Sharks part 7

Now that we have discussed tackle for shark fishing, lets discuss bait. Sharks are usually not line shy, look at the 800 pound aircraft cables we use for leaders, and definitely are not hook shy most of the time.

The exception here in So. California is the thresher shark in shallow clear water, you have to downsize your tackle, leader and hook size to be successful. Under these conditions, and where the average size fish is under 100 lbs, stealth enters the picture. I use a 30# class rod and reel, the reel is loaded with 25 to 30 lb. P Line mono.

Line to leader and leader to wire is handled by a pair of at least 120 pound Sampo ball bearing swivels.The hook is a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook, made by Gamagatsu or Owner, there are other quality hooks out there but the author not having not used them very often, does not want to toot the horn of products he has no experience with. You would be very mad with me if I recommended a hook and it broke or was straightened out.

Stay with hooks in the upper price range, quality does not come cheap! You do not want to lose a large fish due to a cheap hook that broke! Been there done that! The 20 ft leader is made of 120 lb mono, the wire is 50 to 75 lb. test, and 10 feet long. ( single strand ) Why a long leader?

The long leader keeps the small main line from rubbing along the shark's skin ( like sandpaper ) and breaking. It also keeps the main line away from the rough skin in case the fish becomes tail wrapped, and at the end of the battle it gives a little more strength when pulling on the leader to bring the fish to gaff or release. Also by having a longer wire you can cut it just above the hook to let the shark go and not have to change wires every time.

Bait for threshers is simple, several large sardines, a small to medium frog ( mackerel ) or a mackerel fillet. Fillet's are usually fished under some type of floating device, so wave action keeps the fillet in motion. If you are fishing dirty green inshore water, and the chance for a large thresher is good, upgrade your tackle accordingly, go to the 80 to 120 lb. test main line and 400 lb. test wire, with 200 lb. leader.

Bait for makos, is on the larger side, the largest mackerel, whole bonita, tuna sides or whole tuna. I keep the different rod sizes rigged and ready, that way if a blue shark comes to the boat we don't have to waste a hook catching and releasing it. And when a mako comes to the boat we know what size rod to bait it with. For makos under 150 lbs. I keep a med. rod with a mackerel on the hook in the bait tank, when the shark shows, the macks tail is cut off, and wiggling furiously and squirting lots of blood from the removed tail, it is thrown in front of the mako, it is quickly gobbled up by the excited mako.

Do not hesitate to write if you have any questions about shark fishing or any other fishing questions you might have. Capt. Roy