Bull Shark fishing in Florida

Bull sharks are big, powerful and potentially dangerous sharks found around Florida's passes, inlets, river mouths, bridges and surf, and they even travel far up rivers into fresh water. They are most active in the warm months and feed heavily at night and on falling tides, when bait is flushed out of inlets and passes. Land-based anglers target them with heavy conventional tackle, 50 to 80 lb line or heavier, a long heavy mono or cable shock leader, a wire bite trace and a 12/0 to 16/0 non-stainless circle hook, with a large chunk of fresh ladyfish, jack, mullet or menhaden paddled or cast out on a big sinker. Shore-based shark fishing in Florida requires a free FWC shore-based shark fishing permit and specific gear and handling, some sharks are prohibited and must stay in the water, and these rules are strictly enforced, so check current FWC rules before fishing and before keeping one. Never fish for sharks near swimmers. Keep the shark in the water, use a long dehooker or cut the leader close, and work with a partner. Treat every bull shark as able to turn and bite.