Catching a shark can be an exhilarating yet daunting experience for any angler. Sharks are powerful predators that demand respect and careful handling. When reeled in, sharks can be stressed and agitated, posing a potential risk to the angler. However, with proper technique and planning, releasing a caught shark safely is possible. This article will provide key information on shark fishing best practices, handling and release methods, and what to do when you’ve hooked one of these apex ocean dwellers.
Is it legal to catch sharks where you are fishing?
Before embarking on any shark fishing trip, make sure you are aware of all state, federal, and local regulations. Shark species, minimum size limits, equipment restrictions, bag limits, and closed seasons can all vary significantly depending on your location. Responsible anglers will research ahead of time to ensure they are in compliance. Attempting to catch prohibited shark species can result in steep fines. It’s also critical that you obtain and are familiar with any required permits, licenses, or tags needed for retaining your catch. When in doubt, catch and release is the best practice.
Use proper shark fishing tackle
Having the right fishing rod, reel, line and tackle makes fighting and landing a shark much easier. Use a minimum of a 6/0 heavy duty reel spooled with 200-400 yards of 50 to 80 pound braided line. Rods should be 5 to 7 feet long, heavy action, and rated for 80 to 100lb test line. A steel leader of 180lb test or higher must be used to prevent bite-offs. Weighted swivels, large hooks (12/0 to 16/0 circle hooks), and crimp sleeves complete the shark rig. Heavy duty fishing gloves are recommended for leadering sharks boat-side. When targeting big sharks over 6 feet, specialized stand-up gear is preferred. Flying gaffs should be reserved for keeping edible sharks only. Harpooning sharks is illegal in most fisheries.
Use the best bait for your target species
Choosing the right bait is key to attracting sharks to your line. Make sure it’s fresh and oil-rich. Oily fish like mackerel, bluefish, eel, or bonito are shark favorites. Other good options are stingrays, crabs, shrimp, squid, tuna, and bunker. Cut off a substantial chunk, around one pound, and hook it through the nose, tail, or mid-section. If using live baitfish, hook lightly through the nostrils or tail root so it can still swim. Having extra bait ready is advised as sharks can tear through it quickly. Consider using bloody fish scraps or “chum” in permitted areas to really prime the waters.
Use the right technique when fighting a shark
Once you hook a shark, the real work begins. Keeping steady, even pressure on the line is critical so the hook stays put. A common mistake is trying to horse the shark in too fast causing the line to snap. Give the shark some room to make runs when needed. Pump and reel as the shark tires. You’ll need to clear other lines so the shark doesn’t spool you. If it’s a small shark, use a firm grip to control it at boat side. For larger sharks, consider leaving it in the water while removing the hook or using a dehooker. Tail rope restraints are often needed for big sharks before release. Stay clear of the tail! Flying gaffs, harpoons, or retaining sharks by the gill slits is illegal in many areas.
Practice safe handling when releasing sharks
Releasing sharks requires special care and technique. Research shows sharks can suffer high mortality when mishandled. Here are some best practices for safe release:
– Avoid removing sharks from the water when possible. Remove hooks quickly with pliers or a dehooker while the shark is boat-side.
– Gently control small sharks by the tail and lower jaw. For larger sharks use a tail rope restraint.
– No gaffs in the body! Do not puncture or strike the shark.
– Minimize time out of water. Sharks need to keep moving and breathing.
– revive exhausted sharks by slowly moving them forward in the water before release
– No photos or measurements out of water. Document then let the shark go quickly.
Following these guidelines will give the shark the greatest chance of swimming away healthy after release. Anglers should avoid any actions that could injure or impair the shark’s survival.
Take pictures and video carefully
Photos and video allow anglers to document and share their catch. However, they must be done responsibly with the shark’s safety as top priority. Never remove a shark from the water for pics. Shoot video and photos while the shark is submerged along the boat. Resist laying across or posing on top of sharks. Limit handling to what’s required for release. Under no circumstances should sharks be shown out of water or mistreated, as it fuels public criticism of the sport.
Have a plan if keeping for consumption
While most sharks are released, regulations do allow retention of certain edible species in some regions. Responsible anglers will only keep what they plan to eat. Have ice ready and bleed and gut sharks immediately. When keeping sharks, use a shotgun or bang stick for a clean ethical kill. Harpooning or using a club risks injury if done improperly. Know ahead of time any special regulations on which fins can be retained if harvesting for food. Remove carcasses from docks and fillet away from onlookers if possible.
Report any tagged sharks
Many sharks are tagged for research by scientists along the coast. If you catch a tagged shark, release it using best practices. Note the location caught, tag numbers, species, length, and release condition. Report this sighting to the agency listed on the tag. Your data provides valuable insight into shark movements and populations.
Conclusion
With smart preparation and responsible fishing practices, anglers can successfully release lively sharks to fight another day. Do your homework, use proper tackle, and put the shark’s well-being first. Learning how to boat, handle and remove hooks from sharks takes practice but is a skill all ethical anglers should strive to master. A caught shark is an opportunity to admire these majestic creatures up close. Releasing it unharmed to the ocean depths ensures many more anglers will have a chance to enjoy shark fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sharks can I legally catch and keep?
Regulations on which shark species can be retained vary greatly by state. Some common edible species include mako, thresher, sharpnose, spiny dogfish, smooth dogfish, Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bonnethead, and blacknose. Check your local laws before eating any shark.
What is the best shark fishing rig?
A basic shark leader uses 200-400 lb. steel wire with a 12/0-16/0 circle hook crimped on. Add swivels below and above to prevent twisting with a fish finder slide above the hook to attract bites. Use heavy braided line and tie the leader directly to the line.
How do I remove a hook from a shark’s mouth?
Use a dehooker or long nose pliers to grip the hook bend and rotate it out. For deep hooks, cut the line and leave the hook intact avoiding damage to jaws or gills. Some hooks will rust out quickly depending on material.
What is the best bait for shark fishing?
Sharks are attracted to oily, fishy baits like mackerel, eel, bluefish, or bunker chunks. Other good options include stingrays, crabs, shrimp, squid, tuna, and bonito. Always use fresh rather than frozen bait.
Can I boat a shark by the tail?
No, grabbing a shark’s tail can dislocate vertebrae and is illegal in many areas. Use a tail rope restraint only to control large sharks against the boat. Support underside of body if removing from water.
Key Do’s and Don’ts when Catching Sharks:
Do’s | Don’ts |
– Check regulations | – Harpoon or gaff body |
– Use proper tackle | – Hold up by gill slits |
– Employ safe handling | – Drag onboard improperly |
– Revive if needed | – Pose for injurious photos |
– Report tagged sharks | – Keep prohibited species |
Further Reading on Shark Fishing
For more detailed information on safely catching and releasing sharks, consult these online resources:
[State-by-state shark fishing regulations – NOAA Fisheries](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/atlantic-highly-migratory-species#state-recreational-requirements-and-resources)
[Science Based Guidelines for Releasing Sharks – Florida Museum](https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/shark-handling/release-guidelines/)
[Shark Fishing Guide for Beginners – Sport Fishing Magazine](https://www.sportfishingmag.com/shark-fishing-for-beginners-guide/)
[Shark Conservation Tips for Anglers – MarineBio Conservation Society](https://marinebio.org/sharks-and-rays/shark-fishing-conservation-tips/)