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PM Inshore Shark Charter Palmetto Pats FL
PM Inshore Shark Charter Palmetto Pats FL
Three sheepshead fish displayed on dock surface in Palmetto FL
Tarpon fishing catch in Palmetto FL waters
Gag grouper catch displayed on fishing boat in Palmetto Florida waters
Gag grouper caught fishing in Palmetto FL waters
Angler holding large fish catch on fishing boat in Palmetto FL waters
Spanish mackerel catch on fishing boat in Palmetto FL waters
Spanish mackerel and southern flounder caught fishing in Palmetto FL
Gag grouper catch displayed in Palmetto FL backyard fishing success
Successful fishing trip in Palmetto FL showing caught redfish on boat
Gag grouper catch displayed in Palmetto Florida backyard fishing scene
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PM Inshore Shark Charter Palmetto Pats FL

What you will be catching:

  • Blacktip SharkBlacktip Shark
  • Bonnethead SharkBonnethead Shark
  • Bull SharkBull Shark
  • Lemon SharkLemon Shark
  • Smooth HammerheadSmooth Hammerhead
  • Afternoon charter targets large coastal sharks in Tampa Bay's deeper channels
  • Expert captain provides heavy tackle and safe handling instruction throughout trip
  • Maximum three guests ensures personalized attention and multiple fishing opportunities

Trip Pricing and Availabilities:

Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.

PM Shark Fishing Charter - Palmetto FL

Looking for something different from your typical inshore fishing trip? This afternoon shark charter out of Palmetto takes you into Tampa Bay's deeper channels where the big boys patrol. We're talking about a legitimate shark fishing experience that'll test your arms and get your heart pumping. Captain Pat knows exactly where these predators hang out, and he's got the heavy tackle and know-how to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your average bay fishing - we're targeting species that can stretch your line and make drag scream. Perfect for anglers who want to step up their game and tangle with something that fights back harder than anything you've probably hooked before.

What to Expect on the Water

We head out in the afternoon when the action really picks up in Tampa Bay's structure-rich areas. You'll be fishing with serious gear - heavy rods, strong reels, and tackle designed to handle fish that don't give up easy. The captain sets you up on channels, drop-offs, and structure where sharks cruise looking for their next meal. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn proper technique for battling powerful fish safely. The boat holds up to three anglers, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. Don't expect to just sit back and relax - when one of these fish hits, you're in for a workout. The captain handles all the technical stuff like rigging and fish handling, but the fight is all yours.

Heavy Tackle & Hot Spots

We fish with stout rods and reels loaded with heavy line because these fish will test every piece of gear you've got. Circle hooks and wire leaders are standard equipment when you're targeting toothy critters that can slice through regular mono like butter. The captain positions the boat over channels and structure in Tampa Bay where sharks patrol for food. We use fresh bait that gets their attention and keeps them interested long enough to get hooked up. You'll learn proper pumping and winding technique because arm-wrestling these fish for 20-30 minutes requires the right approach. The captain coaches you through the whole process, from setting the hook to bringing the fish boatside for photos and release.

Top Catches This Season

Smooth Hammerhead sharks are the stars of the show here in Palmetto waters. These prehistoric-looking predators can stretch 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. They're most active during warmer months and love cruising the bay's channels hunting for stingrays and smaller fish. When a hammerhead hits your bait, you'll know it immediately - they make powerful runs and fight with their whole body. What makes them special is that distinctive head shape and how they use it to pin down prey. Landing one is a bucket-list experience for most anglers.

Bonnethead sharks are the smaller cousins of hammerheads but don't let their size fool you. These 3-4 foot sharks are scrappy fighters and perfect for anglers new to shark fishing. They're around year-round in Tampa Bay and actually feed on crabs and small fish, making them easier to target with the right bait. Bonnetheads are curious fish that often travel in small groups, so where you catch one, there's usually more nearby. They're great photo fish and provide excellent action without overwhelming newer anglers.

Blacktip sharks bring the speed and aerial shows that make shark fishing exciting. These silver rockets can jump completely out of the water when hooked, putting on a display that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They typically run 3-5 feet in our waters and are most active during spring and fall migrations. Blacktips are built for speed with lean bodies and powerful tails. They hit baits hard and make blazing runs that'll have your drag singing. The jumps alone make them worth targeting.

Lemon sharks are the bulldogs of the shark world - thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. These golden-colored predators can reach impressive sizes in Tampa Bay and are known for their stamina. They prefer shallow areas with structure where they can ambush prey. Lemons are year-round residents but more active in warmer water. What sets them apart is their ability to grind out long fights without giving up. They're not flashy jumpers but they'll test your endurance and make you earn every inch of line you gain back.

Bull sharks are the ultimate prize - thick, aggressive, and incredibly powerful. These apex predators can handle fresh and saltwater, making Tampa Bay perfect habitat. Bulls are built like linebackers with massive heads and attitudes to match. They can reach substantial sizes and are known for their unpredictable behavior. Summer months bring the best bull shark action when they move into the bay to hunt. Landing a bull shark is a career highlight for most anglers - they fight dirty, don't give up, and demand respect throughout the entire battle.

