October Shark Fishing in Southwest Florida: What to Expect This Fall

October is hands-down one of my favorite months to chase sharks in Southwest Florida. After a hot, humid summer, the transition into fall brings cooler temperatures, clearer water, and some of the most consistent shark action of the year. Whether you're launching from Naples, Marco Island, Port of the Islands, or Goodland, our fishing charter is ready to show you some of the best shark fishing you'll experience all year.

As we move deeper into fall, water temperatures start to drop from their summer highs, typically settling into that sweet spot between the mid-70s and low 80s. This change triggers increased activity among multiple shark species. The baitfish are migrating, predators are feeding aggressively to prepare for the winter months ahead, and the fishing pressure from the summer crowds has eased off considerably. Every fishing charter we run in October feels different from the summer trips—the fish are more active, the conditions are more comfortable, and the overall experience just hits differently.

The weather also plays a huge role in making October special for our fishing charters. We're past the peak of hurricane season, the afternoon thunderstorms become less frequent, and those brutal summer heat indexes finally give way to comfortable mornings and evenings on the water. You'll actually enjoy being out there instead of just enduring it. The improved weather means we can run longer fishing charters without everyone melting in the heat, and the calmer seas make for a more pleasant ride to the fishing grounds.

October brings excellent variety to our local waters on every fishing charter. Blacktip sharks are everywhere right now, ranging from aggressive juveniles in the shallows to bigger specimens cruising the deeper channels and passes. These fish are incredibly fun on light tackle and put on an acrobatic show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Bull sharks remain active throughout October, especially around the passes and near structure. These powerful fish demand respect and provide the kind of hard-fighting action that serious anglers dream about. The cooler water seems to make them even more aggressive, which makes for memorable fishing charter experiences.

Bonnethead sharks are plentiful in the grass flats and shallow backcountry areas around Goodland and Port of the Islands. They're perfect for families and younger anglers looking to get their first shark on the line during their fishing charter. Don't let their smaller size fool you though—they're feisty fighters that bend rods and put smiles on faces. We also see a good number of hammerheads during October, particularly around Marco Island and the offshore waters near Naples. These prehistoric-looking predators are always a highlight of any fishing charter trip, and October's conditions seem to bring them in closer to shore.

Each of our launch locations offers something unique during October fishing charters. From Naples, we're targeting the edges of the deeper channels and working the beaches where baitfish concentrate. The water clarity improves significantly this time of year, which makes sight fishing opportunities more common on our charters. Marco Island provides access to some incredible passes and the backwater areas where sharks ambush prey. The tidal flow through these areas during October creates perfect feeding conditions, and we're constantly adjusting our fishing charter strategy based on the tide charts.
Port of the Islands gives us a gateway to pristine backcountry waters where the pressure is light and the sharks are hungry. The mangrove-lined shores and oyster bars create ambush points where predators wait, and we know exactly where to find them on every fishing charter. Goodland remains one of my go-to spots for consistent action in a beautiful setting. The mix of shallow flats, deeper channels, and structure provides habitat for multiple species, and October fishing charters here rarely disappoint.

Dress in layers because October mornings can be surprisingly cool, especially on the water, but afternoons can still warm up nicely. Sun protection remains essential—sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves for any fishing charter. The sunglasses also help spot sharks cruising in the shallows. We provide all the tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need on your fishing charter. I run quality gear that's specifically rigged for the species we're targeting, and I'll teach you everything you need to know about fighting and landing these fish safely. Whether you're an experienced angler or this is your first time targeting sharks on a fishing charter, we'll make sure you're set up for success.

Expect four to six-hour fishing charter trips depending on what you book, with action that can range from steady hookups to explosive moments of chaos when the bite turns on. We practice catch and release to ensure these amazing predators remain healthy and abundant for future generations. Every fishing charter is different, but October consistently delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back year after year.

October won't last forever, and the fishing conditions we're seeing right now are exceptional. Whether you want to chase big bulls in the passes, sight-cast to cruising blacktips in clear water, or introduce your kids to shark fishing in the protected backcountry on a family-friendly fishing charter, now is the time to get out here. The combination of comfortable weather, active fish, and beautiful fall conditions makes October fishing charters some of the most enjoyable trips of the entire year.

Ready to experience October shark fishing in Southwest Florida?
Contact Shark Chaser Charters with Captain Brian today to book your fishing charter. Let's make some memories and catch some sharks.

Tight lines and sharp teeth,
Captain Brian