UTERBull shark fishing in The Florida Keys
In The Florida Keys, bull shark are on year-round, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Shadowing the tarpon at the bridges.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Bull shark in The Florida Keys, month by month
- JanuaryPeak
- FebruaryPeak
- MarchPeak
- AprilPeak
- MayPeakShadowing the tarpon at the bridges.
- JunePeak
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberPeak
Where to fish bull shark near Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon
Oceanside flats and patch reefs inside the reef line, the reef itself, then the Gulf-side banks and basins of Florida Bay and the backcountry. Bridges and channels connect the two. The clearest, warmest water in the state.
Fish Scouter charts 340 wreck, 88 bridge, 49 pass / inlet, 43 beach / surf spots in the The Florida Keys map area — the kinds bull shark hold on.
What to use for bull shark
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Finger mulletLip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum.
- Menhaden (pogies)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined or slow-trolled; cut in chunks for the bottom.
- Cut ladyfishA whole ladyfish or a head on a 9/0 circle hook and wire for sharks; chunks on the bottom for redfish and drum. The best shark bait in Florida.
- Bonito (cut)Whole on cable for tiger and bull sharks; fillets and chunks on the bottom for grouper and snapper; strips trolled for wahoo.
- Leader80–150 lb mono
- Hook8/0–16/0
- Braid65–150 lb
Feeds in 66–92°F water, best at 72–88°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch bull shark in The Florida Keys?
Peak season is year-round. Bull shark are here year-round. May: Shadowing the tarpon at the bridges.
Where do bull shark hold in The Florida Keys?
Look on pass / inlet, channel edge, bridge, wreck — around Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine, Key West.
What is the best bait for bull shark in The Florida Keys?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), finger mullet, menhaden (pogies), cut ladyfish. Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 80–150 lb mono, hook 8/0–16/0, braid 65–150 lb.
What are the rules for bull shark in The Florida Keys?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and change — read the current rule at https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/ before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://myfwc.com/license/recreational/.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about bull shark · The Florida Keys, the whole year