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Shark & Big Game Fishing | Emerald Coast Experts
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Pensacola
- $450 - $950 price range
Summary
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Battling the Big Ones
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Picture-perfect day, picture-worthy catch on board
Gulf gave us exactly what we came for
Tackle tested, patience paid off on this trip
Pensacola mornings always start better with a cast
Hooked on fishing and these peaceful mornings
Big catch, easygoing vibes out on the Gulf
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Picture-perfect day, picture-worthy catch on board
Gulf gave us exactly what we came for
Tackle tested, patience paid off on this trip
Pensacola mornings always start better with a cast
Hooked on fishing and these peaceful mornings
Big catch, easygoing vibes out on the Gulf
Nothing beats a challenging day on the water
Gulf views and great catches with Captain Clay
All smiles with our catch of the day
The early cast always brings the best bite
Private Shark & Big Game Fishing Adventure
Trip Overview
Get ready for a heart-pounding day on the Emerald Coast targeting some of the ocean's apex predators. Our private shark and big game fishing trip is all about going after the heavyweights - we're talking bull sharks, hammerheads, and even the monstrous Goliath grouper. This isn't your average day of dropping lines; it's an adrenaline-charged battle against some seriously powerful fish. We'll cruise out to the prime hunting grounds where these beasts roam, set you up with heavy-duty gear, and put you right in the action. Whether you're an old salt looking for your next trophy or a newbie wanting to test your mettle, we've got you covered. Our expert crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish. Just be ready to hang on tight when that reel starts screaming!
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a no-nonsense fishing experience. We use serious tackle - think 80-100 lb test lines, circle hooks, and sturdy rods that can take a beating. Our go-to technique for these big boys is often bottom fishing with fresh, bloody bait to attract the sharks. For Goliath grouper, we might drop live bait near wrecks or reefs where these giants like to hang out. The key here is patience and strength - when you hook up, it's all about the give and take. You'll need to let the fish run to tire it out, then gain line when you can. It's a true test of endurance, but man, is it worth it when you see that massive dorsal fin break the surface or feel the sheer power of a grouper trying to dive back to its hidey-hole. Safety's always first, so we'll handle the shark releases while you snap some quick pics. Trust me, you'll have stories for days after this trip.
Top Catches This Season
Folks, the fishing has been on fire lately. We've been hooking into some serious monsters out there. Just last week, we had a group from Ohio tangle with a 9-foot bull shark that took nearly an hour to bring alongside. The week before, a father-son duo managed to wrestle in a Goliath grouper pushing 350 pounds - talk about a family bonding experience! And let's not forget the scalloped hammerhead that gave one of our regulars the fight of his life. These catches aren't guaranteed, but they're the kind of encounters we're aiming for every time we head out. The Emerald Coast has been living up to its reputation as a big game hotspot, and we're right in the thick of it.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Scalloped Hammerhead: These odd-looking predators are a favorite among our shark hunters. With that distinctive hammer-shaped head, they're unmistakable when they come up to the boat. Scalloped hammerheads typically range from 6 to 10 feet long and can weigh up to 400 pounds. They're known for their aggressive first run and tend to fight hard near the surface, making for an exciting visual battle. Best time to target them is during the warmer months when they move closer to shore.
Goliath Grouper: True to their name, these are the giants of the grouper family. They can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 800 pounds. Goliaths are ambush predators, using their massive mouths to inhale prey whole. When you hook one, it's like trying to pull a Volkswagen off the bottom. They'll often try to hole up in the structure they're hanging around, so it's a true tug-of-war to get them up. These beasts are protected, so it's catch and release only, but the photo op is worth it. They're around year-round, but summer tends to be prime time.
Bull Shark: These are the bruisers of the shark world. Stocky and powerful, bull sharks are known for their aggression and willingness to investigate anything that looks like food. They average 7 to 11 feet and can weigh up to 500 pounds. What makes bull sharks unique is their ability to tolerate freshwater, so we can find them in a variety of depths. They're hard fighters, often making multiple runs and even jumping occasionally. Bulls are most active in our waters during the spring and fall migrations.
Dusky Shark: A bit more elusive than some of our other targets, dusky sharks are prized for their fight. They're long and slender, typically reaching lengths of 10 to 12 feet. Duskies are known for their endurance - expect a long, drawn-out battle if you hook into one of these guys. They prefer deeper waters, so we often target them on the outer edges of the coastal shelf. Spring and fall are your best bets for encountering a dusky.
