I have decided i would like to give shark fishing a try, i have done it on charters a couple of times however never out of my own boat, i do alot of offshore tuna fishing (mainly chunking) and i have four Shimano TLD 50 LRS reels with 80lb line matched with 50 - 80 lb stand up style rods. I figured these rods would do the job for small to medium size sharks. The real question i have is what do i use for leader material and what size hooks do i use. I can get fresh elwives and manheaden so i figured these would work as chum and bait, but if you have any better suggestions i would appreciate them......Thanks, Josh
New to shark fishing
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1,824 Posts
The leader-the thin line between heartbreak & success
Josh,
Your Rod & reel combo with 80 pound test is good even for the big fish.
No matter what rod & reel combo you choose, the one thing that should remain constant is the terminal tackle. The total length of the leader ranges anywhere from 14 to 16 feet. The tag end is made with ten feet of 400 to 600 pound braided cable, crimped to a 500 pound barrel swivel which is haywire twisted to six feet of #14 Single strand wire. The leader is then capped off with a Southern Mustard 10/0 #7731 or 7698. The 7699 kirbed style is also fine. However keep in mind that on fast drift days or on slow trolling the kirbed hook will spin your bait. I also add a rattle and skirt for sound & movement.
Since 99% of my sharks will be tagged and released, some may think this style leader isn't practical. When you finally get that 600 pound thresher or a mako larger that 300-pounds you will realize how practical it is.
Josh,
Your Rod & reel combo with 80 pound test is good even for the big fish.
No matter what rod & reel combo you choose, the one thing that should remain constant is the terminal tackle. The total length of the leader ranges anywhere from 14 to 16 feet. The tag end is made with ten feet of 400 to 600 pound braided cable, crimped to a 500 pound barrel swivel which is haywire twisted to six feet of #14 Single strand wire. The leader is then capped off with a Southern Mustard 10/0 #7731 or 7698. The 7699 kirbed style is also fine. However keep in mind that on fast drift days or on slow trolling the kirbed hook will spin your bait. I also add a rattle and skirt for sound & movement.
Since 99% of my sharks will be tagged and released, some may think this style leader isn't practical. When you finally get that 600 pound thresher or a mako larger that 300-pounds you will realize how practical it is.
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4,148 Posts
I haven't actually managed to catch a shark yet; this season they better beware though...
For the leader, you can buy them pre-made/packaged at tackle shops. I'm cheap, so I crimped my own - everything you need, minus the hook & swivel, can be purchased at a local hardware store ( not to mention the axe ).
I've got a question to add; w/ a penn 115L (9/0), what line would you recommend for shark fishing?.. I almost bought a spool of 80lb mono, and then decided mabye I should go with 100lb.. then there's dacron.. then there's the braided wire lines.. What's my best bet for something simple that will suit the reel well?
Jon
For the leader, you can buy them pre-made/packaged at tackle shops. I'm cheap, so I crimped my own - everything you need, minus the hook & swivel, can be purchased at a local hardware store ( not to mention the axe ).
I've got a question to add; w/ a penn 115L (9/0), what line would you recommend for shark fishing?.. I almost bought a spool of 80lb mono, and then decided mabye I should go with 100lb.. then there's dacron.. then there's the braided wire lines.. What's my best bet for something simple that will suit the reel well?
Jon
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"Mono a Mono"
Jon,
Stick with the cheap stuff Mono. Shark fishing beat up the line pretty good and respooling during the season is usually a must.
You can get close to 500 yards of 80 mono on your 9/0. I would go with the regular Berkley, Highsea or Andy. You can pick up a little more line compacity if you go with Jinkai but I don't think it is worth the expense.
Jon,
Stick with the cheap stuff Mono. Shark fishing beat up the line pretty good and respooling during the season is usually a must.
You can get close to 500 yards of 80 mono on your 9/0. I would go with the regular Berkley, Highsea or Andy. You can pick up a little more line compacity if you go with Jinkai but I don't think it is worth the expense.
