Guide to Shark Fishing
Surf fishing for sharks is one of the most fun, rewarding hobbies I’ve every taken part in. Shark fishing is one of the least appreciated types of fishing especially when you’re doing it from a beautiful sandy beach. Most people think of sharks as ‘creatures of the deep’ or ‘man eaters’, but they are actually some of the best sports fishing to be had from the beach or boat. If you’re looking for something to do while enjoying the beach, shark fishing can provide an adrenaline-filled experience and a picture worth 1000 words.
For me it all started at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. My dad and I had setup one night on an incoming tide. We were inexperience just hoping for the big one. As the tide was coming in we had to move the poles back to stay dry. As soon as I pulled the bail back my hand felt like it was on fire. When I realized what was going on I could no longer hold the line. Screaming my fool head off my dad grabbed the pole, lock the bail, and set the hook. SNAP! The pole broke in half and needless to say we never saw the creature of the deep. All that to say that hilton head shark fishing is some adrenaline pumping fishing!
Introduction to Shark Fishing
With 5730 miles of coastline in the United States there is plenty of water for sharks to roam. Sharks are found along all coastline in the US, but Florida and gulf coast states see the majority of these magnificent creatures. The pacific coast has their share of sharks cruising the beaches but are generally the larger species including the Great White Shark. I would love to see you hook one of these guys from the beach and manage to land him on the beach.
Millions of people live within an hour of the coast line but few care about surf fishing, let alone beach shark fishing. Hundreds of thousands of people visit coastal regions for vacation every year and little know that shark fishing is even an option. Let’s face the facts. There are more sharks on the beaches than anyone would care to recognize. You would be amazed at the number of sharks swimming among beach goers. What’s important to remember is that sharks don’t purposely bite people. We aren’t a natural food source for them. The majority of bites you hear about on the news are caused by being at the right place at the wrong time. Let’s say you’re out swimming in the waves and below you a school of bait fish (shark bait) has just surrounded you. You don’t know it but the 6ft Blacktip or Spinner shark was in the area and has just found its meal for the day. Unfortunately for you, you accidentally got bit, but thankfully sharks don’t like t-shirts!
Beach shark fishing is truly wonderful because you can enjoy the beach and all its beauty, and at the same time have the chance at experiencing one of the greatest creatures that roams the waters. Not to mention an adrenaline rush that is second to none. Keep reading this guide to learn about the best shark gear, the best locations to shark fish, what to use for shark bait, and how to catch and release one of these powerful beasts.
Have a tip or see something I missed? Want to ask a question? Just drop a quick comment below and I get back to you before your next big shark fishing trip.
I think I’ll stay safely tucked away in a beach towel somewhere on the sand - I have an aversion to things with big teeth! Have a nice afternoon
THAT PHOTOGRAPH DOES NOT BELONG TO THIS BLOGGER AND IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED… THE ANGLER IN THE IMAGE IS ERIC OZZLINS OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TX… I SUGGEST YOU REMOVE IT
I am sure the gentleman you refer to is proud he is known around the world as the bravest shore angler around the world. I would be.
Les Luker
GET OVER IT ASSHOLE…IT’S ONLY A PICTURE!
I MEAN GIVE ME A BREAK THIS PICTURE ONLY ILLUSTRATES(ILLUSTRATES MEANS “SHOWS”) WHAT THE AUTHOR IS TRYING TO SHOW THE WORLD ABOUT SHARK FISHING!
PLEASE JUST GO BACK TO YOUR 9 TO 5 JOB AND QUIT LOOKING FOR A LAWSUIT…AND PLEASE STOP THE STUPID ASS LAWSUITS YOU “THINK” YOU COULD GET OUT OF PEOPLE BECAUSE I AM TIRED OF DUMB MOTHER FUCKERS LIKE YOUR STUPID ASS!
PS. YOU PROBABLY HAVE NEVER EVEN HELD A FISHINGPOLE IN YOUR DULL QUEER LIFE…GO KILLYOURSELF PLEASE DO US THAT FAVOR ASSWIPE!
GO FUCK YOURSELF!!!!!
Dude, I just read your comment to that Geek and Im laughing my ass off! I was thinking the same thing, that guy needs to get a life! I go down to Florida every April and do some surf fishing for shark and it’s awesome! I went on this site to get some tips when I read what that guy said, what a looser.
Later Bro!
john connelly your obviously so petty that you would pick up on that? Grow up, and grow some balls love melissa
u r a chicken i am 14 and would love to catch a shark
I’m sure you can get a lot of adrenaline from such an experience, and I would love to do this, but with someone who did something like this before.
Nope, I will leave the shark fishing to those who are dare devils..not for me hahaha. I dont want to be fish food.
Hi there!
Nice weblog you have here. I love fishing too but have no pictures to share with at my weblog…
Would love to have your comments on my weblog.
Thanks & regards,
Diana.
im going to port aransas texas for vacation .. i grew up on the coast near galveston, texas.. i have equipment.. just need new tips.. on some shark fishing .. my little boy wants to see one.. .. i always used squid for bait… any ideas that could help.. and do i still have too wade out to my chest to cast wayyy out…. thanks bruce..
Cut or live mullet has always worked really well for me when shark are in the area. This is also a good bait since most of the other big gamefish like mullet as well. If mullet isn’t available any larger cut bait or squid will work.
I would only walk out to my arm pits if I could hit the first gut with the cast. Sometimes when you’re throwing large shark baits it can be difficult to cast due to the weight of the bait. If you’re throwing squid or cut mullet I was just give it a good heave into the first gut.
Good Luck!
