Shark Fishing
Shark fishing is tough! Man, having tamed all the fierce beasts that walk the earth, now looks toward the shark, fiercest killer in the sea. Over the ages fishing men have hated sharks, and the feeling has apparently been mutual. Men have killed sharks and vice versa. But now, man is learning to respect these monsters from another era; he is discovering that shark fishing may be the wildest sport left in the world that pits man against beast. Here is a contest where the end is always in doubt because the shark is one of the few creatures left that, in its own element, can honestly challenge the dominance of man.
Offshore Shark Fishing
Most sharks are caught offshore. In fact most sharks are probably caught while fishing for other species. Sharks are not just scavengers but love a live bait as thousands of anglers can attest to, having lost prize catches to sharks when the prize was halfway to the boat.
For average shark-fishing off-shore, tackle in the 30- to 50-pound-class range is right, though for the biggest sharks you would have to go heavier. The advantage to 30-pound tackle is that you can stand while fighting. Wire leaders are an absolute must, with single strand the best choice to hold up against shark bite. IGFA regulations limit you to 15-foot leaders, if you are after records. Hooks do not have to be as large as they must be strong. Sizes 8/0 to 12/0 will do for average fishing.
Like other game species sharks like live baits best, and though they have a garbage-can reputation, fresh dead baits will always out-fish stale or even frozen baits. However, almost any kind of fish is potential shark bait. Mackerel, small tuna, squid and baitfish locally abundant are tops.
Some brave souls' fish for sharks offshore from small boats, but this can only be recommended for the experienced. Big boats are safer and a lot more comfortable. Gin poles, fighting chairs, bang sticks, tail ropes, belly ropes, flying gaffs, flag buoys, chum pots, outriggers, fish bats, flying bridges, tuna towers, etc. are examples of some necessary accessories. If the cost of all this concerns you, may we suggest chartering? But, be sure your captain is enthusiastic about sharks.
Shark Fishing on the Flats
Perhaps the most exciting place a fisherman can confront a shark is from a skiff in shallow water. The fact that the water is thin doesn't mean that the sharks are. Mighty hammerheads weighing up to 600 pounds emerge from deep Florida Bay channels to charge across the flats. In only three feet of water their dorsal fins protrude above the surface. When sharks chase redfish and tarpon their speed is amazing and water flies up in a rooster-tail as from a hydroplane.
Heavy popping rods, plug-casting, and beefy spinning rods are the right sticks here. The artificial lure or bait must be cast to the passing shark. Unlike other flats fish, the shark does not spook easily, and the cast must be made close to its biting end to produce results. Wire leaders, strong hooks and tested knots are musts.
Many kinds of sharks feed on the shallows. Lemon, small black-tip, yellow ground, large black-tip, spinner, bonnet, tiger and others will hit a fly, jig or plug (or bait chunk) when it is presented right. South Florida, Mexico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Virgin Islands and other West Indies spots are all prime locations for this kind of shark fighting, even though it may not have been tried there before.
The sharks come in all sizes. Better start small and work your way up. Teach yourself all about shallow-water shark fighting. It's the sport of the future.
Warning: Do not take this sport lightly. Large sharks have been known to attack and sink fishing skiffs. Sharks know no fear. Do not fish alone. If a shark acts mean tempered, depart.....at full throttle.
