Shark Fishing Charters in St Petersburg and Tampa Bay
Hey folks, I'm Captain Matt Hilliard, sixth generation fisherman right here in St Petersburg. Been chasing these tides since I was a kid, just like my dad and his dad before him. Down here in Tampa Bay we got sharks that fight like nothing else. I started Daybreaker because I got tired of seeing so many outfits treat people like just another number. Rush 'em out, half hearted trips, and send 'em home disappointed. Not on my boat.
Shark fishing charters around here are some of the best adrenaline you can get without leaving the bay. We run inshore and nearshore spots where blacktips, bulls, bonnetheads, and even the occasional hammerhead cruise the channels and flats. Think areas around Fort De Soto, near the Skyway, Egmont Key, or the passes where the tide really moves. These fish hit hard and pull strong. One good run and your arms are burning in the best way.
I know exactly when and where they show up. Summer heat brings 'em closer in, especially after those afternoon squalls when the water gets stirred up. Winter can still produce good action on calmer days. We use fresh local bait, stout tackle, and steel leaders because these toothy boys will chew right through regular stuff. I've watched way too many charters lose fish because of cheap gear or bad spots. Not here. We get you hooked up proper.
Families love these trips too. Kids go nuts when a shark starts peeling line. We keep it safe, USCG licensed and insured, and I adjust everything to your group. Beginners, kids, or experienced anglers, I make sure everyone has a shot. Nothing beats the smile when a kid lands their first one and we snap that photo before a quick release. We practice catch and release on most trips to keep these populations healthy for the next generation. That's how my family has done it for decades.
People come from Clearwater, Largo, Pinellas Park, even over from Tampa looking for real local shark fishing charters. They want that authentic Florida experience, not some crowded cattle boat. My 22 foot setup keeps things personal. Plenty of room to fight fish without stepping on each other. I read the water the way my granddad taught me, watching the birds, the current, the color changes. That local knowledge makes all the difference when the bite is on.
If you've never done it, you owe it to yourself. That first big run when the rod doubles over. Heart pounding. Pure excitement. And yeah, sometimes we get into some bigger bulls that test your gear and your nerves. That's part of what makes it special down here in Tampa Bay.
Booking is straightforward. Give me a call or hit the link to set it up. I run honest half day or longer trips depending on what you want. No pressure, no upsells, just solid fishing with a captain who actually knows these waters. Come fish with Daybreaker Inshore Charters and I'll make sure you go home with stories worth telling. Real sharks, real fights, real memories. That's the Daybreaker way.
Daybreakers Inshore Charters
Captain Matt Hilliard 6th Generation Fisherman
Email: captainmatthilliard@gmail.com
Phone: 727-434-0383