Nathan,
Squid tends to be a deep water bait and while it is commonly sold at most bait stores, it is relatively unproductive. You’ll have much better luck with cut-bait. I’m sure you catch a plentitude of small fish using shrimp. If you want to catch a big shark, I use the heads of eith bluefish or mullet. I tend to go with a #9 circle hook, and 5 foot wire leader 80lb test or stronger. The wire leader is very important. One whip of the tail and a shark can cut through a 40lb shock leader no problem. A weight slide with the slide above the wire leader and sliding on your shock leader works best and attached to it a pyramid sinker of the right sixe for the current you’re fishing in. If you want more info feel free to email me at joereynard25@yahoo.com. I’ll be happy to explain in more detail as to the actual tackle I use.
Can you help me understand how the rig works? is the weight above the hooks or below?
No need to wade out if you have someone or see someone who is willing to run your bait out for you with a Kayak/Jetski/small boat from the shore
I personaly use a Kayak! As for bait, i dont use squid. I use mullet or any bait fish I catch in a cast net on shore. Just cut em up and rig em! I used to live in Galveston, I worked at UTMB and went to school there! I now live at Jekyll Isle GA, which seems to be filled with sharks. God I love it! I heading out again in about an hour 
Casting shark bait??? Don’t you guys use the non return sliding clips there? Works like a charm to get big(1kg-8kg) baits out.
Tight lines
what is a non returning sliding clip and how does it work? Thanks
Hey wats up man i am staying in port orange right now and have been trying to catch sharks with my friends for the last 3 or 4 months. I used to do alot of shark fishing in Edisto Beach, SC which i am going to do some this weekend there actually. I have yet to catch a descent shark here yet. We caught about a 3′ blacktip the other day in the intercoastal of daytona beach. We have been fishing the ponce inlet also but haven’t come up with any shark yet although we have gotten a few red fish. Im looking forward to going to SC this weekend because a few years back we caught an 8′ bullshark and i have yet to go there when we have haven’t caught large numbers of sharks. But anyways i got about another 3 weeks in daytona beach before i have to move away for work. maybe you could email me a spot to hook up into a shark at or something lol. anyways nice info on the site.
i live in st pete florida and fish alot from piers…i have caught a few little bonnets even a 2 ft black tip but nothing too big. i really want to catch something of decent size i have been trying a few months now only caught 1 lil one since…but i was using lady fish one day and something almost took my pole in it was on my bait caster and i drag just took off. dont no what it was but it took 3/4 of my 12in lady…i am still waiting to land a big one though this site was alot of help
thanks
tight lines
Hey Kylen,
Just wondering if it is ok to catch and eat a shark. It would be my first time to catch a shark and eat one… but i been doing a lot of research on this and i am noticing it goes both ways. I do pratice catch and release up here in wisconsin, i only keep what i eat. i’ll be coming down to st pete/ clearwater this March, is the fort de soto beach pier a good location to fish for black tip or any sharks in general?
Thanks for your time,
James
Sure you can eat shark. It’s actually easier to prepare than any other fish out there. When you land the shark, immediately hang the fish tail downard or place it on a decline. and cut the tail to bleed the shark. I normally cut the belly skin off and simply cut them into steaks. Cook the steaks with the skin intact. When they’re cooked, the skin will come right off….good luck!
OMG you are wreking the ocean did you know that by killing the sharks you are killing the ocean !!!!sharks kill desesd fish which if the sharks dont kill them will infect everything !Dont you kno that its common sense
I think saving the sharks is the least priority when it comes to making our world a better place. What about the whales? The deer? Global Warming! The next ice age!! oh no
What about AIDs, starving children, homeless people?
GET A LIFE THEN WE’LL TALK!
wait… how do you catch and release on a beach?
i tag em and photo em. usually sharks over 6′ almost always need a tail rope if you r by yourself like i usually am. as for letting em go, its pretty much the same concept as any other fish, u wanna keep em in a little water while ur taking pics…etc. take em out to the 1st gut. hold em like they are swimming. support their body. move em bk and forth till they come to. i usually revive em for around 5 minutes. just gotta be careful not to get tail whipped or worse bitten on the “let go”. once u hv done it a few times its not that hard.
What is wrong with all these dirt worshiping treehuggers? If you choose to kill the shark, keep some to try, or give it away to homeless! Either way there are more sharks in the world than humans, so stop being a blat ass and leave it up to the fisherman to decide what he wants to do with HIS catch!
No one here has said anything about killing sharks ,,we just catch them for the fun of it…..dumb ass
You are an idiot. Shark fishing is not for food, it is for sport. Just like you driving down the parkway in your Prius on a sunday morning.
boowooo just couse u dont have the guts to try the extream
ummmmm if they ate a dying fish with some illness wouldnt the shark then get the same sickness?????? i mean please think about that kind of stuff dude
I have both swam with sharks and harvested sharks for the dinner table. My best catch yet has been a 6 and1/2 ft. Blacktip. What a beautiful creature and a great tasting meal. I did a sharkfeeding dive in the Bahamas. Quite impressive.
To those of you who do not agree with harvesting sharks for table fare have to do a little more studying of the term we call conservation. Just like any species on this planet, overpopulation of sharks can become more of a liability to humans and sharks alike. To many sharks can mean to little food for them and possibly an increase in human/shark contact. I don’t know if any of you have ever seen an attack up close and personal and I’m sure you don’t want to. Don’t get me wrong not every shark is out looking for a human meal but it has been proven that if their food supply deminishes they more likely to strike at the human kind. A balanced harvest with seasons and bag limits will, in the long run, serve both humans and sharks a better chance at survival. Not all shark fishermen are like Captian Ahab! Most of us are more conservation minded, as are most hunters and fishermen, than the non and anti’s of the sport.