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874 Posts
dockboy,
I fish 30tw's and 50sw's for shark with 50lb test on the 30's and 80lb test on the 50's. Captain Larry makes some good points with regard to terminal tackle. Take notes, that's the important part.
Capt. H
I fish 30tw's and 50sw's for shark with 50lb test on the 30's and 80lb test on the 50's. Captain Larry makes some good points with regard to terminal tackle. Take notes, that's the important part.
Capt. H
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1,824 Posts
double trouble
Mr. Makom,
I do not use any double on any of my tackle. I really don't think you gain double strength.
For starters all of my offshore rods have Aftco roller guides on Sea Isle Blanks. The double line can sometime hang up on the rollers which is a big problem.
My leaders a quite long and when wiring the fish no one is allowed to touch mono. With double line wireman tend to get a little heavy handed. I like a wire man with a very light touch, with thin cotton gloves. If you can control the fish with that combo, then he is ready for the gaff shot.
With even some of the biggest fish the one think so far that hasn't happened in line failure due to no double line. Usually it is a pulled hook or broken leader.
I am not knocking double line, I just don't use it. Some guys like the double line because when the fish gets close and they have a wrap of double line on the reel they can increase the drag. I do the exact opposite. Reason being is that if the fish wants to go there is not enough mono out to stretch and take the shock.
Mr. Makom,
I do not use any double on any of my tackle. I really don't think you gain double strength.
For starters all of my offshore rods have Aftco roller guides on Sea Isle Blanks. The double line can sometime hang up on the rollers which is a big problem.
My leaders a quite long and when wiring the fish no one is allowed to touch mono. With double line wireman tend to get a little heavy handed. I like a wire man with a very light touch, with thin cotton gloves. If you can control the fish with that combo, then he is ready for the gaff shot.
With even some of the biggest fish the one think so far that hasn't happened in line failure due to no double line. Usually it is a pulled hook or broken leader.
I am not knocking double line, I just don't use it. Some guys like the double line because when the fish gets close and they have a wrap of double line on the reel they can increase the drag. I do the exact opposite. Reason being is that if the fish wants to go there is not enough mono out to stretch and take the shock.
I have never liked fishing long leader's
due to my dislike of people taking wraps(even when told not to). I use a windon leader with 400lb momoi mono with an escape proof snap attached to a 6'single wire leader with a barrel swivel. The wireman has the swivel to hold the fish for the gaffman.I have caught many large fish and for someone starting out this rig is a lot safer. Everyone has there own methods this has worked well for me.
due to my dislike of people taking wraps(even when told not to). I use a windon leader with 400lb momoi mono with an escape proof snap attached to a 6'single wire leader with a barrel swivel. The wireman has the swivel to hold the fish for the gaffman.I have caught many large fish and for someone starting out this rig is a lot safer. Everyone has there own methods this has worked well for me.
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874 Posts
Don't skimp on the wire
Gaffman2,
IMHO, that rig is a lost fish waiting to happen. You have been fortunate up to now. You need more than six feet or you will lose fish !!
Capt. H
P.S. I know, because I learned the hard way !
Gaffman2,
IMHO, that rig is a lost fish waiting to happen. You have been fortunate up to now. You need more than six feet or you will lose fish !!
Capt. H
P.S. I know, because I learned the hard way !
