Lemon shark in Florida

Meet the species

Lemon shark
Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Scientific name

Negaprion brevirostris

Overview

An abundant, inshore tropical shark that inhabits both estuarine and nearshore waters of the gulf and atlantic coasts of Florida. Commonly enters estuarine waters and often ventures into freshwater areas, but does not penetrate as far up rivers as the bull shark. Migrates southward and into deeper waters in the winter months.

Typical size

Up to 10.5 feet

At a glance

Regions
Statewide gulf, statewide atlantic
Water
Saltwater
Bait
Live mullet/pinfish/herring, cut bait & chum

Florida fishing record

Weight
397 lb 7 oz
Location
Dunedin
Date
Apr 29, 1977
Angler
Richard M. Guccione
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

397.44 lb; by richard M. Guccione; on 04/29/1977; at dunedin

When to fish

Good months

January–december

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide gulf & statewide atlantic

Water

Saltwater

Habitat

An abundant, inshore tropical shark that inhabits both estuarine and nearshore waters of the gulf and atlantic coasts of Florida. Commonly enters estuarine waters and often ventures into freshwater areas, but does not penetrate as far up rivers as the bull shark. Migrates southward and into deeper waters in the winter months.

More locations and access

How to catch

Same shallow-water shark tactics: wire bite leader + circle hook

Bait

Live mullet/pinfish/herring, cut bait & chum

Videos

Sources

Fishing videos from local voices

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.