Stop fishing sharks, dive with them!
As long as you practice catch and release, nothing wrong with fishing sharks.
amen to that brother, and no one will change my mind on it either. a lot of these idiots on here dont realize some of us are volunteer workers for NOAA/NMFS as we tag the sharks caught and document all the specs of the shark for migratory research. but f#$k em. let em whine. they have NO CLUE what they are talking about. keep catching and releasing. i know i am.
You think you know everything, but I doubt it. Calling people idiots really says a lot about you. And your self-centered approach to life also says a lot. You seem to be just another arrogant American in my books. Just part of the problem and that’s too bad.
WHAT ARE YOU? A JEW? GO FUCK YOURSELF!
WHAT TIME OF THE DAY IS THE BEST TIME TO SHARK FISH? SOME SAY EVENING. i’VE CAUGHT THEM AT DUSK AND JUST AT SUNRISE BUT IS ANYTIME OF THE DAY GOOD?
Hey all you stupid and boaring sportfishermans…
i hope you will see you all again in hell. You are going to kill the beautiful underwaterworld in all our seas. What are you going to do, when there are no more fishes to eat in the seas??? Are you going to catch human beeings, for your kick? Sportfishermans are the most ****ing and disgusting kind of human beeing. I know why you are doing this….look down in your trouser, then you will understand…. once again the lord is watching you…the hell is waiting just for you!!!!
I usually don’t reply to these sorts of things but your response disturbs me. . here in nc to keep a shark it must be 54 inches in length. (excluding spiney and dogfish) This equals 4 ft 6ins. Plus you can only keep 1 a day. There are lengths and limits that you must follow for other fish also. Wildlife officials have their jobs for a reason you know. If you break the rules you can get a ticket (and a big ticket at that). And I have you to know shark is very very good. I love to fish and you post is very unneccessary. I also love wildlife. People like you don’t think before you speak. You need to do your research before you open your mouth.
i see that you are from NC. i am going fishing in nags head for shark, it is my fist time. where would you say that i should go and how far out and what bait. i am going labor day weekend. thank you for anything that you can help me with. russ
im no bible thumper but if ur going to say the lord is watching and u believe ,in the first book it tells u what u can and should eat. that being said i believe people like you are the ones that that probably think the government will protect you in a crisis and that our rights to bear arms should be taken away im an avid hubter and fisherman theres nothing sweeter in this life than watching a sunset or sunrise munching on what the good lord has provided for us aaamen kill it and grill it they call me click
Well well another idiot, moron , tree hugging, “you are going to hell” puke who understands little about everything. I love fishing and if I am not mistaken, many of Jesus’s followers were also fisherman. Was not Peter a fisherman? Did not Jesus in the bible, tell his followers to cast there nets here in order to catch fish? Oh by the way, most sport fisherman release there catch, like I do. So before you go shooting your mouth off, get the facts straight! Also, read your bible a little more to really understand it.
listen hear lord what kind of name is that anyway fishing has been around eversince the beginning of time if im going to hell for fishing your going to hell for taking the lords name in vein also did you know that there is a law against you freaks for harrasing fisherman and outdoors man i bet not
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HELL YEAH AND HALLELULLAH
im with him fishing is in the bible dude maybe you should do research b4 downing other peoples interests
you know I think that the extreemist attitudes in these postings are really to bad. nothing wrong with eating shark also nothing wrong with catch and release. As far as the name calling is concerned it indicates a emotional response. Not a considerate and reasonable response. I am sure many motivated people will call me names and argue hard for there position on this issue but my opinion is an opinion and just as valid as any one elses. Obey the Local fish and wild life regulations and most anglers whill do well. I let you know how the shark tastes after I find one about 2-3 foot. stay away from the biggies as the mercury levels are alot higher typicly.
tight lines
Matt
I just bought a new center console and interested in fishing Charleston Harbor. Do you know a good place to fish for sharks there? I would really appreciate it. I am from the upstate and not very knowledgeable of Charleston.
I know many people who successfully fish for sharks, and 99% of the sharks are released unharmed. These same fisermen are also avid conservationists. Weekend get-togethers include holding charity tournaments and cleaning up the beaches. I think you are confusing things like the Japanese whaling atrocities with what we do. Certainly there are shark fishermen who give a bad name to all of us, but realize that we hate them just as much as you. From your comments, I’m going to guess that you’re a vegetarian, but do you despise anyone who eats meat? Too many times I hear about “killing animals”, but these same people eat store-purchased meat. Where do they think meat comes from? Millions of animals are killed every day for food, like it or not. Why not protest KFC or McDonalds? I have fished all kinds of fish species for 30years and I’ve kept/killed less than a dozen or so. Don’t be so quick to overgeneralize people. And don’t be so quick to call Americans arrogant and then preach to us about ethics and morals.
YEAH! SO THERE!
jesus was a fisherman…
check out this fishing website.. i thought it was pretty cool
http://www.slingfish.net
I have studied marine biology all my life, so naturally I am interested in sharks. While I believe in conservation and that shark fishing (even catch and release) should not be encouraged, I don’t believe that telling people that they are going to hell is going to help change their minds. People who make rash statements like that drive away future conservationist, and make people who are trying to help the cause look crazy and irrational. Please make educated statements when trying to help sharks, because otherwise you are just making it worse.
