Skip to main content

Shark Fishing

Shark Fishing in Fort Myers Beach with Captain Jon Fetter

Discover the Thrill with Catching the Cure Backcountry Fishing Charters

If you’re craving an adventure on the water, shark fishing in Fort Myers Beach might just be the most unforgettable way to spend your day. With over 20 years of experience navigating the inshore and nearshore waters of Estero Bay, Captain Jon Fetter of Catching the Cure Backcountry Fishing Charters offers more than just a fishing trip—it’s an adrenaline-packed experience with a heart.

From seasoned anglers to curious first-timers, everyone’s welcome on board. And with every cast, you’re not just chasing sharks—you’re helping fund cancer research through our “fishing for a cause” mission.

Book NowCall Now

Common Sharks You Might Encounter

The Gulf waters around Fort Myers Beach are rich with life, especially during spring and summer. Here’s a look at the most frequently caught sharks with Captain Jon:

Blacktip Shark

  • Size: 3–6 feet
  • Peak Season: Spring to early fall
  • Experience: Explosive runs and mid-air jumps make these a fan favorite.
  • Best Bait: Cut ladyfish or mullet nearshore and in channels.

Bonnethead Shark

  • Size: 2–4 feet
  • All Year Availability
  • Why It’s Popular: Ideal for beginners and kids—safe, energetic, and fun.
  • Tactics: Light tackle, shrimp or crab over shallow grass flats.

Bull Shark

  • Size: 5–10+ feet
  • Season: Summer to early fall
  • Expect: Brutal, long fights. Not for the faint-hearted.
  • Approach: Heavy gear, large cut bait in deep or brackish waters.

Spinner Shark

  • Size: 4–7 feet
  • Best Time: Spring and summer
  • What to Expect: Wild spinning leaps and crazy acrobatics.
  • Method: Free-line live bait or chunk bait nearshore.

Nurse Shark

  • Size: 6–10 feet
  • Available Year-Round
  • Style: Slow, heavy pulls—like hauling a submerged log.
  • Setup: Cut bait on the bottom near structure.

Gear Up for the Battle

Shark fishing is no place for flimsy equipment. With Captain Jon, you’ll be outfitted with premium rods, reels, and heavy-duty lines designed to withstand the raw power of these predators.

Standard Setup Includes:

  • 7–8 ft. heavy-action rods
  • High-capacity spinning or conventional reels
  • 50–80 lb braided line with 100–150 lb leaders
  • Circle hooks for safer catch-and-release

The Right Bait Makes All the Difference

Sharks are scent-driven hunters. We rely on fresh, oily bait like:

Sharks are scent-driven hunters. We rely on fresh, oily bait like:

  • Cut ladyfish
  • Mullet
  • Jack crevalle
  • Live bait (when available)

Captain Jon also uses chumming techniques to draw sharks in, making your hookup chances even better.

Best Times to Catch Sharks

Sharks are scent-driven hunters. We rely on fresh, oily bait like:

Want the best odds of landing a big one? Here’s when to go:

  • Tides: Incoming or outgoing
  • Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon
  • Prime Season: April to October
Book NowCall Now

Safety is a Priority

While the action is intense, safety always comes first with Catching the Cure. Gloves, barbless circle hooks, and proper shark handling techniques are standard on every trip. And Captain Jon is hands-on throughout, making sure everyone—from kids to pros—is safe, comfortable, and having fun.

More Than Just Fishing—It’s a Cause

Every trip helps fund cancer research. That means while you’re reeling in a feisty Blacktip or Bull Shark, you’re also helping make a difference.

Book Your Shark Trip Today

Fort Myers Beach offers one of the best shark fishing destinations in Florida—and with Captain Jon Fetter, you’re guaranteed expert guidance, conservation-minded fishing, and a memory that’ll last a lifetime.

Let’s Catch a Shark—and a Memory

Whether you’re chasing your first shark or adding another species to your list, your time on the water will be unforgettable. With Captain Jon, you’re not just fishing—you’re part of something bigger.

Catching the Cure — Fighting cancer, one fish at a time.