The sharks that inhabit the waters around the coast of Florida are divided into three groups for classification.

1.Hammerheads. These creatures look like creatures from outer space with their eyes located on either end of their broad flat heads. Three of these are common throughout the warm waters of Florida, but the Smooth Hammerhead likes the cooler temperatures and is only a seasonal visitor to the shores. Its weight averages between 100 to 200lbs.  
The Florida record for the Scalloped Hammerhead is 991lbs.
The World record for the Bonnet Head Shark is 23lbs 11ozs.
During the months of June & July these sharks can be found close inshore looking for Stingray's which are spawning in the shallow sandy waters.

2.Requiem sharks. This groups includes those most frequently taken by anglers in the area of Florida such as Atlantic Sharpnose Shark which averages 2 to 4 feet in length and Sandbar Sharks which is much larger. The World record for the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark is a mere 16lbs whilst the Sandbar Shark averages 50 to 100lbs and can exceed 200lbs.  
The World record for the Sandbar Shark is 260lbs.

3.Ocean roaming sharks. This group is divided into two groups made up of the Ocean roaming sharks like those not often seen such as Threshers, while others such as the Mako and Great White Shark make up the group called Mackerel Sharks, probably because of their fast swimming capability.  Whilst not common the Shortfin Mako is the most common in this group.
The Florida record for the Shortfin Mako is 911lbs 12ozs.

There are 18 differing species of shark commonly found in the waters around the coast of Florida. Most are caught by drift fishing with live or dead baits using reasonably heavy tackle as you cannot target a specie. Our picture shows a Black Tip Shark which is common and apparently great eating.

I have to say I have not targeted sharks whilst I have fished in Florida. They target you? We needless to say have seen some monsters, most of which I have been unable to identify as things have happened so fast, except of course for the hammerheads of which there are plenty and they are easy to identify.

If you going out specifically to catch sharks you need tackle 50 to 80lb class and especially terminal tackle that is specific for the job.  Terminal tackle needs to of the wire variety or you are going to get chopped up before you start and the shark will be just having a free meal.  Live or dead baits drift fished with a chum trail are a good pre-requisite for success in catching this species.  Nearly all sport anglers "Catch and release" these species.  Tagging programs are also in use world wide to try and understand the complicated life of the shark.

ELECTRIC BLUE operates a policy of Catch & Release ONLY. Sorry, No Exceptions.

Most Sharks taste ok to eat and the meat is a delicacy in some parts of the world but we would urge you to return them to fight another day. Sharks take an extremely long time to grow and over harvesting in the past has put pressure on the species. Our picture show a Blacktip Shark which was not caught on our vessel!