Blacktip Shark

Oceans & Range: All tropical and warm temperate oceans. In the Atlantic, found from Massachusetts to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. In the Indo-Pacific, from South Africa to Hawaii. Concentrates in shallow coastal waters, beaches, bays, and reef edges — one of the most commonly encountered sharks in Florida and Caribbean waters.

Preferred Water Temperature: 68°F–84°F. A warm-water nearshore species that seasonally migrates northward along the Florida and Atlantic coast. Large aggregations occur off Palm Beach, Florida each winter.

Size & Weight: Typically 4–6 feet and 40–130 lbs. Maximum approximately 8 feet. World record: 270 lbs 9 oz. Named for the distinctive black tips on most fins. Known for spectacular aerial spinning jumps when hooked — one of the most acrobatic sharks. A popular light tackle sport fish throughout Florida.

Best Lures: Large poppers produce surface strikes from aggressive fish. Large swimbaits and jerkbaits work well. Topwater lures during feeding frenzies produce spectacular action.

Best Baits: Live mullet are the top Florida bait. Live jacks and blue runners produce large fish. Large cut mullet work consistently. Fresh whole ladyfish are excellent. 30–50 lb tackle with wire leader is standard.

All tropical and warm temperate oceans. In the Atlantic, found from Massachusetts to Brazil including the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. In the Indo-Pacific, from South Africa to Hawaii. Concentrates in shallow coastal waters, beaches, bays, and reef edges — one of the most commonly encountered sharks in Florida and Caribbean waters.

68°F–84°F. A warm-water nearshore species that seasonally migrates northward along the Florida and Atlantic coast. Large aggregations occur off Palm Beach, Florida each winter.

Best Lures: Large poppers produce surface strikes from aggressive fish. Large swimbaits and jerkbaits work well. Topwater lures during feeding frenzies produce spectacular action. Best Baits: Live mullet are the top Florida bait. Live jacks and blue runners produce large fish. Large cut mullet work consistently. Fresh whole ladyfish are excellent. 30–50 lb tackle with wire leader is standard.

Typically 4–6 feet and 40–130 lbs. Maximum approximately 8 feet. World record: 270 lbs 9 oz. Named for the distinctive black tips on most fins. Known for spectacular aerial spinning jumps when hooked — one of the most acrobatic sharks. A popular light tackle sport fish throughout Florida.