VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — With New Smyrna Beach considered the shark bite capital of the world, Capt. Dustin Smith and his team have made it their passion, and living, to take people shark fishing.

NSB Shark Hunters often catch black tips, lemon, tiger and hammerhead sharks swimming in Volusia County waters.

What You Need To Know

  • NSB shark hunters will take you shark fishing from the beach to catch a shark
  • They often catch black tip, lemon, tiger, hammerheads and bull sharks

Targeting sharks requires special rods, reels and heavy-duty lines, all set up for you before you arrive for your fishing adventure.

To catch sharks, bait is strategically placed on fishing hooks and dropped in the ocean by kayak.

“He is dropping a big chunk of southern stingray,” said Smith.

Some call it valet fishing, where the customers just show up, and reels in the catch.

“I love making the memories. I have caught thousands of sharks. But the smiles and the faces people make when they are reeling in, and they see it and they touch it. That’s priceless to me,” said Smith.

NSB fishing trips begin in the evening hours, and Smith has clients meet him at a specific beach location depending on waves, winds, current and recent shark conditions.

NSB Shark Hunters often catch black tips, lemon, tiger and hammerhead sharks swimming in Volusia County waters. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)

“Catching one of these legends of the sea is one of those memories that gets made, that they will never forget,” he said.

Like any fishing excursion, there is no guarantee you will catch a shark, but Smith and his team will do whatever it takes to hook you a fish.

Smith said he loves sharks and wants everyone to see them up close.

“Society has deemed sharks as evil, which they are the complete opposite. An ocean without sharks would be a travesty,” he said.

The price to go shark fishing for an evening is $199 per person or $150 for two or more people.

You should be 10 years old or older to participate, and reservations are required online at NSB Shark Hunters.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission makes the following recommendations for anyone planning to fish for shark from the shore:

  • Be sure to take FWC's shark course and have the proper no-cost permit
  • Avoid fishing on crowded beaches near swimmers
  • Chumming the water with bait is prohibited
  • Keep the shark in as much water as is safely possible during the catch-and-release

Captain Dustin Smith of NSB Shark Hunters assists a client after catching a 4-foot black tip shark in Volusia County. (Spectrum News/Randy Rauch)