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Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are a prominent coastal species in Georgia. Georgia's estuarine waters serve as critical nursery grounds. Georgia waters are one of the world's largest shark breeding grounds.

Scientific Name: Carcharhinus limbatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • Reaching up to 6.5 feet in length with distinctive black-tipped fins on their dorsal, pectoral, and lower caudal fins.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These sharks inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and nearshore continental shelf waters, commonly found near river mouths and around barrier islands.

Key Locations

  • Target areas include Jekyll Island, St.
  • Simons Island, Brunswick, Savannah (Bull River), and the extensive estuarine systems around Doboy Sound, Sapelo Island, and Cumberland Island.
  • Particularly around Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve, Jekyll Island, and St.
  • Simons Island areas.

Specific Spots

  • Fish shallow coastal waters, sounds, and nearshore areas in 13-65 feet of water, particularly around shrimp boats which create natural chum slicks that attract feeding sharks.

Blacktip Shark FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Blacktip Shark in Georgia?

Fresh cut baits are most effective, particularly mullet, bonito, menhaden, ladyfish, jack crevalle, and stingray chunks. Live baits like mullet and blue runners work exceptionally well during baitfish migrations.

When is the best time to fish for Blacktip Shark in Georgia?

Peak blacktip shark fishing in Georgia occurs from April through October, with June through September being optimal months when water temperatures exceed 25°C. Young-of-the-year and juvenile blacktips are most abundant in Georgia's estuaries during summer months, particularly July when catch rates peak.

How do you catch Blacktip Shark in Georgia?

Use balloon rigs from piers or deploy baits beyond the breakers when surf fishing. Near shrimp boats, use the discarded bycatch as natural chum. Longline techniques work well with 30-minute soak times using circle hooks and mullet bait.

What do Blacktip Shark eat?

Blacktip sharks are primarily piscivorous, feeding heavily on menhaden (Brevoortia species), anchovies, mullet, Spanish mackerel, Atlantic croaker, flounder, and other bony fishes, with teleosts forming the majority of their diet.

Where do Blacktip Shark live in Georgia?

These sharks inhabit shallow coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and nearshore continental shelf waters, commonly found near river mouths and around barrier islands.

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