Beginners Guide To Shark Fishing

Every sport there is has a category that is set aside for the extreme. Believe it or not, there are some that were not scared by the movie Jaws and they choose to seek out sharks instead of run from them. If you are so bold as to take on shark fishing, you should understand some basics before hitting the open waters.

If you are fishing in Florida, then you can hunt for sharks all year round. The deeper the water is, the better chance you have of landing a big shark. Big sharks can be found inshore, but there are not as many as there are in the deep waters of the Gulf or the Atlantic ocean.

There are some main fishing items you will need before you go shark fishing. This will consist of multiple fishing rods, the more lines you have out the better chance you have of catching a big one. These fishing rods and reels should hold at least 200 yards of line and at least 60 pound test.

As most of us know that sharks can smell blood from miles away, so you will need some bloody chum to attract them by the boat. As for bait I would recommend using live bait, like a big pinfish or blur runner with the tail cut off.

It is important to know what type of shark you are wanting to fish. Different sharks swim at different levels and temperatures. In order to set a shark trap, you will have to tie your farthest bait off the bow rail with a flat line clip. Make sure that the line is out of the way and stay in the highest rocket holder on the particular side of the boat from which you are fishing.

As soon as you have waited and finally caught your first shark, you better be prepared. Sharks will have different temperaments and act according to their agitation. Some sharks have been known to slightly drag the bait before they swallow, while other sharks will run at the boat, run in the opposing direction from the boat, or come right up to the boat.

Now that you have the shark close to the boat, your experienced sidekick will be able to help. You will want to hand wire the shark into the boat. Hand wires are meant to be sturdy and they will not break if you are attached to them. Do not wrap the wire around your hand because you want to be able to let go of the wire easily if you have to. If you are keeping a shark, you will need to gaff and rope it by its tail.

Sharks should only be kept if the intentions are to eat them or hang them on the wall. They have been over fished in the past and used only for their fins, which is now illegal. Help protect the sharks by cutting the line and letting them go, the hook will eventually rot out and will not harm the shark if the line is cut.