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5,904 Posts
Capt.L,
On a night trip this past Aug. we lost a really nice mako after about 5 cartwheels.He must of landed on the single wire and kinked it.As soon as we had pressure on the fish it popped.The next day I did over all my rigs differently.Instead of a 6' length of single wire I went with a 3' length and made the cable end longer.I figured there was less chance of a fish landing on the single wire now.I mentioned it here and a few guys agreed with that adjustment.Whats your opinion on this setup?Thanks
paulie
On a night trip this past Aug. we lost a really nice mako after about 5 cartwheels.He must of landed on the single wire and kinked it.As soon as we had pressure on the fish it popped.The next day I did over all my rigs differently.Instead of a 6' length of single wire I went with a 3' length and made the cable end longer.I figured there was less chance of a fish landing on the single wire now.I mentioned it here and a few guys agreed with that adjustment.Whats your opinion on this setup?Thanks
paulie
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1,824 Posts
Inch by Inch
Big B,
Good concept, I have been making the single strand wire shorter & shorter. I have not gone to 3' yet. My concerns is on a gut hook big fish that the cable will rest on the jaws inside of the single strand wire. A big mako will break those strans one thread at a time until freedom. The answer I'am not sure. I don't think that shorting the leader to 3'feet that night would have gotten you the fish.
I have made a special rig for night sight fishing. It is a braid of single strand with cable for the a dream fish. I have not tried it yet.
In keeping with airborn makos I like a tight drag to keep the lie tight to prevent kinks.
Big B,
Good concept, I have been making the single strand wire shorter & shorter. I have not gone to 3' yet. My concerns is on a gut hook big fish that the cable will rest on the jaws inside of the single strand wire. A big mako will break those strans one thread at a time until freedom. The answer I'am not sure. I don't think that shorting the leader to 3'feet that night would have gotten you the fish.
I have made a special rig for night sight fishing. It is a braid of single strand with cable for the a dream fish. I have not tried it yet.
In keeping with airborn makos I like a tight drag to keep the lie tight to prevent kinks.
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13,099 Posts
Terminal tackle, the long n' short of it.............
dockboy, there are several different rigs you can use to connect your terminal tackle to the snap swivel, but before I explain a couple of the more successful ones, it might be a good idea to talk about total leader length. I fish a 26' boat, but, my ****pit length is only about ½ that. When the snap swivel makes it's first appearance during the battle, I have the rod man back up, move forward in the boat as far as he can. When he reaches that point, between the tip of the rod, which is about 4' away from him, I am left with approx. 8' of wire between that point and the transom, this assumes that the snap swivel is inches away from the rod tip. I base my leader length on that, so on my boat, I fish with a total leader length of approx. 12'. This makes the wireman's job easier as now the fish is approx. 4' off the starboard corner, again, assumption made here is that the boat is moving, which keeps everything in place as described. Basing your leader length on your boat size also helps a great deal if you are fishing with an inexperienced crew. I often fish with just 1 other person, and then I will use an 8'-10' leader.
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make any of the two rigs I will explain.
1. Mustard Mate Hooks, size 10/0, style 7698 straight or 7699 offset. Sharpen all hooks to razor sharp, they DO NOT come that way out of the box
2. Sampo solid ring minimum 300lb ball bearing swivel
3. Premium grade stainless steel wire, brands, American Fishing Wire, or Stealth, in size # 18, .041, 325lb. Test.
4. Stainless Steel cable, brands, Trident, 7 strands, minimum size .049, 270lb. Test. Also, Hi-Seas mini double sleeve crimps, for above wire, size 1.6mm
5. Crimping tool, Hi-Seas makes some good affordable ones.
The simplest, easiest, and oldest way to make a rig is to just use wire, and a hook. Tie a Haywire Twist to the tag end and the same around the hook. I started shark fishing back in 1964, back then we used piano wire I think. This is a good rig, and many, many good fish have been taken over the years using this.
Another way to make a rig, a better rig, is to combine the stranded cable with single strand. Use approx. 2/3 cable to 1/3 single strand. Crimp a double overhand loop for the tag end on the cable and the same to the barrel, then haywire twist single strand from the barrel to hook. Keeping with the 2/3 -1/3 method assures that the bait is presented more naturally.
Using the combination rig has it's advantages in that the stranded is easier to handle when wiring the fish, and also a LOT more forgiving. The barrel also provides a nice "handle" to grab. Never, I repeat, NEVER, take a wrap on your hand with the any of the wires with a good fish on, even a ½ way decent fish.
