Fish for Shark

Fishing has traditionally been a way for mankind to nourish itself. Today, fishing has taken on more of a recreational atmosphere for some. There are fishermen that have discovered a way to keep their feet firmly planted on the shore while reeling in large and powerful sharks largely for the thrill of the fight. Here is how to fish for shark.

Steps

  1. Choose the correct equipment for the size of shark you are wanting to catch.
    • Fishing for 2 to 6 foot (0.6 to 1.8 m) sharks requires: a reel that will hold at least 350 yards (320 m) of 20 to 40 pound (9 to 18.1 kg) test line, a 10 to 12 foot (3 to 3.65 m) fishing rod and a fighting belt.
    • Fishing for 6 foot to 8 foot (1.8 to 2.4 m) sharks requires: a reel that will hold at least 500 to 700 yards (457.2 to 640.1 m) of dark green or clear 50 pound (22.7 kg) test line, a 5 foot {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} to 7 foot (1.7 to 2.1 m) fishing rod with a minimum rating of 50 pounds (22.7 kg) and a metal alloy reel seat and a fighting belt with back harness.
    • Fishing for greater than 8 foot (2.4 m) sharks requires: a reel that will hold 800 to 1500 yards (731.5 to 1371.6 m) of black 100 pound (45.4 kg) test line, a 5 to 7 foot (1.5 to 2.1 m) fishing rod with a metal alloy reel seat and a fighting belt and lower back harness that focuses the center of gravity on the hips and below.
  2. Choose the correct shark bait for the size of shark you are wanting to catch.
    • Catching a 2 to 6 foot (0.6 to 1.8 m) shark requires a relatively small bait such as Whiting or a piece of Ladyfish.
    • Catching a 6 to 8 foot (1.8 to 2.4 m) shark requires about 1 lb. (.45 kg) of bait fish such as Mullet or Sand Trout.
    • Catching a shark greater than 8 feet (2.4 m) requires a large bait such as a 14 to 17 inch (0.36 to 0.43 m) horse mullet or a 10 - 15 lbs. (4.5 to 6.8 kg) section of Jack fish.
  3. Attach the sturdy leader between the line and the hook.
  4. Secure the shark bait onto the hook.
  5. Choose the correct manner of casting your line based on the size of shark you are wanting to catch.
    • Cast the bait and leader out 40 to 100 yards (36.6 to 91.4 m) off the beach or the pier in order to fish for 2 to 6 foot (0.6 to 1.8 m) sharks.
    • Paddle a kayak out 200 to 400 yards (182.88 to 365.76 m) offshore to let the line drop 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.6 m) down in order to fish for 6 to 8 foot (1.8 to 1.4 meter) sharks.
    • Ride a jet ski or zodiac, or paddle a kayak, out 300 to 800 yards (274.3 to 731.5 m) from the shore in order to fish for sharks greater than 8 feet (1.4 m).
  6. Drop your shark bait and go back to shore.
  7. Tighten the slack in the line. There should be 5 to 6 lbs. (2.3 to 3.2 kg) of pressure.
  8. Place the fighting belt with back harness near the fishing rod.
  9. Grab the fishing rod and run 10 yards (9.1 m) away from shore when a shark takes the bait.
  10. Call for help and put on your fighting belt with back harness.
  11. Lock down the reel after 60 seconds so that the hook is secure and the line does not break.
  12. Give and take with the shark. Reel the shark in, but when the shark resists, give it some room before pulling it back.
  13. Instruct a helper to wade in and grab the leader when it becomes visible and to drag the shark into shallow water.
  14. Move the shark up out of the water while 1 person opens jaws and places the hammer inside to keep the mouth open. The 2nd person uses pliers to remove the hook. If the hook is stuck or difficult to remove, use bolt cutters to cut it in half and remove the 2 pieces.
  15. Snap some photographs to remember the shark with, usually best from 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) off the ground.
  16. Release the shark back into the surf before it begins having difficulty getting oxygen.



Tips

  • Shark populations change depending on many factors including water temperature and availability of food source. Search message boards and ask locals for trends in shark populations.
  • When choosing a reel, it is important to think about whether it is easy to service, cheap to maintain and withstands the corrosive, sandy environment for which it is intended.
  • Check the 5 day marine weather forecast frequently, and rely only on the most updated forecast when deciding whether or not to follow through on fishing plans.
  • You can add 50 to 100 yards (45.7 to 91.4 m) of 80 pound (36.3 kg) test line as top shot between the line and the leader when fishing for 6 to 8 foot (1.8 to 1.4 m) sharks to add strength in the final stages of the reeling-in process.
  • Make sure to rebate and recast every 15-20min when shark fishing. This will help you cover more water and allow you to always fish with fresh bait, greatly increasing your chances of finding the right fish-producing area.

Warnings

  • Never keep a shark out of the water for over 5 minutes as releasing the shark becomes increasingly difficult the longer the gills are out of the water.
  • Never fish for sharks alone.
  • In Florida waters, do not keep your shark.

Things You'll Need

  • Rod
  • Reel
  • Line
  • Fighting Belt and Back Harness
  • Pliers
  • Bolt Cutters
  • 4 Pound (1.8 kilogram) Hammer
  • Kayak, jet ski, or zodiac
  • Bait
  • Leader
  • Hook

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Sources and Citations

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