Get ready for an epic day of land-based shark fishing along the stunning shores of Carrabelle, Florida. This 5-hour trip combines the thrill of targeting big game with the laid-back vibe of a beach day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking for a unique coastal experience, Captain Will's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to hook into some of the Gulf's most exciting predators.
No boat? No problem. This trip is all about casting right from the beach, giving you a front-row seat to the action without ever leaving dry land. You and up to three buddies will set up shop on Carrabelle's picturesque shoreline, where the emerald waters of the Gulf meet sugar-white sands. Captain Will brings along heavy-duty rods, reels, and all the bait you'll need to entice those toothy critters cruising just beyond the breakers. It's the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline – one minute you're soaking up the sun, the next you're battling a bulldogging shark in the surf.
Land-based shark fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical pier or boat setup. We're talking serious gear to handle serious fish. Captain Will's got you dialed in with stout rods capable of slinging big baits and turning powerful runs. You'll learn the art of the kayak bait drop – paddling out past the breakers to place your offering right in the strike zone. From there, it's all about patience and being ready when that clicker starts screaming. The captain will show you how to rig up wire leaders (those teeth are no joke) and set the hook when a shark takes the bait. Be ready for some serious tugging – these aren't your average panfish!
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you – these hammerhead cousins pack a punch for their weight class. Averaging 3-4 feet, bonnetheads are known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial acrobatics. They're a blast on light tackle and tend to hunt in groups, so when you find one, there's often more nearby. Summer and early fall are prime time for bonnetheads in Carrabelle's near-shore waters.
Blacktip Shark: The speedsters of the shark world, blacktips are famous for their incredible bursts of speed and tendency to go airborne when hooked. These sleek predators typically range from 4-6 feet and put up a fight that'll test both angler and gear. Look for them to show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often chasing bait schools right up to the beach.
Tiger Shark: Now we're talking serious apex predators. While less common than some other species, the chance at a tiger shark is what keeps many anglers coming back. These massive sharks can reach lengths of 10-14 feet and are known for their distinctive striped pattern. Hooking into a tiger from the beach is the stuff of fishing legend – be prepared for a potentially hours-long battle if one decides to take your bait.
Bull Shark: Pound for pound, bull sharks might be the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These stocky bruisers are pure muscle, with an attitude to match. Bulls in the 6-8 foot range are not uncommon in Carrabelle's waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. They're known for powerful initial runs followed by dogged, close-to-shore battles that'll leave your arms burning.
There's something special about shark fishing from the beach. Maybe it's the primal thrill of going toe-to-toe with an apex predator while standing in ankle-deep water. Or perhaps it's the way it combines the relaxed atmosphere of a day at the beach with the heart-pounding excitement of big game fishing. Whatever the draw, Captain Will's trips have become a customer favorite for good reason. You get all the action without the motion of the ocean, making it perfect for families or anyone who gets a bit green around the gills on a boat. Plus, there's nothing quite like the camaraderie that develops as your group takes turns on the rods, cheering each other on as sharks are battled and beached.
If you're itching to tangle with some of the ocean's most impressive predators without ever leaving terra firma, Captain Will's Carrabelle Land Based Shark Fishing trip is calling your name. With all gear provided and expert guidance at your side, it's the perfect way to add some serious excitement to your Florida getaway. Just remember – deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're locked and loaded for this bucket-list adventure. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak shark season, so don't wait to secure your date. Who knows? Your next big fish story might just start right here on the beaches of Carrabelle. Book now and get ready to make some waves (from the safety of the sand, of course)!
Blacktip sharks are known for their namesake fin markings and their ability to jump clear out of the water. These sharks usually run 4-5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them patrolling artificial reefs and hanging around in 100-200 feet of water, but they'll come in shallower to feed. Summer and early fall are prime times to target blacktips off Carrabelle. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatics and the challenge they present. To improve your odds, try chumming with oily fish like mackerel or herring. Use heavy braided line that can handle 50 pounds and circle hooks to keep 'em pinned. Here's a local trick: live sardines make great bait since they're oily and really get the blacktips fired up. Be ready for some exciting runs when you hook one!
Bonnethead sharks are the smallest hammerhead species, usually 3-4 feet long. You'll spot 'em by their unique shovel-shaped head. These guys are pretty timid, so no worries about aggression. They hang out in shallow coastal waters, often cruising in small schools. Summer's your best bet for catching them near Carrabelle, before they head south for winter. Folks enjoy targeting bonnetheads because they put up a scrappy fight despite their size. To land one, use a stout rod with 20-pound test line and a wire leader. Fresh blue crab is the ticket - cut it in half and hook it through a leg. These sharks have a taste for crustaceans, so that'll really get their attention. Just be ready for a tussle when they bite!
Bull sharks are the bruisers of the shark world, stocky and aggressive. They usually run 8-12 feet long and can top 300 pounds. These guys are unique because they can handle both salt and freshwater, so you might find them anywhere from the surf to way up coastal rivers. Summer's prime time for bulls in Carrabelle, when they're cruising the shallows. Anglers target them for the pure power and intensity of the fight. To catch one, you'll need stout gear and heavy line. Fresh cut bait works well, but here's a local secret - bull sharks go nuts for freshwater eel. The high oil content and tough skin make it perfect. Chum helps bring them in close. When you hook up, be ready for some serious pulling - these sharks don't give up easy!
Tiger sharks are the big boys of our local waters, commonly reaching 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds. You can ID them by their distinctive striped pattern, which fades as they age. These guys are usually loners, following warm currents and hanging around deeper reefs. But they'll cruise into shallower water to hunt, so we can target them from shore. Spring and fall are typically best as they migrate. Anglers love tiger sharks for the sheer power and challenge they present. To have a shot at landing one, you'll need seriously heavy tackle - we're talking 100-pound test line minimum. Live bait is the way to go - mackerel, bluefish, or tuna work well. Here's a pro tip: tigers have an amazing sense of smell, so really bloody baits can draw them in from a distance. Just be prepared for a long, tough fight if you hook up!