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Gulf Coast Shark Fishing | Southern Roots Alabama
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Pensacola
- $250 - $1,200 price range
Summary
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Night Sharks in Action
Icy morning—impressive redfish.
Stacked day—limit of pompano.
Sunrise beast—massive bull shark.
Epic night—fierce shark landed.
Sunny surf day with a solid pompano haul.
Smiling with a chunky red drum on the beach.
Proud moment with a feisty baby shark.
Sunset catch with a hefty red drum.
Bold catch—sleek blacktip shark.
Massive redfish—pure power.
Icy morning—impressive redfish.
Stacked day—limit of pompano.
Sunrise beast—massive bull shark.
Epic night—fierce shark landed.
Sunny surf day with a solid pompano haul.
Smiling with a chunky red drum on the beach.
Proud moment with a feisty baby shark.
Sunset catch with a hefty red drum.
Bold catch—sleek blacktip shark.
Massive redfish—pure power.
Icy morning—impressive redfish.
Stacked day—limit of pompano.
Sunrise beast—massive bull shark.
Epic night—fierce shark landed.
Night Shark Fishing on Alabama's Gulf Coast
Ready for an after-dark adventure? Captain Jeremy Smith's 6-hour shark fishing trip along the Gulf Coast is calling your name. As the sun dips below the horizon, you'll hit the beaches from Fort Morgan to Pensacola, armed with heavy tackle and high hopes. The gentle lapping of waves and starry skies set the scene for an unforgettable night of land-based sharking. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, Capt. Jeremy's expertise will put you on the fish and have you reeling in toothy predators in no time.
What's the Deal with Night Fishing?
Night fishing isn't just about avoiding sunburn - it's prime time for shark action. As darkness falls, many shark species move closer to shore to feed, giving you the best shot at hooking into something big. Capt. Jeremy knows these waters like the back of his hand and will set you up at proven hotspots along the coast. You'll learn to read the beach, set up shark rigs, and master the art of the long cast. The cool evening air and absence of crowds make for a peaceful experience, punctuated by heart-pounding runs when a shark takes the bait.
Gearing Up for Giants
Leave your bass tackle at home - we're talking serious gear for serious fish. Capt. Jeremy provides heavy-duty surf rods and reels spooled with hundreds of yards of line. You'll be using wire leaders and circle hooks baited with fresh fish chunks to entice the sharks. Safety is key when dealing with these toothy critters, so you'll learn proper handling techniques for catch-and-release. Don't forget to bring a camera - the sight of a big shark on the sand makes for an epic photo op (after a quick measurement, of course).
Why Anglers Can't Get Enough
There's something addictive about shark fishing from the beach. Maybe it's the anticipation as your bait soaks in the surf, or the sudden chaos when a shark decides to test your drag. Regulars on Capt. Jeremy's trips rave about the rush of battling these powerful fish in their own environment. It's not uncommon to hear shouts of excitement echoing down the beach as someone hooks up. Even if the sharks aren't biting, the camaraderie and storytelling around the rods make for a memorable night.
Sharks on the Menu
Smooth Hammerhead: These odd-looking predators are a favorite target, known for their distinctive T-shaped heads. Smooth hammerheads can reach over 10 feet in length and put up a heck of a fight. They're most common in the warmer months and love to chase down fish near the surface.
Blacktip Shark: Fast and acrobatic, blacktips are the showoffs of the shark world. Expect hard runs and even some airborne action when you hook into one of these speedsters. They average 4-5 feet but can grow larger. Blacktips are around most of the year but are especially active in summer.
Tiger Shark: The holy grail for many land-based shark anglers. Tigers are the tanks of the shark world, growing to massive sizes and known for eating just about anything. Hooking a big tiger from the beach is the stuff of fishing legend. While less common than other species, the chance at a tiger keeps anglers coming back night after night.
Bull Shark: Pound for pound, bulls might be the strongest sharks you'll encounter. These stocky predators are notorious for their power and aggression. They love warm, shallow water and are often found cruising right in the surf. Bulls can show up any time of year but are most active in summer and fall.
Blue Shark: While less common in the Gulf, blues occasionally show up to crash the party. Known for their sleek bodies and vibrant color, blues are open-ocean wanderers that sometimes venture close to shore. They're fast swimmers and put on a great show when hooked.
