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Bull Shark

Bull Shark

Bull sharks are one of Florida's most formidable apex predators.

These stout-bodied sharks are unique among shark species for their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater environments, often venturing hundreds of miles inland via Florida's river systems.

Scientific Name: Carcharhinus leucas

Physical Characteristics:
  • Reaching maximum lengths of 10-11 feet and weights exceeding 500 pounds.
  • The Florida record bull shark weighs over 500 pounds and measures 92 inches.
  • Distinguished by their broad, bluntly rounded snouts, small eyes, and pale to dark gray coloration with white undersides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit estuarine, nearshore, and offshore waters along both Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts, commonly found in shallow coastal waters less than 100 feet deep, though they range from 3-450 feet.

Key Locations

  • Peace River, Caloosahatchee, rivers feeding into Charlotte Harbor, Indian River Lagoon system (particularly the northern sections), Mosquito Lagoon.

Specific Spots

  • The Indian River Lagoon system serves as critical nursery habitat, particularly the northern sections where young bulls are abundant.
  • Young bulls use shallow mangrove creeks, grass flats, and brackish areas as nurseries, gradually moving to deeper waters as they mature.

Bull Shark FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Bull Shark in Florida?

Fresh, oily dead baits are most effective: bonito chunks, barracuda, mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish, and stingray. Large bait chunks or half-sections with spine intact stay on hooks longer. Bulls also hit large topwater lures like 8-inch pencil poppers (remove treble hooks, use single hooks only).

When is the best time to fish for Bull Shark in Florida?

Bull sharks can be caught year-round in Florida, with peak activity during warmer months (spring through fall) when water temperatures exceed 70°F.

How do you catch Bull Shark in Florida?

Bottom fishing with 4-8 oz sinkers in deeper cuts and channels produces consistent results. When targeting from beaches, fish during higher tides when water volume allows large predators closer to shore.

What do Bull Shark eat?

They're opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet including bony fishes (especially ariid catfishes and stingrays), small sharks, rays, sea turtles, dolphins, birds, crustaceans, and even terrestrial mammals.

Where do Bull Shark live in Florida?

They inhabit estuarine, nearshore, and offshore waters along both Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts, commonly found in shallow coastal waters less than 100 feet deep, though they range from 3-450 feet.

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