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Step 1
Know your shark. When buying a reel the first consideration should be the kind of test line you'll be using, not the strength, size or quality of the reel itself. The test line choice is based on the kind of shark you're after. If you're unsure of this, simply ask experienced sharkers in the area you'll be fishing what kind of test line they prefer. Chances are that you'll get a range of standard answers.
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Step 2
Select your test line type and length. A good average point for test line is a 50-pound line at around 500 or 600 yards. This means that you'll be able to haul up anything short of a monster in any but the deepest waters without running out of line on the spool. However, if you predict there might be some larger animals in the water, you can opt for an 80-pound test line and longer line if you plan on fishing canyons or from the shore.
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Step 3
Start with a 50-pound reel. A high quality 50-pound is probably strong and big enough to suit your shark fishing needs. If you want to run a 80-pound test line, you can use a wide 50-pound reel. Check out some of the well known reel manufacturers such as Penn's Senator series or Shimano's Tiagre 50W. You can buy the reels as any well equipped fishing supply store.
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Step 4
Look at some different size reels. If you want to go higher or lower than a 50-pound reel you can opt for an 80-pound or, if you want something little less hefty, you can find both 30-pound and 40-pound reels that are suitable for shark fishing. Shimano and Penn make reels that can hold more than 400 yards of 30-pound or 40-pound test line. Another advantage to these reels is that they'll save you some money at the end of the day.
