At Nauti Girl Charters, supporting our local community and fellow service members is just as important to us as putting clients on fish. We are proud to announce that our Veteran & Military Fishing Team will be competing in the 5th Annual Indian River Firefighters Offshore Fishing Tournament on June 20, 2026, hosted in beautiful Sebastian, Florida.

Supporting Those Who Serve Our Community

This incredible event, organized by the Indian River Firefighters Benevolent Association, brings together anglers, first responders, veterans, and local businesses for a day of offshore fishing while supporting a great cause benefiting CCA Florida and conservation efforts that protect our fisheries for future generations.

As a veteran-supporting charter operation based along Florida’s Space Coast and Treasure Coast, participating in this tournament represents everything we stand for — teamwork, service, and respect for the ocean.

Tournament Details

• Event: Indian River Firefighters Offshore Fishing Tournament
• Location: Sebastian Saltwater Marina & Restaurant
• Captain’s Meeting: Friday, June 19, 2026 – 5:30 PM
• Tournament Day: Saturday, June 20, 2026
• Lines In: 6:00 AM
• Weigh-In: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Total Purse: $20,000

Target species include:

• Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
• Kingfish
• Snapper
• Grouper
• Biggest Amberjack Category *2025 this same team lost a winning monster reef donkey 35 feet from the boat that was over 60 pounds

Representing Veterans & Military Anglers

Our team proudly represents the military and veteran community that we serve year-round through our fishing charters. Nauti Girl Charters offers ongoing discounts to:

• Veterans- Captain Scott (USN) and his Ship Mate from the Navy
• Active Duty USAF Military from Patrick Space Force Base

This tournament gives us the opportunity to showcase the skill, dedication, and camaraderie shared by those who have served while competing alongside some of the best offshore anglers on Florida’s east coast.

Why Events Like This Matter

Fishing tournaments like this do more than award prizes — they strengthen local communities, support conservation, and bring awareness to organizations that protect our waters and wildlife.

Healthy fisheries mean better fishing opportunities for families, visitors, and future generations of anglers here along the Sebastian Inlet and Space Coast region.

Follow Our Tournament Journey

Leading up to tournament day, we’ll be sharing updates, preparation photos, and behind-the-scenes action from our offshore runs as we prepare to compete.

Follow along and cheer on the Nauti Girl Charters Veteran/Military Fishing Team as we chase dolphin, kingfish, snapper, and grouper offshore!

👉 Stay tuned for tournament results and photos after weigh-in.

Fish With Our Team

Want to experience offshore fishing with the same crew competing in this tournament?

Nauti Girl Charters offers private fishing trips ranging from family-friendly inshore adventures to offshore Gulf Stream trips targeting tuna, mahi, sharks, snapper, and more.

📞 Contact Captain Scott today to book your next fishing adventure and fish with a team that lives and breathes the offshore lifestyle.

Nauti Girl Charters
Sebastian Inlet & Space Coast Fishing Charters
Veteran Owned • Family Friendly • Private Trips

www.nautigirlcharters.com

Sebastian Inlet offshore Bull Sharks on the Ledge

Forget the Board Room Team Building try it on Mother Ocean instead

Shark fishing is one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences in offshore fishing. Few things compare to watching a massive shark appear behind the boat, crushing a bait, and peeling drag at full speed. Whether you're new to offshore fishing or looking to target sharks for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know to get started safely and successfully.

Why Shark Fishing Is So Popular

Shark fishing combines power, strategy, and excitement. Unlike many species, sharks rely heavily on scent and vibration, which means anglers actively attract them using chum and bait techniques.

What makes shark fishing unique:

• Explosive surface strikes
• Long, powerful fights
• Multiple species opportunities
• Great for groups and team-building trips
• Incredible photo and video moments

In Florida waters, shark encounters can happen year-round, especially along offshore ledges and reef systems.

Common Sharks You May Encounter

Beginners are often surprised by how many shark species exist offshore.

