How to catch Blacktip shark

Blacktip shark feed in 68–90°F water and bite best at 74–86°F. Fish Scouter's season calendar follows them in 17 waters; in October they are at their peak in The Space Coast Lagoons, Tampa Bay & Sarasota, Charlotte Harbor & the Islands and 1 more.

60 pts · trophy at 60"Feeds 68–90°FBest 74–86°FIn season nowBeach / surfPass / inletGrass flatArtificial reef

About

The shark that jumps: five feet of grey muscle spinning clear of the water on the beaches and flats from spring to fall. The most common big shark an inshore angler meets, and one of the best pulls in Florida.

How to fish it

A whole ladyfish or a mullet on a 9/0 circle hook and a wire or heavy mono leader, soaked off the beach or the flat on the incoming. Big gear, a long fight, and release at the boat.

What it eats

live and cut mulletladyfishbonito chunksbig jacks

Live bait for it

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.

Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.

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.