At 1st. glance you may think the single wire rig is the cheapest in terms of cost, however, they are about the same. Reason being, many times you will want to cut the wire and set the fish free so as not to cause it unnecessary stress or harm. If you were using single strand and did that, the amount of wire you are left with is more often then not only good to make Bluefish rigs out of. Using the double wire rig, you simply have to replace the 1/3 of wire below the barrel.
As far as accessories are concerned, the shark skirts make nice additions to your rigs, however, I would not use them on all your rigs, try them on 1 or 2 and see what's working that day. I have mixed feelings about the rattles, sometimes I use them, and sometimes I don't. I don't really think they rattle. Pick one up in your hand and go up and down with it the same you might think it would do in the water, it makes no noise. If you shake it vigorously though, which won't happen in the water, then it makes noise. Who knows, they are made of that glow in the dark material I think, so maybe that helps too.
I'll try and post a few photos of some rigs, and then tell you a little bit about what I know of line, knots, swivels, and floats.
Tight lines,
MakoMatt
dockboy, there are several different rigs you can use to connect your terminal tackle to the snap swivel, but before I explain a couple of the more successful ones, it might be a good idea to talk about total leader length. I fish a 26' boat, but, my ****pit length is only about ½ that. When the snap swivel makes it's first appearance during the battle, I have the rod man back up, move forward in the boat as far as he can. When he reaches that point, between the tip of the rod, which is about 4' away from him, I am left with approx. 8' of wire between that point and the transom, this assumes that the snap swivel is inches away from the rod tip. I base my leader length on that, so on my boat, I fish with a total leader length of approx. 12'. This makes the wireman's job easier as now the fish is approx. 4' off the starboard corner, again, assumption made here is that the boat is moving, which keeps everything in place as described. Basing your leader length on your boat size also helps a great deal if you are fishing with an inexperienced crew. I often fish with just 1 other person, and then I will use an 8'-10' leader.
Here are all the ingredients you will need to make any of the two rigs I will explain.
1. Mustard Mate Hooks, size 10/0, style 7698 straight or 7699 offset. Sharpen all hooks to razor sharp, they DO NOT come that way out of the box
2. Sampo solid ring minimum 300lb ball bearing swivel
3. Premium grade stainless steel wire, brands, American Fishing Wire, or Stealth, in size # 18, .041, 325lb. Test.
4. Stainless Steel cable, brands, Trident, 7 strands, minimum size .049, 270lb. Test. Also, Hi-Seas mini double sleeve crimps, for above wire, size 1.6mm
5. Crimping tool, Hi-Seas makes some good affordable ones.
The simplest, easiest, and oldest way to make a rig is to just use wire, and a hook. Tie a Haywire Twist to the tag end and the same around the hook. I started shark fishing back in 1964, back then we used piano wire I think. This is a good rig, and many, many good fish have been taken over the years using this.
Another way to make a rig, a better rig, is to combine the stranded cable with single strand. Use approx. 2/3 cable to 1/3 single strand. Crimp a double overhand loop for the tag end on the cable and the same to the barrel, then haywire twist single strand from the barrel to hook. Keeping with the 2/3 -1/3 method assures that the bait is presented more naturally.
Using the combination rig has it's advantages in that the stranded is easier to handle when wiring the fish, and also a LOT more forgiving. The barrel also provides a nice "handle" to grab. Never, I repeat, NEVER, take a wrap on your hand with the any of the wires with a good fish on, even a ½ way decent fish.
At 1st. glance you may think the single wire rig is the cheapest in terms of cost, however, they are about the same. Reason being, many times you will want to cut the wire and set the fish free so as not to cause it unnecessary stress or harm. If you were using single strand and did that, the amount of wire you are left with is more often then not only good to make Bluefish rigs out of. Using the double wire rig, you simply have to replace the 1/3 of wire below the barrel.
