Shark Fishing Charters in Marathon, FL
Shark Fishing in the Florida Keys Backcountry
Shark fishing in Marathon is one of the most exciting trips you can take in the Florida Keys — and one of the most underrated. Captain Lucas Ponzoa grew up fishing these flats and backcountry waters and knows exactly where the sharks hold. This isn't deep sea fishing — we're targeting hard-fighting sharks in two to five feet of crystal clear water where you can watch the entire fight from start to finish.
Shark trips depart from Captain Hook's Marina at 11833 Overseas Highway in Marathon, FL. We run half-day and 3/4-day trips for up to 6 guests aboard our 32-foot SeaVee with twin 300 HP Yamaha engines.
What You'll Catch on a Shark Charter
Shark fishing in the Marathon backcountry and flats targets some of the most powerful fish in shallow water. Species include:
Blacktip Shark — The most common and acrobatic shark in the Keys. Blacktips are fast, aggressive, and known for leaping clear out of the water when hooked. Great for all experience levels.
Bull Shark — One of the most powerful sharks pound for pound. Bull sharks patrol the deeper backcountry channels and provide a serious fight on heavy tackle.
Nurse Shark — A bottom-dwelling shark that puts up a strong, bulldogging fight. Nurse sharks are common on the flats and a great catch for kids and first-timers.
Hammerhead Shark — A seasonal highlight when conditions are right. Hammerheads in the Keys backcountry are a bucket-list catch for any angler.
Captain Lucas reads the tides and water conditions to target the most active sharks on every trip. When conditions allow, we use kite fishing for explosive surface strikes that you won't forget.
Shark Fishing Charter Rates
All rates cover up to 6 guests. Rods, reels, live bait, lures, tackle, fishing licenses, water, and a first mate are all included.
Half-Day Shark Fishing (4 hours) — $950 The most popular shark trip. Enough time to work the best flats and backcountry spots for consistent action. Perfect for families, kids, and first-time anglers.
3/4-Day Shark Fishing (6 hours) — $1,150 More time to cover ground and target multiple species. Best for groups who want to maximize their shot at a trophy hammerhead or bull shark.
What's Included on Every Shark Trip
Every Always Late shark charter includes rods, reels, and heavy tackle, live bait and chum, Florida fishing licenses for all guests, a first mate, and ice and water. Just bring food, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Why Shark Fishing in Marathon is Unlike Anywhere Else
Most shark fishing happens offshore in deep water — you drop bait and wait. Marathon is different. The backcountry flats of the Middle Keys put you in shallow, clear water where you can sight fish for sharks, watch them take the bait, and fight them in conditions that feel more like bonefishing than deep sea fishing. It's visual, it's fast, and it's one of the most memorable fishing experiences in the Florida Keys.
The flats around Marathon and the surrounding backcountry are some of the most productive shallow-water shark fishing grounds in Florida. Captain Lucas has been fishing them his entire life and knows where the fish are at every tide.
Shark Fishing FAQs
Is shark fishing safe?
Yes. Captain Lucas and the first mate handle all fish safely and professionally. Sharks are handled at the boat and released — we practice catch and release on all sharks. Safety is the top priority on every trip.
H3: Is shark fishing good for kids and beginners?
Absolutely — shark fishing is one of the best trips for kids and first-timers. The fish are plentiful, the fights are exciting, and fishing in shallow water means even small sharks put on a great show. Half-day trips are ideal for younger kids.
What kind of tackle do you use?
We use light to medium tackle sized appropriately for the species we're targeting. Captain Lucas matches the gear to the conditions — whether that's spinning rods for blacktips on the flats or heavier conventional gear for bull sharks in the channels
Do you do catch and release?
Yes — all sharks are catch and release. We handle every fish carefully and get it back in the water quickly.
How many people can come on the charter?
Always Late Charters accommodates up to 6 guests on a 32-foot SeaVee powered by twin 300 HP Yamaha engines with a flybridge and full Garmin navigation electronics.
Book Your Shark Fishing Charter Today
Call or text Captain Lucas at 305-394-1582 to check availability and book your trip. Always Late Charters runs shark fishing trips year-round out of Captain Hook's Marina in Marathon, FL.
Prefer offshore action? Check out our Offshore Fishing Charters targeting Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo. Want consistent reef action? Our Reef Fishing Charters target Snapper and Grouper just minutes from the marina.