Time to Get Your Shark On
If you're itching to tangle with some of the ocean's apex predators, Capt. Jeremy's shark trips are the way to go. You'll gain insider knowledge, fish some of the Gulf Coast's best beaches, and have a shot at landing the catch of a lifetime. Whether you're a hardcore shark fanatic or just looking for a unique fishing experience, this trip delivers the goods. Remember, spots are limited to 5 anglers per trip, so don't wait to book your adventure. The sharks are out there - are you ready to face them?
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are common in our coastal waters, usually 4-5 feet long and around 40-50 pounds. You'll spot them by the black tips on their fins. These guys love shallow, warm waters - often cruising just off the beach in 20-30 feet of water. They're most active in summer, especially during low light hours. Blacktips are known for their high-flying acrobatics, often leaping and spinning when hooked. It's quite a show! To catch one, try drifting or anchoring near sandbars or drop-offs. Fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel works great. Use circle hooks to make release easier. These sharks fight hard for their size, so medium-heavy tackle is perfect. Blacktips make decent table fare if you're looking to keep one. Just be sure to bleed and ice them quickly. For the best chance at a blacktip, fish the incoming tide when bait fish are most active near shore.
Blue Shark
Blue sharks are striking deep-water predators, known for their sleek bodies and vibrant blue coloration. They average 7-10 feet long but can reach up to 12 feet. Blues prefer cooler, offshore waters and are often found at depths over 1,000 feet. These sharks are highly migratory, following food sources across vast distances. In our area, you're most likely to encounter them in spring and fall as they pass through. Blues are known for their curiosity and acrobatic fights, often leaping when hooked. To target blues, you'll need to head offshore and drift fish with chum. Oily fish like mackerel or herring make great bait. Use heavy tackle - 50-80 pound class gear is about right. Blues can make blistering runs, so be ready to chase them down. A local tip: keep your baits at least 20 feet from the boat. Blues can be shy and spook easily. Patience is key - it might take hours to draw them in, but the wait is worth it for their spectacular aerial displays. Remember, blue shark populations are vulnerable, so practice careful catch and release.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are stocky, aggressive predators that frequent our coastal waters. They typically run 7-11 feet and 200-300 pounds, with a distinctively blunt snout. What makes bulls unique is their ability to tolerate freshwater - you might find them miles up rivers or in brackish bays. These sharks are most active in warm months, often cruising in very shallow water. They're opportunistic feeders, so almost any cut bait will work. Fresh mullet, ladyfish, or blue runners are local favorites. Bulls are known for their raw power and bad attitude when hooked. Be prepared for a tough fight on heavy tackle. They're not as fast as some sharks, but make up for it with brute strength. To target bulls, focus on river mouths, channels, and areas with lots of bait activity. Incoming tide is often best. A little trick: try soaking your bait in menhaden oil to create a scent trail. Just be careful handling these guys - they can be unpredictable at boatside.
Smooth Hammerhead
Blue sharks are sleek, torpedo-shaped predators known for their deep blue coloration. They typically grow 7-10 feet long, with females reaching larger sizes up to 400 pounds. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters around 1,000 feet deep, often following schools of squid and fish. These sharks are curious but generally timid around humans. Late spring through fall is prime time to target blues along the Gulf Coast. Anglers love their acrobatic fights - they'll leap and spin when hooked. To catch one, drift fishing with oily chum is your best bet. Keep your lines at least 20 feet from the boat to avoid spooking them. Use heavy tackle that can handle 200+ pounds and be ready for long runs. Blues aren't prized for eating, but their beauty and powerful fights make them a blast to catch and release. Just remember, they're vulnerable to overfishing, so handle with care.
Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are apex predators, growing up to 14 feet and 1,400 pounds. They're named for the dark stripes on younger sharks that fade as they age. These big boys cruise our coastal waters, especially in summer when they follow warm currents north. You'll find tigers anywhere from the shallows to depths over 1,000 feet. They're not picky eaters, which makes them fun to target. Anything from whole mackerel to big chunks of tuna can entice a bite. Heavy gear is a must - think 80-130 pound class tackle. When hooked, tigers are surprisingly fast and put up a dogged, powerful fight. It's an experience you won't forget. For the best shot at a tiger, fish deeper structures like reefs or wrecks. Patience is key - it might take hours to get a bite, but when it happens, hold on tight! Remember, these are big, potentially dangerous fish. Always have a plan for safe release before you hook up.
