The Fresh Squeeze

IT SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE, but similar to the prized tarpon, permit and bonefish that frequently feed atop crystalline shallows from Biscayne Bay to Key West, lemon sharks also enjoy foraging the flats as winter fades and water temperatures stabilize.

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Providing thrilling encounters in only inches of water, this is light tackle shark fishing at its finest. There are many ways to catch sharks and one could certainly soak a chunk of bloody flesh with a circle-hook and wire trace, but the visual aspect of this fishery allows anglers to connect with these ancient predators with an unconventional method that’s entirely visual.

We know sharks are equipped with highly specialized sensory organs that can detect minute electrical pulses in the water, but even through years of evolution these perfect predators still succumb to fake baits worked along the surface.

The shallow environment in which these sharks frequent—until the end of the summer—allows anglers to closely observe their behavior and tailor tactics accordingly. And although you could encounter bull, hammerhead, bonnethead, blacktip, spinner, nurse and even the occasional tiger shark, lemon sharks are the most common species to frequent the shallows. When attempting to find a promising location to fish, it’s a great idea to reference the detailed aerials provided by Google Earth. With a few clicks of the mouse you’ll be able to identify which flats are bordered by deep channels and achieve an overall greater feel for the layout and drainage of the area you desire to fish.