharks Common in the Waters in Tampa?

ocean water

Tampa Bay is known for being an excellent location for shark fishing — especially offshore in deep waters — but they can be found anywhere there are plenty of fish, including in shallower spots. If you’re interested in shark fishing, Tampa Bay is the place for you, and booking a Tampa Bay fishing adventure company that’s led by an experienced native Floridian captain who is USCG licensed is the best way to explore the possibilities.

Some of the Best Shark Fishing in the World

Tampa Bay is one of the best areas for shark fishing in the world, and it easily takes the top spot in the State of Florida. In fact, the bay is a nursery to more than a dozen shark species. The most common include:

  • Blacktip sharks
  • Bull sharks
  • Hammerhead sharks
  • Bonnethead sharks

This means that Tampa Bay often hosts highly successful shark fishing expeditions. 

Location, Location, Location

Tampa Bay offers endless, year-round opportunities for shark fishing. Sharks are attracted to warm water, which keeps them closer in during the colder months and farther out as the waters warm throughout the summer. This means that prime fishing locations change according to the season and that you can look forward to a unique experience based on the time of year that you book your adventure.

Tampa Bay’s sandy bottom and warm waters add up to an ideal destination for shark-fishing enthusiasts as well as for anyone who is eager to experience the unique thrill of this exciting endeavor. Sharks are undeniably magnificent creatures, which makes shark fishing off Tampa’s shores an inviting pursuit.

Shark Fishing Requires Special Techniques

Sharks are their own animal, and shark fishing requires special techniques to help ensure that you maximize your experience.

The Right Bait

Sharks are generally attracted to very fresh or even live bait. Fresh fish or squid are common choices, but the seasoned captain of your fishing charter will fill you in on the best approach for the season, type of shark, and waters you’re fishing.

The Right Tackle

Sharks tend to be both heavy and strong, and most refuse to give up without a fight, which makes using a heavy tackle key. We provide sturdy gear, like a rod and reel along with a strong line and leader, to catch the shark of your dreams.

Chum

Often, chum is used to attract sharks to exact fishing locations. Chumming the water creates a scent trail, and chum blocks and fish parts can both get the job done.

Schedule a Shark-Fishing Charter Today

Whether you’ve been shark fishing for years, are thrilled to give it a whirl, or are interested in seeing what all the fuss is about, it’s time to schedule a shark-fishing charter in beautiful Tampa Bay, Florida. Bay to Bay Outfitters is a well-established fishing adventure company led by Captain Ainsley Watson, who caters to both novices and accomplished anglers alike.

The opportunities are endless, so please don’t delay reaching out to book your shark fishing adventure by contacting us online or calling us at (478) 235-1321 today.