Saltwater Fishing - Hooking Up With Sharks
If you have never went fishing for sharks before, then you will need to know some basic information before you get out there. Sharks are very aggressive and can also be very dangerous, so I will go over what you need to know about shark fishing.
If it is your main goal to actually catch a shark, the best time to do it is in May if you are in Florida. The temperature is not too hot and it will attract more of the predators you seek. If you decide to fish for sharks in the middle of the summer, you should be aware of water temperatures and try to find the coolest spot possible.
Preparation is the key to shark fishing, make a checklist before you go and make sure you have everything that you will need. You will need a strong fishing rod and reel that can hold at least 50 pound test. You will also want to have a safety harness so you do not get pulled in the water and become bait yourself.
There are many types of bait that you can use, you could use live bait, which is preferred, cutting the tail off will increase the scent of the bait also. Chum will also greatly increase you chances of hooking up with a shark, bloody the waters and they will come.
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.
Once you have the shark up to the boat you have the option of landing it or setting it free. To land a shark you will need help, you can gaff the shark if it is not to big. If the shark is huge, you will have to rope the shark inland tied behind or beside the boat.
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.
Jerry Collinsburg has been fishing in florida for over 15 years. For more tips on how to catch sharks you can read his entry on his website. Shark Fishing Florida