As far as accessories are concerned, the shark skirts make nice additions to your rigs, however, I would not use them on all your rigs, try them on 1 or 2 and see what's working that day. I have mixed feelings about the rattles, sometimes I use them, and sometimes I don't. I don't really think they rattle. Pick one up in your hand and go up and down with it the same you might think it would do in the water, it makes no noise. If you shake it vigorously though, which won't happen in the water, then it makes noise. Who knows, they are made of that glow in the dark material I think, so maybe that helps too.
I'll try and post a few photos of some rigs, and then tell you a little bit about what I know of line, knots, swivels, and floats.
Tight lines,
MakoMatt
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5,904 Posts
Capt Larry,
you mentioned keeping a tight drag,after the hookup do you push it up to full drag before,during or after his first run?Thanks
paulie
you mentioned keeping a tight drag,after the hookup do you push it up to full drag before,during or after his first run?Thanks
paulie
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67,033 Posts
Dockboy,
As you can see we all basically do it the same way with relatively minor differences. The major difference is the legnth of solid wire. I like to use around 4 feet of wire. As Capt. Larry said, if mako get the cable in his mouth he can chew through it. I've seen it happen. 4 Feet will keep the cable out of the shark's mouth even if it is gut hooked. As for overall legnth I like leaders around 12 - 13 feet, remeber, if any part of the shark, including the tail can touch your mono, it will wear the mono away pretty quickly.
As you can see we all basically do it the same way with relatively minor differences. The major difference is the legnth of solid wire. I like to use around 4 feet of wire. As Capt. Larry said, if mako get the cable in his mouth he can chew through it. I've seen it happen. 4 Feet will keep the cable out of the shark's mouth even if it is gut hooked. As for overall legnth I like leaders around 12 - 13 feet, remeber, if any part of the shark, including the tail can touch your mono, it will wear the mono away pretty quickly.
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1,824 Posts
Kind of a Drag..................
Paulie,
Tight drag was what a said, but let me clarify. The drags on my 50SW are set for 18 pounds at strike. This gives me 24-26 pounds at full. On pick up the drag goes to strike which is 18 pounds and will stay there during the entire fight. I call that my magic number of pounds for a fish 250 & up.
If I I.D the fish as one I don't plan on keeping and wish to tag the drag goes all the way to full. I do this to get back into the game ASAP, and to tag and release a heatlh fish. The quick drag setting also helps to prevent blue sharks from rolling up the leader and making a mess. Also on big keepers as stated by Makomike you must keep the fish away from the mono. Either double or single the fish will break it in a flash.
You may have to work on your reels to get that combo drag setting, but that is
another chat and very hard to explan.
Sorry back to the question. I push the drag to strike during the first run. My rule of thumb is fast pick up fast strike, slow pick slow strike. Keep in mind that I fish my reels in free spool clicker on with a clothespin.
Paulie,
Tight drag was what a said, but let me clarify. The drags on my 50SW are set for 18 pounds at strike. This gives me 24-26 pounds at full. On pick up the drag goes to strike which is 18 pounds and will stay there during the entire fight. I call that my magic number of pounds for a fish 250 & up.
If I I.D the fish as one I don't plan on keeping and wish to tag the drag goes all the way to full. I do this to get back into the game ASAP, and to tag and release a heatlh fish. The quick drag setting also helps to prevent blue sharks from rolling up the leader and making a mess. Also on big keepers as stated by Makomike you must keep the fish away from the mono. Either double or single the fish will break it in a flash.
You may have to work on your reels to get that combo drag setting, but that is
another chat and very hard to explan.
Sorry back to the question. I push the drag to strike during the first run. My rule of thumb is fast pick up fast strike, slow pick slow strike. Keep in mind that I fish my reels in free spool clicker on with a clothespin.
