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.
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
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.
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
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
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?
wait… how do you catch and release on a beach?
Stop fishing sharks, dive with them!
As long as you practice catch and release, nothing wrong with fishing sharks.
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.
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
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?
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
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
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
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 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?
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.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!