How to Fish for Sharks

Everybody knows the timeless theme from the movie Jaws when they hear it and what better way to remember it than by going shark fishing? This article will give you the knowledge that you will need to know to land a shark from a pier or the beach.

Things You'll Need

• large rod and reel with at least 20# test (a Penn Senator or something like it will do fine. Large spinning reels will also work) 100# or higher test leader wire 150# test swivel large very sharp hook a variety of egg sinkers ranging in size from 3 to 6 ounces bait (cut mullet, bonito, mackerel or ladyfish) beach spike (if fishing in the surf) rope and gaff

Instructions

1. Find a place to fish. A beach, pier or anything with saltwater is fine as sharks are everywhere.

2. Place your weight on the line. This will be held on by tying on the swivel. Several fishing knots can be used but the improved clinch knot works very well.

3. Twist wire leader onto the opposite side of the swivel from the line, under the weight. Do this by making a u shape in the wire and then using the tag end to wrap the wire around itself.

4. Twist the opposite side of the wire onto the hook, making sure that it has a good hold.

5. Bait your hook and cast as far as possible into the surf or off of the pier. Set your drag (this means turn the drag adjustment knob or dial so that line can feed off of the reel if something pulls on the baited end).

6. If fishing from the surf, place your rod into the beach spike. If fishing from a pier either set the rod down so that the line isn't touching the railing or if a rod holder is available you can use that.

7. Wait. Shark fishing requires patience.

8. When you hear the drag start to click out, let the shark run (or swim rather) for 10 seconds while tightening the drag just enough to set the hook. When you have counted to 10 pull the reel back in a sharp motion to set the hook and start to reel.

9. Let it swim when it wants, only cranking the reel when the shark isn't swimming away from you.

10. Pull him up. Once the shark is close enough, use the gaff if fishing from a pier to pull him up. If fishing from the beach use the rope and lasso the shark by the tail. After roping the tail, pull the shark to the beach. It is now ready to be bled and dressed.

Tips & Warnings

• Sharks can be caught day or night but more are caught at night. Know your local fishing regulations. Shark fishing is much easier with more than one person. This leaves you or a friend free to fight the fish and hold the rod while the other operates the gaff or rope. Bloody fish like mackerel and bonito work best for bait but other fish can be used in a pinch. A balloon can be used to float baits out if local laws permit.

• Sharks are very dangerous. Exercise caution when handling a shark live or dead.