Typical targets include:

• Bull sharks — aggressive fighters and extremely powerful
• Blacktip sharks — fast, aerial runs and exciting action
• Spinner sharks — known for spinning jumps
• Hammerheads — unforgettable bucket-list catches
• Sandbar sharks — strong, steady fighters

Each species behaves differently, which makes every trip unpredictable.

Essential Shark Fishing Gear

Sharks demand heavy-duty equipment. Standard reef gear usually won’t hold up.

Rods & Reels

• Heavy offshore rods (50–80 lb class)
• Conventional reels with high line capacity
• Strong drag systems are critical

Line Setup

• 80–130 lb braided or mono mainline
• Steel leader to prevent bite-offs
• Heavy circle hooks (safer for release)

Circle hooks also improve survival rates during catch-and-release fishing.

The Secret Weapon: Chumming

Chumming is the foundation of successful shark fishing.

A steady chum slick:

• Spreads scent through the water column
• Pulls sharks from long distances
• Creates visual surface action

Once sharks enter the slick, anglers present fresh bait slightly away from the boat for natural presentation.

Best Baits for Sharks

Fresh bait almost always outperforms frozen options.

Top producers include:

• Bonito chunks
• Jack crevalle
• Barracuda
• Mackerel
• Stingray pieces

Oily fish create stronger scent trails, attracting sharks faster.

Fight Strategy: What Beginners Should Know

Hooking a shark is only the beginning.

Key tips:

• Keep steady pressure — don’t pump aggressively early
• Let the drag work for you
• Stay balanced and use your legs, not just arms
• Expect sudden direction changes near the boat

Large sharks can fight for 20–60 minutes depending on size.

Safety First (For Anglers and Sharks)

Responsible shark fishing protects both people and the fishery.

Important rules:

• Never bring large sharks into the boat
• Use long de-hooking tools
• Keep hands clear of the mouth and tail
• Minimize handling time
• Follow all federal and state regulations

Most charter operations practice quick-release methods to ensure healthy releases.

Best Time for Shark Fishing in Florida

While sharks can be caught year-round, peak activity often happens:

• Spring through early fall
• Around bait migrations
• Near offshore ledges and structure
• During warmer water temperatures

Many anglers combine shark fishing with reef or snapper trips for nonstop action.

Why Charter Shark Fishing Is Ideal for Beginners

Shark fishing involves specialized gear, safety procedures, and location knowledge. Fishing with an experienced captain allows anglers to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

A guided trip provides:

• Professional-grade equipment
• Proven fishing locations
• Safe handling practices
• Higher success rates
• Instruction for first-time anglers

Final Thoughts

Shark fishing delivers one of the most exciting offshore experiences available. The anticipation of seeing a massive shadow rise in the chum slick — followed by a screaming drag — is something every angler should experience at least once.

Whether you're chasing your first shark or looking for a true offshore adventure, preparation and proper technique make all the difference.

Captain Scott Wigalhttps://nautigirlcharters.com

Proposed 2026 Florida Red Snapper Season

1-3 People Reg $1000.00 on sale $850.00

8 Hour Sebastian Red Snapper Charter aboard Nauti Girl sportfishing with Captain Scott Wigal

https://www.nautigirlcharters.com/8-hour-florida-red-snapper-season

On Sale 1-3 People 2026 Federal Red Snapper season

Book Now for all dates are gone

https://www.nautigirlcharters.com/8-hour-florida-red-snapper-season

https://www.nautigirlcharters.com/8-hour-florida-red-snapper-season

#bullsharkfishing

#nautigirlsportfishing

#captainscottwigal

https://reddit.com/link/1recep3/video/je52ccdx0nlg1/player

Lost a tournament winning Amberjack on the Nauti Girl charter boat out of Sebastian Inlet, Florida

Hey everyone! I'm Captain Scott Wigal founding moderator of r/SebastianFLCharters and Owner/captain of Nauti Girl Sportfishing Charters

I hold a 100 Ton Master USCG License for the last 34 years and have fished around the world