GREAT WEBSITE!! YOUR INFORMATION HAS REALLY HELPED ME IN MY QUEST TO GAIN MORE KNOWLEDGE IN CATCHING SHARKS! IGNORE THE FOOLS THAT HAVE POSTED COMMENTS ON HERE REGUARDING US FISHERMEN AS SCUM. THEY HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO THAN PREACH THERE PROPAGANDA AT PEOPLE THAT ENJOY LIFE AND EVRYTHING GOD HAS GIVIN US. NO WORRIES THERE EFFORTS TO STOP US WILL NEVER PUT A DAMPER ON OUR FISHING.
SAFE FISHING!! “YOU’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT”
theres nothing better than catching your first shark of the night then cutting it up and chumming for more!
Why would you want to cut up a shark for chum?
BECAUSE ITS GOOD BAIT YOU ASS MUNCH!
Ever fish the beach off Destin. I’ve tried for shark on each and every vacation. Gotta go to destin since thats where the condo is. I spend more time at night sittin in the sand than I do with the family. I yak the bait out about 250 yards with no success. Sand bars are gone so forget that. Help is needed here.
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
I WOULD BE MORE THAN GLAD TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ANYONE MAY HAVE.
CLINT MCCOY EASTWOOD-1984@HOTMAIL.COM
i have 2 shimano 6500’s that i have been using for sharks in florida. what lb braid and how many yds do you think is best to use for these reels?
thanks!
mike
50lb mono with a topshot of 80-100lb mono. Shark leader should be some sort of cable. Good luck.
what do you think about the Shore Shot Bait Caster?
You sound like a knowledgable guy and conservationist.I was considering sharkin from shore near central florida east coast toward the end of january. Is this a poor time to try it? And any input on how to get any good live bait outside of fishing for it. Do you think there would be any decent tackle or bait shops? Or would any charter joints be willing to lend some good info or sell you live bait?
Excellent Site, Some really great useful info here. I am currently in Iraq but in GA i fish for Shark usually nearshore or on the river or sound (sound = bay for you yankee’s). I catch them mostly in 3-4ft range. I posted some pics yesterday (7 Jan 08) at a site I will update weekly at http://www.sharkfighter.com but this is a pretty cool site here, plus it is number 1 in google ranking.
In GA Atalntic Sharpnose and Bonent Head need only be 30 inches to keep the other species need to be bigger.
NOAA has an advisory out against keeping or targetting SandSharks so I avoid them and always do catch and release with them.
Always better to do catch and release anyway except what you will eat.
Rob
Im hitting up panama on spring break with some friends and plan on being myself and doing unusual things like shark fishing so what would you guys/gals suggest? I know i will probably have acces to a yak and be using a uglystick with a spinning reel
Garrett,
Panama City Beach is a great place for catching some big sharks. I’m pretty sure their was a world record mako caught there a few years ago off the pier. Catch you some big bait and yak it out, and let the party begin
how do you find out what sharks you can catch i am close to the jersy shore and deleware can anyone help ? email me at pinkysbaitshack@yahoo.com
Do a quick search for fishing-related websites in your area. I’m sure there are several.
lets talk texas for shark fishing! i fish high island! yak baits out, i use 6/0 reels, wind on leaders, with single strand wire to top it off! try to use cow nose rays or bull mullet for bait. i catch bull shark,black tip.lemon sharks, and some smaller hammers!! if anyone interested in joining me sometime let me know!!i tag most of my sharks but eat a few!! lets keep this site g rated and share experiences of this wonderful sport!!!! thanks mike!!
I’ve fished high island for years now and really done quite well from time to time…….except for the nudies its pretty good fishing lol I’m headed out to High Island sometime at the end of June for the weekend, have you been out lately and seen anything good in the surf? Thanks, Justin
Caught a few sharks at High Island a couple of weeks ago. Good luck.
Looking for a partner or someone that likes to shark fish the first week in June around Ormond, Daytona, Ponce, or Flager. I have yak and a couple of big reels. It just hard to yak your bait out and watch poles not to mention landing a 6ft+ by yourself. If interested drop me a line.
Hey Ron,
drop me a line on my website http://www.sharkfighter.com, my contact info is there. I am a few hours north of you in Savannah GA. I will be home from Iraq about that time frame (late May or early June) and would be great to drive down for an evening or two of fishing.
Rob
any shark hunters from tx???
i am. i live in freeport. fish bryan, quintana and surfside all the time. use exact same techniques as u do mike. great minds think alike. lol
I fish all over the Texas coast. Have caught a handful of sharks…some from the beach and some from a kayak. All released unharmed. Amazing creatures.
I am a shark fisher have fished the pass to high Island going to fish around bob hall and padre. do you know or tell me a spot i might have better luck, I am rigged for the big boys
Thanks
Bob
I FISH BETWEEN THE PIERS @ HIGH ISLE! WITH PRETTY GOOD LUCK, BIGGEST LAST YEAR 125# LEMON. WILL BE THERE APR 6 THROUGH 11TH. YAK OUT !! COW NOSED RAY, MULLETT. WILL GIVE REPORT!!! ANYONE WELCOME TO JOIN ME!! TAG SOME, EAT SOME!!
LOOK AT TEXAS SHARK FISHING.COM
I live in Austin Tx, I have been trying to get geared up for fishing in the Port Aransas area, I am looking for any tips, or locations that might help me get started.
Wade, I live 30 miles from Austin in the lost pines near Bastrop, but I grew up in Corpus Christi. Love fishin nueces bay,c.c. bay,port “A”,aransas pass,baffin bay,the land cut,and off shore.first thing you need to do is get your tackle down there,salt water tackle is very limited in A-town. Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime !!! HAPPY TRAILS
Pipe smokers AND shark fishermen?
