Shark FYVE
Gulf Region waters

Active Region · Open

Shark FYVEGulf Region

5 Sharks. 1 Ultimate Challenge.U.S. Gulf Coast from Florida through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, excluding areas assigned to the South Florida RegionFrom the Florida Panhandle through Louisiana and Texas, the Shark FYVE Gulf Region draws on rig fishing, deep ledges, and bay system species. Big bait, heavy tackle, and some of the most productive shark water in North America.

OpenView the Gulf Region ChallengeVerified Operators
27.6648° N · 90.4500° WCoordinates
5Qualifying species
—Verified 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.

Bull Shark
01/05

Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

The Gulf's signature shark. Bays, passes, and rig structure year-round.

Lemon Shark
02/05Release Only

Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Prohibited from harvest in Florida state waters. Release-only entry.

Tiger Shark
03/05Release Only

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

Release-only. Keep the shark in the water during release.

Hammerhead Shark
04/05Release Only

Hammerhead Shark

Sphyrna mokarran

Great, Scalloped and Smooth Hammerheads are release-only. Do not remove from the water.

Dusky Shark
05/05Release Only

Dusky Shark

Carcharhinus obscurus

Prohibited from harvest in all U.S. waters. Release at boatside only.

★ Plus One

Legendary Bonus Species

To be announced

A rare sixth entry for the Gulf 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 Gulf Region.

  2. R.02

    NOAA HMS Atlantic Tunas/Sharks permit required for federal-water shark fishing from a vessel.

  3. R.03

    Non-stainless circle hooks are required when fishing natural bait for sharks in HMS waters.

  4. R.04

    Dusky, Hammerhead, Tiger and Lemon entries must remain in the water for release and photography.

  5. R.05

    Confirm current NOAA HMS and state rules for Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas 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 Gulf?

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

Submit a CatchVerified Operators
← All Regions