Ready for some serious shark action? Strap in for a wild ride with Showtime Fishing Charter's 4-hour morning shark trip. We're talking heavy tackle, fresh bait, and the thrill of battling some of the ocean's most impressive predators. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Panama City Beach's waters are teeming with sharks, and we know just where to find 'em. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water for some tooth-and-fin excitement!
This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're heading out at the crack of dawn when the sharks are hungry and active. Our 4-hour private charter is perfect for groups up to 6, so bring your crew and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. We've got a wheelchair-accessible boat, so everyone can join in on the fun. No need to lug your gear - we provide top-notch rods, reels, and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack to keep your energy up. This trip is kid-friendly too, so it's a great way to introduce the little ones to the thrill of big game fishing.
Now, let's talk targets. We're after the big boys - Hammerheads, Blacktips, and a whole host of other toothy critters. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll be hitting all the shark hotspots. Get ready to feel that rod bend and that line sing as you battle it out with some of the ocean's apex predators. It's an adrenaline rush like no other, and trust me, once you've felt the power of a shark on the end of your line, you'll be hooked for life.
Alright, let's break down how we're gonna land these bad boys. We use heavy-duty tackle because, well, sharks aren't exactly lightweights. We're talking 80 to 130-pound class rods and reels spooled with braided line that could probably tow a truck. Our go-to rig is a wire leader (because those teeth are no joke) attached to a circle hook. We bait up with the freshest stuff we can get our hands on - usually big chunks of fish or whole smaller fish.
The technique? It's all about patience and quick reflexes. We'll set up our baits at different depths, sometimes using chum to get the sharks interested. When that rod starts to bounce, it's game on! You'll need to let the shark run with the bait for a bit before setting the hook. Then it's a battle of wills - you against the shark. Remember, it's all catch and release out here, so we'll get some quick photos before sending these beauties back to fight another day.
"Captain Ashton was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Showtime Charters was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!" - Jeth
Smooth Hammerhead: These oddball-looking sharks are a real treat to catch. With their distinctive hammer-shaped head, they're unmistakable. Smooth Hammerheads can grow up to 14 feet long, so landing one of these is a real achievement. They're known for their incredible sensory abilities, using that wide head to detect prey. Best time to target them? Late spring through summer when they move into shallower waters.
Shortfin Mako Shark: Hold onto your hats, folks, because Makos are the speedsters of the shark world. These guys can hit speeds up to 45 mph in short bursts. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and fierce fights, making them a top target for sport fishermen. Makos are typically found in deeper waters, so we might have to venture a bit further out for these bad boys. Spring and fall are prime times to hook into one of these blue beauties.
Blacktip Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Blacktips are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting sharks out there. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. These guys are pretty common in our waters, especially in the warmer months. They typically range from 4 to 6 feet long, making them a great target for anglers of all skill levels.
Tiger Shark: Now we're talking big game. Tiger sharks are one of the largest shark species we encounter, with some monsters reaching over 14 feet long. They get their name from the dark stripes on their sides, which fade as they get older. Tigers are known for eating just about anything, which makes them relatively easy to catch if you know where to look. Late summer and early fall are your best bet for hooking into one of these beasts.
Bull Shark: Last but certainly not least, we've got the bulldogs of the sea. Bull sharks are stocky, aggressive, and boy, do they put up a fight. These guys can live in both saltwater and freshwater, which is pretty unique in the shark world. They're not the biggest sharks out there, usually topping out around 8 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Bulls are around pretty much year-round, but summer is prime time for targeting these bruisers.
Alright, folks, there you have it - a morning of non-stop shark fishing action right here in Panama City Beach. Whether you're looking to cross "catch a shark" off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler chasing that next big trophy, this trip's got something for everyone. Remember, with Showtime Fishing Charter, you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting an experience you'll be talking about for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? The sharks are out there, and they're biting. Give us a call, book your spot, and get ready for some serious fishing action. Trust me, once you feel that first big run, you'll be glad you did. See you on the water!
July 14, 2023
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their incredible leaps out of the water. They're smaller than some other sharks, usually around 5-6 feet long, but what they lack in size they make up for in excitement. These sharks love warm, shallow waters and are often found near artificial reefs. Here in Panama City Beach, we see them cruising around in 30-100 feet of water, especially during the warmer months. They're social creatures and sometimes hunt in groups, which can lead to some pretty wild fishing action. Blacktips are a favorite among our guests because they're feisty fighters and relatively common. When you hook one, be ready for some acrobatics - they're known to jump and spin to shake the hook. It's a sight you won't forget! For bait, oily fish like mackerel or sardines work great. We'll often chum to attract them, then use live bait to seal the deal. Here's a local trick: if you see birds diving, there's a good chance Blacktips are feeding below. Head to that spot and you might just hit the jackpot.
Tiger Sharks are the heavyweights of our local waters, often reaching 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds. These big boys are named for the dark stripes on their sides, though these fade as they age. They're solitary hunters, using their amazing sense of smell to track down prey. You'll find Tigers hanging around reefs and deeper waters, but they'll come into the shallows to hunt. They follow warm currents, so summer's your best bet for hooking one here in Panama City Beach. These sharks are known for eating just about anything, which makes them a blast to target. When it comes to bait, go big or go home. Live mackerel, bluefish, or big chunks of tuna are top choices. We'll often troll or chum to attract them. Once they show up, be ready for a serious battle. Tigers are powerful swimmers and will test your stamina. Here's a pro tip: bring some heavy-duty wire leaders. Tiger Sharks have teeth like steak knives and will slice through regular line like it's nothing. And don't forget your camera - landing one of these monsters is definitely a photo op!
Bull Sharks are tough customers, typically 8-12 feet long and 200-300 pounds. These stocky sharks are known for their aggression and ability to swim in both salt and freshwater. You'll find them cruising shallow coastal waters and even up rivers during summer months. Here in Panama City Beach, we see them from late June through September. These sharks put up a heck of a fight, which is why anglers love targeting them. They'll hit just about any bait, but freshwater eel is my go-to secret weapon. The high oil content drives them wild. We'll often chum to bring them to the surface, then use cut bait like mackerel or mullet. When you hook one, hang on tight! Bull Sharks are pure muscle and will give you a run for your money. Make sure you've got heavy tackle - we're talking 100-pound test line minimum. Circle hooks help with catch and release too. One local tip: try dipping your cut bait in tuna oil to really get their attention. The scent travels far in the water and can bring in Bulls from a distance.
Smooth Hammerheads are one of the coolest-looking sharks out there, with that distinctive hammer-shaped head. They're big fish, averaging around 10-12 feet long, and they put up a serious fight when hooked. Unlike some other sharks, Smooth Hammerheads prefer slightly cooler waters. We see them more in the spring and fall here in Panama City Beach. They like to hang out near the surface, usually in waters less than 65 feet deep, but they can dive down to 650 feet when hunting. These sharks are a blast to catch because of their unique look and strong fight. When you bring one up, you'll see why they're called "smooth" - their head doesn't have the center indentation that other hammerheads do. For bait, squid and mackerel work well. We'll often drift fish for them, using chum to attract them to the boat. Here's a tip: Smooth Hammerheads have excellent eyesight, so using flashy lures can sometimes trigger a strike. Just be ready when they hit - these sharks don't mess around!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 375
Captain Ashton was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with Showtime Charters was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend!