Article Surfing Archive

Fishing for sharks is an extreme form of fishing and is not for the faint hearted. As this can be a dangerous sport, it is very important that you know a few things about it before going out to sea and hunting these magnificent creatures.

The first thing to do when embarking on a shark fishing trip is to make sure you start off with all the gear you need on hand. Remember your straps or you may end up overboard with the sharks and become fresh bait! The equipment you use needs to be able to withstand a three hundred pound fish or larger ' you never know the size of the shark you might encounter.

If you know the specific type of shark you are looking to catch then you can more easily determine where to set your trap. First, attach your bait using a flat clip to the bow rail. Once the bait is on, attach a balloon or a weight and make sure it goes down roughly 80 feet. Rest the second bait in the trolley holder and sink it to 60 feet. The third line should be down 30 feet and baited without a balloon. If you allow your drags to be loose you will quickly hear them making noises if you get a bite. Similarly you might want to use different colored balloons so you know which line is being pulled.

As soon as you have caught your shark take care! First">All sharks have different temperaments and you need to be aware that they can behave erratically. Some sharks may take the bait and swallow and be landed with little struggle. Others may attack the boat or try to drag the line in the opposite direction. If a harness is required, make sure is it properly attached to the reel and boat.

When the shark is close to your boat, quickly gain the assistance of a fellow fisherman to help pull the shark on board. Use a hand wire to help you do this, and never fasten it to yourself. You must always be in position to release it easily if the shark appears likely to injure you. Sharks are very strong creatures and they can be volatile, so extreme care must be taken.

Take care to return the shark to the water unless you have a very good reason for keeping it. Legitimate reasons to take it with you include using it for food, being in a fishing competition, or you think it is a potential record breaker.

If you adhere to these basic tips, you will enjoy a much safer and successful shark fishing expedition that leaves you with great memories.