Land-Based Shark, Redfish & PompanoFishing Charters in Pensacola, FL
Real shark fights from the beach, not a boat. We rig up, you fight the fish — right off the Gulf Coast sand. No experience needed, all gear provided.
Licensed and permitted. Every trip follows current FWC shore-based shark fishing regulations: circle hooks only, no dragging sharks onto the beach, every fish released alive.
Guests From Across the Country
5-Star Trips
"My daughter and son in law came down for the 4th. We book a charter with Arinton at Saltwater Mercs. we had a freaking blast. Not 1 but 2 Tiger sharks we caught. What an awesome experience. Thank you Arinton. I highly recommend SALTWATER MERCS!!!!!"
"Absolutely incredible experience. Caught a 6-foot blacktip shark right off the beach. Captain was professional and made sure everyone had a blast. 10/10 would book again!"
"Best charter in Destin, period. The guys know exactly where to fish and the gear is top-notch. My kids are still talking about it."
What We Offer
Our Trips
4hr Beach Trip
Sharks, Redfish, Bluefish, and more. The perfect intro trip — great for families, first-timers, and groups of 4 or more.
+ $100 / additional hour
5hr Shark Trip
More time on the sand for bigger sharks and longer fights. A solid step up from the 4-hour — great for anglers who want the full shark experience.
+ $100 / additional hour
Full Day Shark
All-day shark adventure — the ultimate experience for serious anglers. 12 hours on the water.
+ $100 / additional hour
+$100 per additional hour · All gear provided · Based in Destin, FL
Real Catches, Real People
The Haul
Follow us for daily fishing adventures
Your Guide
Meet Arinton
15+
Years Fishing
450+
Charters Run
Gulf Coast
Home Waters
I started fishing at 12 years old in the Florida Keys, where my dad taught me everything I needed to know about the water. As an adult in Miami, I fished up to three times a week with a tight crew, targeting snook, tarpon, and jacks all around the state. That's when the idea for Saltwater Mercs was born.
I moved to Pensacola in 2019 and fell in love with surf fishing on the Emerald Coast immediately. These beaches gave me the space to master the craft — and I love nothing more than passing that on to every guest I take out.
Since then, I've run 450+ charters here, specializing in sharks, redfish, and pompano. All gear is provided. No experience needed — I've taken out total beginners and lifelong anglers, and the trip adjusts to whoever's standing next to me.
Or email saltwatermercs@gmail.com
How It Works
Fishing From the Beach, Not a Boat
Land-based shark fishing means we fight fish right from the beach — no boat, no seasickness, no crowded marina. You meet Capt. Arinton on the sand in Pensacola, FL, and the Gulf of Mexico becomes your charter.
Most fishing charters run offshore and burn fuel all day chasing fish that may or may not bite. We do the opposite. We set up on shore, where the sharks, redfish, and pompano come to feed in the surf. You stand on solid sand the whole trip. That makes land-based shark fishing a great fit for families, first-timers, and anyone who gets queasy on a boat.
Capt. Arinton handles all the rigging and casting. You watch the lines, feel the bite, and fight the fish yourself. No experience is needed. First-timers, kids, and seasoned anglers all land their own catch. All gear is provided — rods, reels, circle hooks, bait, and everything in between. You bring sunscreen and a cooler; we bring the fish.
We target sharks, redfish, and pompano along the Pensacola beaches and the wider Gulf Coast. Sharks are the headline. Tiger sharks, blacktips, and more show up in the surf all season long. Redfish and pompano round out the trip for anglers who want steady action on lighter tackle.
Every trip follows current FWC shore-based shark fishing rules. Circle hooks only. No dragging sharks onto the beach. Every fish is released alive and unharmed. We are licensed and permitted, and we fish by the book so the fishery stays healthy for years to come.
Booking is simple. Text Capt. Arinton at (850) 530-3971 with your preferred date and group size. We confirm by text or phone within 24 hours. No deposit, no payment up front — just show up on the beach ready to fish.
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