I love you guys!
hey man i actually just got done fishing in hilton head island and im trying to look for a way to cook this shark. i hear that if you take too long to clean it they just urinate all over their skin and meat. how can i tell if its already pee’d all over itself? by the way what spots do you fish at down here on the island?
For cooking sharks I first make sure it is legal size. I am catching a lot of Atlantic Sharpnose in the 3 - 4 ft range off Savannah GA. I just gut them and cut them in to steaks about 1-2 inch thick. Then i marinate them for a few hours atleast (overnight is not bad if you have time)in italian salad dressing. marinating them like this will take out any of the strong ammonia taste that might be from urination. Of course keep covered and refrigerated while you marinate them. I experiment with different marinades and Lowreys also makes a good lemon pepper marinade for seafood.
Pictures of me preparing them and some shark steak photos and recipes are on my website at http://www.sharkfighter.com/How%20To/Shark%20Grilling.html
I do encourage and practice CPR for sharks or “Catch, Photo and Release” to keep them alive and protect the life cycle of sharks.
Does anyone in West Palm Beach, FL have any shark fishing tips?
thanks!!
What is the best shark bait that u can buy out of a store accept sprimp?
Occasionally you’ll find whole bonita in the freezers at some bait shops. Other than that frozen mullet will be your best bet.
Depends where you’re fishing. Try and use what the sharks normally eat in that area. Ray is very successful where I fish.
Can you put me on to some good beaches or shoreline shark fishing in Hilton Head?
Anywhere on Hilton Head Island is going to be great shark fishing and surf fishing for that matter. I’m telling you now though, stay away from the life guards. If they see you pull anything scary out of the water, you’re done. They have a major tourism industry to protect. Head out early in the morning or after their shift in the evening.
If you aren’t interested in fishing…stop reading fishing websites and fishing posts…and leave us anglers ALONE.
I hate it when people tell me how stupid fishing is…..its not. It is a sport.
To all of the green peacers, tree huggers, tofu eating sissy butts,especially the one on here that calls himself lord.Eat you tofu, we will have juicy fried grouper, shrimp, tasty venison, and all of the other tasty animals the REAL lord himself put on earth for us to enjoy!! You know Jesus himself caught a few fish in his day, and even fed them to many others! And you think you will see us in hell?? I don’t think so. I have asked the true lord for true salvation, good hunting and fin filled water to fish! Have fun sitting in trees, eating tofu and spending all of your time worried about others!
AMEN BROTHER!
First off, great site. I’m laying here watching the sun come up from the condo at south Padre Island, about to go out on my first surf fishing trip and I appreciate the info. I went through about twelve pages of google results before I found your site, the first that actually had any valuable information from actual fishermen.
I hadn’t planned on trying to hook a shark, but I have one rod and reel that will probably be big enough so I think I’ll give it a shot. I have a bay boat and spend most of my time on the flats but my boats in the shop this morning so I thought I’d try out the beach.
Great website. I’ve learned a lot from reading this article. I’ll be on the atlantic coast of Florida in two weeks and I’ve just about go all my stuff together. What do you think of using an inflatable row boat instead of a kayak? Just for the sake of saving $$$$$. Walmart has a decent sized one for $30. I think I’ll cover the floor of it with 1/2? plywood for added stability. What do you think about this idea?
FOR THE VERY BEST IN ONLINE SHARKING…VISIT EXTREMECOAST.COM
THE BITE IS ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
sounds like aTX-Sharkfishing reject to me.
yes i like your shark fishing information its very help full well my question is i fish in brigatine new jersey every year and i fish of the beach and i would like to fish for big sharks would you please tell me what kind of rod and real should i buy for black tip tiger and bull sharks off the surf and also will bunker or mackeral bought from a store work well for big shark bait thankyou
Hey Jake,
I fish for sharks on the beaches of Brigantine every summer. What kind of information are you looking for.
Surf fushing for sharks may be fun, but not when fishing around swimmers. I think those who do are inconsiderate of the swimmers, particularly when children are involved. I know I would not appreciate it if my children are swiming and someone cast their line to attract a shark! If you are going to Shark fish from the surf do it where swimmers are not near.
There should be a mutual respect when it comes to fisherman, surfers, and swimmers. There are shark in the area whether you like it or not and regardless of whether or not someone is fishing for one. Obviously the fishermen have a responsibility to ensure everyone remains safe, but the swimmers (kids too) need to use some common sense.
I don’t know anyone who would target sharks where people are swimming. I’m sure they are out there, but that’s not the sort of folks I associate with. If the fisherman is there first, I certainly wouldn’t go swimming. You may not realize that whether there are fishermen there or not, the sharks are there. They aren’t just lurking in the deep ocean. They are in the shallows in much larger numbers than you probably care to imagine. They’ve always been there. For the most part, they aren’t interested in humans. Most attacks are mistaken identity by the sharks.
I realize there are sharks in the area, but when people have been swimming in the area, and someone camps out and starts fishing enticing bigger game to an already populated beach of swimmers is quite rude. What I am saying is find a less crowded beach to surf fish from.
