All Nurse Shark fishing trips

The Nurse Shark, a common coastal species, is known for its docile nature and unique appearance, making it an interesting catch for anglers.
Difficulty level
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
Best seasons
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Recommended gear
A strong medium-heavy rod paired with a sturdy reel and 50-80 lb braided line is recommended. Natural bait such as squid or cut fish is effective. Use circle hooks to improve catch and release success. A heavy leader is advised due to their abrasive skin.
Techniques used
  • Bottom fishing with bait such as squid or fish
  • Using chum to attract Nurse Sharks
  • Spearfishing in reef areas
Habitat
Nurse Sharks inhabit warm shallow waters of the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific including coral reefs, sandy flats, and mangrove islands.
Most active
They are most active during twilight and at night, making early morning and evening prime times for fishing.
Best catching conditons
Ideal conditions include warm, clear, and calm coastal waters with sandy or rocky bottoms, often near reefs or wrecks.
Where it's found
They are commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to southern Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Depth most commonly found at
Nurse Sharks are commonly found at depths ranging from 3 to 50 feet.
Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum

Recoqnisable features

Colors
Nurse Sharks typically have a brown to grayish-brown coloration which helps them blend with the ocean floor.
Fins
They have two dorsal fins located far back on the body, a broad pectoral fin, and a long caudal fin aiding in slow, steady swimming.
Patterns
Their skin is usually uniform in color without distinct patterns, though juveniles may have faint spots.
Similar Species
  • Whale Shark
  • Leopard Shark
  • Bull Shark
Select start date
Date range – new
Rating
Rating
Price $ per night
Price $ per night - slider
Price $ per night - inputs
People
People - slider
2 — 36
Pets allowed
Pets allowed
Sanitary facilities available
Sanitary facilities available
Fish species
Fish species
Select start date
Date range – new
Rating
Rating
Price $ per night
Price $ per night - slider
Price $ per night - inputs
People
People - slider
2 — 36
Type of Trip
Type of Trip
Fish species
Fish species
Pets allowed
Pets allowed
Sanitary facilities available
Sanitary facilities available