Know your target
Blacktip shark fishing around Tampa Bay
A powerful beach and lower-bay visitor following bait schools. Before targeting one from shore, complete the Shark-Smart course and obtain the shore-based shark fishing permit.
Also known as: Blacktip
Harvest status today: See FWC (as of Oct 26, 2026)
Season: Not listed on FWC page — check myfwc.comSlot: No minimum size limit (Group 1)Bag: 1 shark per person per day; 2 per vessel
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FWC regulations (Tampa Bay region)
| Season | Not listed on FWC page — check myfwc.com |
|---|---|
| Slot/size limit | No minimum size limit (Group 1) |
| Bag limit | 1 shark per person per day; 2 per vessel |
| Special rules | Before targeting or keeping sharks from shore, piers, bridges or jetties: complete the Shark-Smart Fishing course and obtain the no-cost Shore-based Shark Fishing permit; renew annually. Permit required at age 16 and older, even if exempt from a fishing license. Under 16: take the course unless fishing with a permit holder. Hook and line only. Use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks with live or dead natural bait; no multiple hooks with natural bait. Carry and use a device that can quickly cut the hook or leader. Beach chumming is prohibited for every species. Keep gills submerged. Release prohibited and unidentified sharks without delay; never bring prohibited sharks onto a pier, bridge or dry land beyond the surf. Cut the hook or leader close to the hook if removal delays release. Avoid crowded beaches and swimmers. FWC does not recommend catch-and-release shark fishing from high piers or bridges. Retained sharks must remain whole with head, tail and fins attached until landed. Shark-Smart advice: use at least 80 lb test, flatten barbs and have release tools ready. The permit also applies at age 16+ when shore fishing for any species with a metal leader over 4 feet, a fighting belt/harness, or bait deployed other than by casting with a hook at least 1½ inches across its widest inside distance. |
Source: FWC: Sharks · Checked 2026-10-26
“Checked” is the dataset reference date.
Regulations change; always confirm with FWC.
A year on the water
When they're biting
Best months and baits are general guidance, not official.
JanFair
FebFair
MarGood
AprPeak
MayPeak
JunPeak
JulPeak
AugPeak
SepPeak
OctPeakThis month
NovGood
DecFair
Swipe or scroll the table to see all months. General guidance: 0 = Rare, 1 = Fair, 2 = Good, 3 = Peak. Current month: Oct. Harvest status as of 2026-10-26 (America/New_York), at build time.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | OctThis month | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blacktip shark | Fair | Fair | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Fair |
- winter
- Shore encounters may be less frequent in cooler water; plan safe releases before casting.
- spring
- Bait movements can bring sharks toward beaches; stay away from swimmers and crowded water.
- summer
- Fish only where a prompt in-water release is possible, and stop if surf makes that unsafe.
- fall
- Follow bait activity, but do not chum from beaches. The shore permit and course rules still apply.
Top baits
Bait guide: hook placement, rigs and local seasonal tips →
Best months and baits are general guidance, not official.
From the tackle bag
How to catch
General guidance; adapt tackle to conditions and follow current rules.
- Hook
- 6/0–10/0 non-offset, non-stainless steel circle
- Leader
- Heavy abrasion leader with a short wire bite section
- Weight
- Enough to hold a cast bait; avoid excessive weight
- Rig
- Cast a fish chunk on a heavy Carolina rig; prepare release tools first
- Technique
- Choose uncrowded water and keep the fight short with suitable heavy tackle.
- Best tide
- Moving water near a sand or structure edge; ease back when current makes bait control difficult.
- Time of day
- Dawn or late afternoon within posted access hours
Find your shoreline
Where to go
Habitat suggestions, subject to access. Check each spot's status before going.
- Fort De Soto Park — East Beach Work nearby sand, grass or shoreline edges within permitted fishing areas. Call ahead
Hours not listed — call during business hours
- Honeymoon Island State Park — Beaches and Pass Work nearby sand, grass or shoreline edges within permitted fishing areas. Open
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