Well OJ its like this its kinda hard to just pick a beach to go and shark fish off of when its covered by hundreds of people, but if theres commen sense used when fishing for these predators then i think we can all get along toghter…but when your fighting a monster in the surf and you ask people to get out of the way and they ignore you…despite the warnings well then it becomes there own faught if somthing were to happen…courtesy goes both ways so…if people are not gonna respect the times to get out of the water when we are fighting a big fish well then there are going to be problems so we will respect the swimmers lifestyles as long as they respect ours anywyas the sharks live here and theres rarely any problems so the next time you see somone setting up to fish just slide dwon the beach a little or ask them to move down a little.. its as simple as that……..goodluck and watch out for jaws…
Greg the sharker…
Hey guys!This site is really awesome…..I was fishing as a child in Greece butmy caughts were never bigger than 20″.I was always looking for some big ones,especially sharks,but they didn’t seem to even exist there…now that i finisced school I would really want to catch something big….dreaming of a great white…
I’m game for some shark fishing in Texas. I recently moved to Houston and have enjoyed the few times that I have made to go fishing in the surf. Let me know when you are headed out again.
helllo all…I live down here in CC i go to school here…and I am a fishing WOMAN…I love to fish and its pretty much my life…so anyone wanna go sometime just let me know…we go down PINS alot and fish off big shell…ttyl!!
Call me sometime in San Antonio on my cell 210-378-2786 just got back this weekend from Port A caught 4,5,and 6ft shark and 3-3ft shark and a couple of spanish mackeral.
Claude in South SA
Here is a link to a video of a 12 tiger shark caught and released this August.
http://tx-sharkfishing.com/
Best of Luck!
Deaver
hi over here in aust we catch shark all week if you wonted to the normal size shark we get is 9ft 12ft about 600m off the beach and use 130lb rod and 16/0 penn senators and if you wont 21ft sharks you got to vic that is were it is at we hold the record for the biggest shark on rod and reel and sa is good as well
I have been shark fishing for years and have tried many different reels and from years of experience here is a quick list of great shark reels on a budget. My first choice has got to be the best reel I have ever owned for the money. The Fin Nor OFS95 out performs most Penn Senators. With 525 yards of 80 lb Power Pro and consistent drag pressure of 35-45 lbs of drag without any problems can stop some big boys.. Last week we landed a 9 1/2 foot hammerhead and he didn’t even get more than 300 yards of line off that reel. for $170 and 50 yard casts you can’t go wrong. Now on to next level. The Penn 12/0 Senator packed with 1500 yards of 100 lb Power Pro with about 100+ yards of 130 lb mono top shot. That is the biggest reel I have used and I haven’t found a shark to challenge it yet.
And last but not least the Holy Grail of monster shark fishing, the Penn 16/0 Senator! I own one but don’t even fish it.. When I get spooled on my 12/0 then I will pull it out. lol. Anyhow, save yourself years of hassle and give these reels a try and I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you have some extra time your welcome to check out my blog. It’s a work in progress but will be full of shark fishing content within the week, from making shark leaders, free shark tagging program, shark conservation and so on. http://apexsharkfishing.blogspot.com/ Hope this helps someone out. Good Luck and Tight Lines to all! 
READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shark fishing is horrible. Gory and horrible. Sharks are on the brink of being extinct and all you can do is go on and on about how fun it is? At least RELEASE them once you catch them! Then, you’ll still be doing your hobby right? But you’ll be doing it in a more effective way. So please change your way right now. Please. Don’t you dare catch and kill another shark again, ya hear me?
You idiot. On the brink of extinction?? Site your facts please…
The majority of shark fishermen catch and release. You’re probably thinking of the shark finning that goes on in the Far East.
what the hell is wrong with you? are you some dumbass tree hugger? of course it is catch and release!!!!
Hello Ms. Sim,
This is a Pro- Catch & Release Forum.
Your opinion and concern is greatly appreciated!
Thank you
I am going to be doing some shark fishing about the central east coast of Florida next week. I was wondering if the sharking is any good here during the winter time?
Just wondering…if you are chumming the waters close to shore doesn’t that make it kind of dangerous for nearby swimmers?
I will be living in the Corpus Christi area this summer, and plan on doing as much shark fishing as possible. I have all the tackle needed, but I do not own a yak. If anyone who owns a yak needs a fishing buddy feel free to let me know.
It’s a bit of a drive, but I have a yak and I’m planning a trip next weekend to mcfadden beach in Port Arthur….let me know if you’re interested.
Well I won’t be down there for another month or so…I’ll probably have a yak by then though. Regardless if you would like to get some fishing in let me know. My e-mail is bauerspencer@hotmail.com. I’ll probably be fishing almost everyday.
shark fishing is cruel and wrong, to fish for somthing so endangered is heartless. Sharks are a very important part of the oceans ecosystems. Most of the shark species are on the endangered species list. Pleas refrain from making it look like a “cool” and fun thing to do. Pleas do not fish for sharks every animal deserves a chance.
You people are so cruel!
I would never hurt a shark
they are going endangered because of us :!::!::!::!: they have a hard enough time mating as it is because we are fishing them out.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t seem to understand why ppl are get so offended about shark fishing… listen up numbskulls! its a catch and release which most of us believe in. We catch for the rush and thrill and we release coz we love the species. We aint killing the shark.
Ash - Shark are not endangered. They are the fastest reproducers in the ocean. They are getting thin in and around Asian countries because of their value to that culture. Off the coasts of the USA they are growing in huge numbers as well as in many other areas worldwide. Being in the minority of stupid frickin people must be comforting to you since you openly express your ignorance.
No need to be such a dick to people who find your “hobby” somewhat barbaric, because it is, Sharks ARE in serious decline worldwide. And they are slow breeders compared to most fish so check your facts before you blowout all over someone.
You people are misguided in your disdain for shark fishermen. Most of us are the biggest conservationists you could ever know. Shark finning is the barbaric practice. Sportfisherman release almost all of the sharks they catch. Do some research before you paint us all as “cruel animal butchers”.
I agree with Dave and Jim.
