Shark FYVE
South Florida Region waters

Founding Region · Open

Shark FYVESouth Florida Region

5 Sharks. 1 Ultimate Challenge.Florida Keys through Palm Beach CountyThe South Florida Region is the founding Shark FYVE region, based out of Key West. This challenge highlights five iconic shark species connected to the Keys' offshore waters, reefs, flats, and deep-water edges. Presented by Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing.

Founding RegionVerified Operators
24.5551° N · 81.7800° WCoordinates
5Qualifying species
4Verified operators
100%Catch & release

The FYVE Sharks

Five qualifying species.

Each species below counts as one mark toward Shark FYVE in this region. Some are strict release-only under local law — those rules are listed inline.

Verification standard

Photo or video evidence, operator confirmation where applicable, and a documented healthy release.

Tiger Shark
01/05Release Only

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Prohibited from harvest in Florida state waters. Release at boatside only.

Hammerhead Shark
02/05Release Only

Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran

Great, Scalloped, and Smooth Hammerheads are prohibited from harvest in FL state waters. Do not remove from the water.

Bull Shark
03/05

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Lemon Shark
04/05Release Only

Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Prohibited from harvest in Florida state waters.

Mako Shark
05/05Release Only

Mako Shark

Isurus oxyrinchus

Shortfin Mako retention is prohibited in U.S. Atlantic federal waters. Release-only entry.

★ Plus One

Legendary Bonus Species

To be announced

A rare sixth entry for the South Florida Region — reserved for exceptional encounters and confirmed with local captains before the species is named.

Regulations & Release

Know the law of the water.

Submissions must comply with current regulations. Shark FYVE verifies against these rules — incomplete or non-compliant entries are rejected.

  1. R.01

    Shark FYVE is a 100% catch-and-release challenge in the South Florida Region.

  2. R.02

    All shore-based fishing for sharks in Florida requires a no-cost Shore-Based Shark Fishing permit.

  3. R.03

    Non-stainless, non-offset circle hooks required when using natural bait for sharks from shore.

  4. R.04

    Prohibited species (incl. all Hammerheads, Tiger, Lemon, Sandbar, Sand Tiger, and others) must remain in the water during release.

  5. R.05

    Always confirm current FWC and NOAA HMS regulations before fishing.

Summary guidance only — not legal advice. Confirm rules with the governing authority for this region before fishing.

Ready to log a Shark FYVE catch in South Florida?

Members can submit verified catches toward their Shark FYVE in this region.

Submit a CatchVerified Operators
← All Regions