Blacktip Shark: Don't let their smaller size fool you; blacktips pack a punch. Usually topping out around 6 feet, these sharks make up for their size with speed and acrobatics. They're famous for their spinning leaps out of the water, which you might witness during the fight. Blacktips are abundant in our waters, especially during their spring and fall migrations. They're a great target for anglers looking to cut their teeth on shark fishing before moving up to the bigger species.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're still reading this, you're probably already imagining yourself out there, locked in an epic battle with one of these ocean giants. This isn't your everyday fishing trip - it's a chance to test yourself against some of the most powerful creatures in the sea. Our boat's equipped with everything you need, and our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a couple of energy drinks. We can take up to 6 people, so grab your buddies or make it a family adventure. Just remember, once word gets out about a hot bite, spots fill up fast. So if you're ready to make some serious fishing memories, give us a call at 850-776-3672. We'll get you set up and give you the lowdown on what to expect. Trust me, this is the kind of trip that'll have you reliving the moment for years to come. Don't miss your shot at landing the big one - book now and let's go fishing!
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Sharks are some of the most exciting sharks to catch. They're not huge - usually 4-5 feet long - but what they lack in size they make up for in acrobatics. These guys are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, often right off the beach in summer. They love to hunt around bait schools, so look for birds working or fish jumping. We use medium tackle with fresh cut bait or live mullet. One local trick is to use a balloon float to keep your bait near the surface where blacktips feed. The fight is fast and furious, with lots of jumps and runs. It's all catch and release, but the action is non-stop. On a good day, you might hook a dozen or more. Just be ready to hang on when they go airborne!
Bull Shark
Bull Sharks are the bad boys of the shark world - aggressive, powerful, and not afraid of shallow water. These stocky sharks grow up to 11 feet long and pack a serious punch. You'll find them in coastal waters, bays, and even miles up freshwater rivers. Summer is prime time as they move inshore to pup. Bulls are known for their raw power and stubborn fights. We use heavy tackle with big baits like mullet or jacks. One local trick is to use fresh eel - bulls can't resist it. Be ready for a battle royal when you hook up. These sharks don't know the meaning of quit. It's catch and release only, but just getting one boatside is a major accomplishment. If you want to test your mettle against one of the ocean's toughest predators, bull sharks are the way to go.
Dusky Shark
Dusky Sharks are big, powerful sharks that'll test your skills. They average 10-12 feet long but can reach 14 feet. You'll find them cruising the continental shelf in 100-1000 feet of water. They're most active in spring and fall as they migrate. Duskies put up a heck of a fight - long, strong runs that'll have your arms burning. We usually target them with fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito on heavy tackle. Chumming helps bring them in close. One local trick is to use a balloon float to keep your bait at the right depth. Remember, these sharks are protected, so it's catch and release only. But man, hooking into one of these big gray predators is a real rush. Just be ready for a workout - they don't give up easy.
Goliath Grouper
Goliath Grouper are absolute monsters - we're talking fish that can grow over 8 feet long and weigh 800 pounds. These guys love to hang around wrecks, reefs, and bridge pilings in 20-100 feet of water. Summer and fall are prime time as they gather to spawn. Catching one is the ultimate test of strength - they'll try to muscle you right back into their hole. You need heavy duty gear and serious pulling power. We use big live baits like jacks or mullet, sometimes whole. The fight is usually short but intense. One tip: once you hook up, get that fish's head turned away from structure fast or you'll lose it. These grouper are protected, so it's all catch and release. But trust me, just seeing one of these giants come up alongside the boat is something special. It's like hooking into a Volkswagen with fins.
Scalloped Hammerhead
Scalloped Hammerheads are a real sight to behold, with that distinctive hammer-shaped head. They're big sharks, females growing up to 8 feet long. You'll find them cruising in coastal waters and around reefs, usually in depths of 100-500 feet. These sharks are most active in summer months when the water warms up. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge - they put up an incredible fight on heavy tackle. Just be ready for some acrobatics - they're known to leap and spin when hooked. We typically chum to bring them in close, then use fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito. One local trick is to use a balloon float to keep your bait suspended at the right depth. Remember, these sharks are protected, so it's catch and release only. But man, hooking into one of these prehistoric-looking predators is an experience you won't forget.