C. Hooymans, you may have your heart in the right place…
But, these men and women who ’sport fish’ DO mostly ‘catch & release’ style fishing.
And, there are better ways to get your point across.
Try asking questions about fishing, some of these ’sport fishers’ might even find themselves siding with you on many of the important issues that you and many others are concerned with.
Who has more influence on “fishing trends”?
Are they not a part of the cycle themselves?
Many believe that taking the life of an animal brings you closer to that animal…and since I am a betting man, I am willing to wager that the information you may get from most ’sport fishers’ is worthy of taking note of.
More money and research is spent on both research and general interest funded by these “cruel” people, to identify population declines, so that steps are taken to increase numbers of the breed. It is done for selfish reasons, oftentimes because people want to be able to continue to fish for that particular species.
But is does help more that you think.
Yes, there are a few bad apples here and there. There are also laws and fines in place to deal with them accordingly.
Finally, many of the issues we are concerned with are mostly due to commercial operations, which are greatly unregulated. Mainly off of the coasts of China, and Southeast Asia. Pollution is another major factor, don’t forget.
Some of the greatest, and toughest men and women in the history of the world were often, hunters, fisherman and conservationists. We wouldn’t have anything left in the United States or Europe if they hadn’t been!
The US is one of the most active countries working to create, and enforce laws to protect our coastlines, and oceans worldwide, look around online to see the thousands of outdoorsman/sportfishing groups and organizations, whose funding and activism has greatly influenced the world.
Two Ears, One Mouth — Opinions Vary, Do Your Research.
jim_-j no there not u frickin idiot do some research and you will find that every where people are killing sharks and there depleting as much as any where else stupid
I’ve been shark fishing for a while, mainly out of Va beach, Sandbridge, hatteras, and cape point. I am extremely big in shark fishing, but I do practice and believe in catch and release, although black tip is a very tasty meal! Did you know that when you are eating a fish sandwich from mcdonalds, you are eating black tip shark? For the equipment that I use and have had best results with is a shimano 30w lrs reel with a 5′5″shimano tallus rod lined with 50 lb. salt water sufix tangerine with a 30 foot 250 lb. stainless steel liter. It is not made for casting most of the time, the bait is kayaked out anywhere from 100-250 yards and preferance on bait would be mullet, bluefish, tuna heads and skirts. But my all time favorite is… spanish mackeral, live or chunked. Generally I use a 10/0-14/0 hook with a 14 oz. break away pyarmid sinker 5-8 ft. back from the bait so your bait will stay on the bottom so when tide changes or rip current decides to occur you will not run into the problem of slacking line or line drift. Another rod that I really enjoy using from the surf is a penn 14/0 lined with 100 lb. sufix salt water tangerine rigged the same way but double 14/0 hooks wired to the top of a tuna head but that’s only for the big boys. I have caught numerous mosterous blact tip sharks from pier and surf and bull sharks as well. If you have any questions you can email me at kingfisher29@verizon.net. Have fun, fish hard and may the sharks be with you.
Im going Folly island right outside Charleston South Carolina next week for a bachelor party and I am wondering how to catch some good size sharks. Last time I was there I caught a bunch little sharks all under a foot. I have a 10 foot penn rod and reel ready to go. Curious about what rigs to use and bait. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks
Hello all…..My name is Greg and im a local shark fisherman from carolina beach N.C. We catch some real monsters here there are some really big fish that come on shore during the summer months. We have caught black tips up to 150# plus and large Bulls and Tigers that would blow your mind…good fishing here so if your interested in some large fish let me know we can hook up and go im free anytime and love to catch a few a night. I work on a chater boat so bait isn’t a problem and like i said there are some real monsters here just looking for others who wanna go….let me know until then tight lines and good luck!!!!!!
The sharker….Greg
Sharkin in close…..I’d be interested in fishing with you. I went shark fishing for the first time last june. Caught some “nice” blacktip down in the St.Helena Sound in Beaufort, SC. After that, I was hooked, I went and bought 6.0 and 9.0 Penn Set-ups for this year. The only problem is… I’m still inexperienced. My email is brandon471803@yahoo.com
Well Brandon….looking to try and go next weekend if the weather is right, hopefully it will be…if your still interested in going give me a holler…if you let me know by e-mail and give me your# ill call you just bring your food and drink Ill have planty of bait and rigs…oh and you should bring your rods too….i have a few but in fishing for monsters you can never have enough tackel…anyways let me know if your up to it. Me and a buddy are gonna give it a shot hopefully they be here they were last year this time!!!
Tight lines….Greg
Whats up tight lines just got back from Hatteras we thought it was a little early to do some sharking. We orginally went for strippers and some ealry spring reds. Which we did hookup on some good strippers but that got boring. So I grabbed the yak and then went to Hatteras marina and got some fat albias and some tuna carcasses and then went yo work. well at first it was slow but when high tide came in it was on.We endedup with theree nice fish we hade 2 bulls and a sweet tiger. We had one bull that went 7′4″ and the other went 6″ the tiger went 8′2″ we got some awesome pics wen I figure out how to post them I will. Well if there is anybody that is in Hatteras the last week of May or who wantsto learn more about land based shark fishing email me at kingfisher29@verizon.net I have been shark fishing for about 13 years now out of VA beach and Cape Hatteras. And rather shark fish then eat be safe fish hard and may the sharks be with you.
President Obama will save the Shark!
Those poor little disenfranchised sharks…
HA,HA.HA SHARK FISHING WILL NEVER DIE. NOBODY IS KILLING SHARKS MOST OF US PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE.