Time to Book Your Spot

This afternoon shark charter offers something completely different from typical bay fishing. You'll target serious fish that fight harder than anything most anglers have ever hooked. The captain provides expert instruction, proper gear, and the local knowledge to find these predators in Tampa Bay's vast waters. With only three spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to battle these powerful fish. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or want to introduce someone to the sport, this charter delivers the goods. Book your afternoon adventure and get ready to tangle with some of Tampa Bay's most powerful predators.

Learn more about the animals

Blacktip Shark

Blacktips are crowd favorites because of their aerial shows - these 4-6 foot sharks will literally jump clean out of the water when hooked. You can spot them by those distinctive black markings on their fin tips. They patrol the deeper channels and artificial reefs around Tampa Bay, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and summer bring the best fishing when they're chasing schools of mackerel and sardines. What guests love is their aggressive nature and acrobatic fights - they're fast, strong, and unpredictable once you hook up. They can get pretty worked up during feeding, so expect some wild action. The trick with blacktips is using oily bait like fresh mackerel or sardines - pound it up for chum and keep a steady stream going. Their sense of smell will bring them right to your hooks.

Blacktip Shark

Bonnethead Shark

The smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet on average with that shovel-shaped head that sets them apart. They're common in Tampa Bay's shallow channels and grass flats, often traveling in schools of 10-15 fish. Summer months are prime time when they move into our area following the warmer water. While they're smaller than other sharks we target, they still put up a scrappy fight and are great for anglers wanting to experience shark fishing without the massive tackle requirements. They're also pretty predictable - once you find one, there's usually more around. These guys love blue crab more than anything else. Cut a fresh blue crab in half and hook it through one of the legs - that's the secret that works every time out here.

Bonnethead Shark

Bull Shark

Bulls are the powerhouse of Tampa Bay - thick, muscular sharks that average 6-8 feet but can push over 10 feet and 300 pounds. They're the ultimate inshore predator, comfortable in everything from deep channels to surprisingly shallow water. You'll find them year-round here, but summer months when the water warms up really gets them active. What draws people to bulls is that raw power - they fight like a freight train with no quit in them. These sharks can handle fresh and saltwater, so they'll push way up into the bay following food. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from cut bait to live fish. Fresh eel is my secret weapon for bulls - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on the hook through their aggressive hits.

Bull Shark

Lemon Shark

Lemon sharks are some of the most predictable fighters we target, running 6-8 feet with that unmistakable yellow-bronze coloration. They love the sandy flats and channel edges around Tampa Bay, cruising in 20-80 feet of water looking for rays and smaller fish. Warmer months from May through September give you the best shot at them as they move into our area to feed. What makes lemons special is their steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your drag. They're also curious fish, often hanging around the boat once you hook one. These sharks have excellent eyesight, so fresh bait is key. Live or fresh-dead stingrays work best, but big chunks of bonito or mackerel will do the trick. Fish it right on the bottom where they're hunting.

Lemon Shark

Smooth Hammerhead

The second-largest hammerhead around, these fish average 8-10 feet but can push past 11 feet. You'll recognize them by that distinctive curved head without the center notch - it's smooth across the front. They cruise Tampa Bay's deeper channels and structure, usually staying in the top 60 feet of water. Spring through early fall brings the best action when they're actively feeding on rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish. What makes them special is that powerful, sustained fight - they use that hammer-shaped head to their advantage once hooked. Unlike other hammerheads, these prefer our temperate waters and will migrate through seasonally. Pro tip: use fresh cut ray or shark as bait and fish it on the bottom near structure - their electroreceptors will pick up the scent from way off.

Smooth Hammerhead

About the Carolina Skiff

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for an intense afternoon of shark fishing in the deeper waters of Tampa Bay near Palmetto. This charter targets the powerful coastal species that patrol the channels and structure around the bay, offering a completely different challenge from your typical inshore fishing trip. Your experienced captain comes equipped with heavy tackle specifically designed for these strong fighters and will provide hands-on instruction to help you safely battle and land these impressive fish. Perfect for anglers who want to test their skills against bigger, harder-fighting species, this adventure takes you into prime shark territory where the action can be fast and furious. The trip accommodates up to 3 guests, making it ideal for a small group looking to try something beyond traditional bay fishing. Your captain knows exactly where these apex predators like to hunt and will position you for the best chances at hooking into these powerful fish that can really put up a fight.
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Book your next adventure with Palmetto Pat’s Fishing Charter in Palmetto, FL and experience some of the best inshore and shark fishing Tampa Bay has to offer. Don’t miss your chance to hook trophy fish—reserve your trip today and get on the water with one of Palmetto’s most exciting fishing charters! 🎣

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