If you are going to stand a chance of catching one of the decent sized sharks, you’re going to need the right gear to do it.
The three main parts of the gear will be the same components as with any other type fishing, with some changes of course to accomodate the bigger size and the bigger fight that you’re going to get.
Let’s assume for the sake of argument that we’re targeting sharks between 4 and 7 feet, and use this as the basis for our gearing.
Sharks of smaller than four feet can generally be landed with smaller stuff that you might use for surf fishing.
When you go to choose a shark rod, you have just two kinds to choose from. Spinning or bait cast.
A spinning rod will be a good choice if you plan on only using it a couple times a year, and it has the added advantage of being able to be used for either bait fish, or the shark fishing itself, and if you’re budget is a bit tighter its going to save you some money.
The only real down side to the spinning rod is that after hooking onto a couple bigger sharks, 5-6 feet, your drag is going into meltdown mode.
That being said, the 20 dollar spinner isn’t going to handle the fight that the shark can give you.
You’re probably looking at a 60-75 dollar investment to find a spinner reel that will handle the 400 yards of test line that you’re going to need, which will be 40 or 50 lb test.
When you go to find the rod, choose a heavy action one that is ten feet or more long, and will probably range between 70-90 dollars because thats what you’re going to need minimum to hook on and hang on.
The Penn 113 is a decent rod for shark seekers
This kind of gear is what you’d use when being part of a charter boat situation and if you are going to do this more than just a few times, its recommended that you go the distance and get it now, as opposed to starting smaller and needing more.
The price will range a bit higher, beginning at about 150 and heading up to as much as 750 dollars or more, but they do take the heat when you need to reel in a fish that is on top of the food chain. These guys will handle the bigger sharks of 8-12 feet and do a decent job.
The biggest issue you’re going to have with this is that its hard as heck to cast, and you can’t fish for bait fish with it, but if you are going to be doing this more than one or two times a year, you’re going to need a bit more advanced gear.
The main drawback of this type of reel is they are hard to cast and can’t be used for general bait fishing. Generally speaking this type of rod and real is better for an intermediate shark fisherman who will be fishing a dozen or more times per year.One blog I read recommends the Penn Senator 113 or 113H as a good combination for you that will cost a bit over 100 USD.
The leaders are going to take the heat from the shark strike
About 98% of your reel will be the main line. Your choices here are Monofilament or Microfiber, of which Monofilament is the chearper, but you’re going to sacrifice the yardage on the reel.
It also isn’t as resistant to breakage or abrasion and thats something that is definitely going to matter in this type fishing.
If you choose the spinning combination the microfiber is going to be your best bet because you need the resistance to abrading that it offers. Its going to cost more, probably about 25 dollars more, but you’re going to get to bring in your sharks more often when you use it.
The biggest and most important aspect of your sharking gear is going to be the tackle that you choose.
This is where the shark is hanging on.. or where you are hanging on to your shark, so something that takes the stress is a necessity.
When a shark sees a chunk of meat, they are going to swim past and snag it as fast as they can and when they do, they are going to swim off with your bait in their mouth.
If you don’t give any resistance then they start to swallowbut as soon as they feel any resistance or fight left in the bait all hell will break loose and you’re on the receiving end of it.
The shark may spin round, whip its body and tail to get away or try to stun or kill its prey.
The leader will take the massive force, you hope. If in fact the main line comes in touch with the sharks thrashing tail you might as well count him as history.
Decent hooks and weights are going to mean getting the shark to shore
A 400 lb stainless steel cable is highly recommended for all shark leaders. Some people have good success with piano wire.
All hooks and swivels should be attached with crimps with a rating that is close to this as well. To set up several shark leaders it is cheaper to buy all the material and make them yourself.
And in this way you can also use multiple hooks on a single leader in case the bait is bigger than normal.
Your leaders should always be at least a foot or two longer than the sharks you hope to target.
It should have a drop for a hook, a weight, and a swivel to attach to the main line.
Generally speaking you won’t find this type of tackle in any bait shop so plan ahead and make sure you have enough or extra materials to make more.
March 7, 2008
3/6/08
I bought the Penn 113H - the 4/0 with the black aluminum anodized casting spool - NOT the heavy trolling spool - is a very good caster if you can handle a conventional.
I’ve yet to get to fishing with it, but I took some practice casts at the River with a 6 oz. sinker and 10 Foot, 2-piece, Heavy, Ugly-Stik conventional - 30 lb mono with 50 lb shocker - and was getting a good 225-250 feet without backlash.
That Ugly model is rated up to 12 oz — and I’m sure it can handle it.
I think some folks can even cast the 114H - the 6/0 — because I found the 113H so workable, I Just bought the 114H too, though I’ve yet to try it.
Thanks for featuring this kind of fishing.
Bill Greene