Anyone surf fish @ Emerald Isle? Will be there the 30th looking for something instead of just the Pier. Any info would be very helpful.
Thanks
Thanks for puting together all the info on shark fishing. I normally fish for redfish/jacks/grouper/snapper/whatever…but thanks to your site I’ve had good success catching sharks from the beach. I have been using my fly rod to catch ladyfish for bait and it’s been a blast landing blacktips and sandbar sharks in the 3-5 foot range. can’t wait to land al larger one!(All that I’ve caught has been successfully released) Great website!
Harry
Is that pic of you? Thats a pretty large Mako.
Been fishing the surf in HHI for 20 years and never caught anything of substance, other than stingrays by the dozen. I’ll be there in 3 weeks and give the mullet a try. I’ve always just used squid.
just left hhi caught a 4ft lemon with squid. Had heck of a time trying to release
Where were you fishing?
Hello. I am going to Bob hall pier In port A. And i am trying to find some place to buy fresh Jacks or LadyFish. Can any one please tell me where i can find any? Or maybe how to catch my own. I have been there about 12 times and i haven’t had any real luck yet.
Thanks.
FAKE.YOU WOULD BE DEAD
I shark fish in P.C.B FL. we use a 12/0 reel with 150lb. power pro braided line, 14 ft. steel two hook leader, and a spider weight. The bait we use is king mackrel or bonito, while more expensive the king seems to be a more effective bait. Another trick we use, we will cover the bait with a womens panty hose, this helps to keep the crabs and small baitfish from devouring your bait. we use a kayak to paddle the bait out several hundred yards and drop it and then you wait. Our biggest to date was an 11 ft. mako. It is a ton of fun and lots of patience.
Thanks for the advive. I just caught a 19 ft mako yesturday
You are funny!
Ineresting blog you’ve aquired here.:)
Though there seems to be those who for whatever reasons have found it inspiring to set their rage upon the general bloggers with concerns of catching sharks from the beaches here in Texas.
My past experiances have not justified their comments. It seems most of them however well thought out their concerns are an accumilation of generalized misunderstandings as a whole. Surf fishing for any saltwater fish is FUN and can be as inexpensive or expensive as one cares to indulge in the sport.
Its not all about the catch, though many go for just that.
I’ve fished and camped with some interesting families who find the beaches in Texas very family friendly.
Surf fishing does not require chumming the fish, as is done often times from deep water fishing trips.
The fish and sharks occupy the same area of water as most swimmers do because its easier to catch food when your able to limit its exscape routes. The shore being a route most fish can not cross.
During the summer and fall months is normally a good time to try your hand at this sport. When the water temps average from 77 to 90 degree’s.
The higher the water temp. between these two sets of numbers the more active sharks become, So the more food they often hunt for food.
If the water is high enough to cover the fishes gills it will hunt in for food. Since most sharks are long and relatively slim it can get into waters you normally might find swimmers playing in, from 2ft. to 6ft. Most larger sharks however feed in waters from 6ft. to 16ft.
During the spawning season however lemon sharks will not feed as to not eat their own new borns.
They will lay along the sandbars holding their own against the current while they give birth.
At this time you can easily catch pups on shrimp/squid/and cut bait very close to shore.
The ones to do venture into deeper waters aren’t so fortunate, Due to the higher incidents of being food for hungry males.
The sand bars that many swimmers cross while swimming are like highways to fish and sharks alike.
Normally during the summers months to catch larger shark one would fish roughly 250 yards to 300 yards from shore.
Its not that the fishermen knowing endanger swimmers by fishing these waters as some fear.
Its the fact that the swimmers without knowledge place themselves in danger by their actions.
The fishing line though small, Has within its capacity not only to catch a fish but when exposed to the saltwater and sand has the potentual of becoming something akin to a knive when tenion is placed upon it by a fish and fisherman.
And since most fish including sharks use the surfs current to help break free from their hooks,
swimmers often become targets without the knowledge of the fishermen.
Until someone gets hurt.
lets say im fishing from the beach, how far out do i have to get the bait. does night and day make a difference
I have been using a 6oz weighted grouper rig with an added treble hook. attached to the top of the leader I had added a 20 oz bottle with glow sticks inside. the bottle keeps the bait off the bottom but allows it to stay in place and not so affected but the tide with the weight. the glow sticks have been great for us at night locating our line and positioning. Dead menhaden have been our primary source of bait but do catch the occasional blue and stick him on there.
Disgusting.
you’ll have to let go of the tree first!
sue you for what?
po hippys!
Try checking out the texas shark fishing site. It is all about fishing from the beaches. Look up Sea Wold and Sea Lion.That is my mate and I. Here in the Caribbean there is a small group of us who does the same thing. we use a small kayak to take the bait out between 150-300 yards. We then wait for the big ones. They only usually come in at night.
So far the biggest has been an almost 9 foot long lemon shark but we know that there are 4 meter sharks out there. We use a half a tarpon as bait or a big chunk of sting ray. The bait is usually in the region of 3lb - 8lb in weight.
Tight lines.
As a scuba diver I love sharks, Let’s work together to stop their decimation at the hands of the Chinese!
Buy an anti Shark Fin Soup Billboard for $100:
http://www.sharksavers.org/en/get-involved/ways-you-can-help-save-sharks/613-buy-a-billboard-in-china.html
shark fishing is wrong if you kill sharks the second domminent species will take over but I dont mind people who catch and release sharks so please please as a shark lover do catch and release.
shark fishing is for idiots anyone who fishes for sharks doesnt have a life and is dumb because sharks are awesome this is not jackson it is his friend u guys are assholes