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5,904 Posts
Larry,
thanks for the replies.I fish the shimano 50 2 speeds,I also use a fast strike on a fast pick up and fish them in freespool with the clicker on with a clothes pin however the only thing I'm doing different is my drag settings.I've been fishing my drags at 18lbs at full strike.Thats where I'm going wrong.I did this for safety reasons with standup equipment.Thanks again Larry.
paulie
thanks for the replies.I fish the shimano 50 2 speeds,I also use a fast strike on a fast pick up and fish them in freespool with the clicker on with a clothes pin however the only thing I'm doing different is my drag settings.I've been fishing my drags at 18lbs at full strike.Thats where I'm going wrong.I did this for safety reasons with standup equipment.Thanks again Larry.
paulie
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1,824 Posts
Nothing wrong
Paulie,
18 pounds at full is fine. As I stated earlier on all of the big fish we never ever go past 18 pounds. I use the additional pounds of drag for tag & release. You get a 250 blueshark on you can spend a lot of time on him using 18 pounds. Once I.D. I go full drag to get him tagged and off.
I also use the same reels for tuna. On chunk or troll with a good fish I go the full drag at 24 pounds if needed.
I just think the way that I set up reels I can cover a boarder range.
You had stated that you do it for safety reasons and that is very valid one. When my team fights a big shark there is a lot of supervision in the ****pit. If the angler is fairly new he is instructed do not touch the drag!It is where it should be.
On a closing note like I have stated early on the keeper makos & threshers I stay at 18 pounds and somethimes ever 16. With these setting once boat side you can usually handle the fish at gaff. Plus 18 pounds iS a lot it can really make your a....h..... pucker after 50 minutes. Why rush the good bites these are the trophy.
Paulie,
18 pounds at full is fine. As I stated earlier on all of the big fish we never ever go past 18 pounds. I use the additional pounds of drag for tag & release. You get a 250 blueshark on you can spend a lot of time on him using 18 pounds. Once I.D. I go full drag to get him tagged and off.
I also use the same reels for tuna. On chunk or troll with a good fish I go the full drag at 24 pounds if needed.
I just think the way that I set up reels I can cover a boarder range.
You had stated that you do it for safety reasons and that is very valid one. When my team fights a big shark there is a lot of supervision in the ****pit. If the angler is fairly new he is instructed do not touch the drag!It is where it should be.
On a closing note like I have stated early on the keeper makos & threshers I stay at 18 pounds and somethimes ever 16. With these setting once boat side you can usually handle the fish at gaff. Plus 18 pounds iS a lot it can really make your a....h..... pucker after 50 minutes. Why rush the good bites these are the trophy.
Drags
I fish the same system with the drag setting and it works well for me. We check the drags often to make sure they are on the money. I do prefer a little shorter overall leader than the "Legend" uses.
What about were in the ****pit do you prefer to gaff or release a fish. I do everything on the Starboard side. I also set up the rods on that side also along with the chum bag mid ship. Any comments?
I fish the same system with the drag setting and it works well for me. We check the drags often to make sure they are on the money. I do prefer a little shorter overall leader than the "Legend" uses.
What about were in the ****pit do you prefer to gaff or release a fish. I do everything on the Starboard side. I also set up the rods on that side also along with the chum bag mid ship. Any comments?
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1,824 Posts
You are a quick learner
Tony,
Very good you are a good student and quick learner. I think that the business side should always be the same. It just makes it simplier.
Tony,
Very good you are a good student and quick learner. I think that the business side should always be the same. It just makes it simplier.
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874 Posts
Quick Learner ????
Captain Larry,
What do you mean "Tony is a quick learner". He fished with you for thirty years, and I think he figured it all out after about twenty five. LOL
Capt. H
P.S. For those of you who don't know Tony, He's one of the best in the business !!
Captain Larry,
What do you mean "Tony is a quick learner". He fished with you for thirty years, and I think he figured it all out after about twenty five. LOL
Capt. H
P.S. For those of you who don't know Tony, He's one of the best in the business !!
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