Help me catch a shark!?

Question

What is the best method to hook a shark? Every time I get one to take the bait I let them run and then I usually end up jerking the bait out of their mouth when I try to set the hook. I think maybe Im using the wrong hooks, what size should I use and should I use circle hooks because I currently do not. Is there a way to set up a leader with 2 or more hooks and is that a good idea? What is a good leader design? Im open to any suggestions, basically I need help from start to finish, from proper gear,methods of attracting and actually fighting the shark. thanks

Answer 1

The type of shark would help, but you are describing the perfect situation for circle hooks. The shape of circle hooks leads them to the corner of a fishes mouth. You don't set the hook, you let the fish pull it into place. This takes patience and a strong fish. If you are anywhere where you can catch sharks, you can find circle hooks.

When the fish starts to take the bait, give him some line. If he stops, engage the reel and wait for him to move again. When he does, lower the rod to 45 degrees or a little less, and make him put pressure on the line. When he starts to take drag, start reeling.

Also, if your sharks are large, you need a fairly long steel leader. A larger shark can snap thin mono with the tail.

Answer 2

As a rule, the larger your rig and bait, the bigger the shark.

I try to use an oily cut bait. This is a smelly fish like a shad, mackeral or bluefish cut into pieces. The bigger the hook...you got it.

The best places to catch shark is:

* Around structure in the ocean where other bottom feeders hang out.

* Deep holes in inland saltwater creeks or the ocean for that matter. You need a depthfinder to locate them. These holes are also great places to deep drop cast nets for shrimp.

Answer 3

open hook will work, let it start to swallow, many sharks will hold small baits in the mouth until they are feeling secure enough to start to swallow, they like to get away from others that might steal the meal,

add as detail the type of shark, dogfish? nurse, porbeagle, tiger, mako, white?
if it is a shallow shark that eat crabs the teeth and the feeding is different, the have a jaw lined with hard plates to crush up crab and shellfish, more like a gravel crusher than a cutter for meat, harder to hook, they need to swallow the hook.

gang hooks might help, they tend to catch outside the jaws, one hook anyhow

Answer 4

your best bet is to charter a few trips first
Sharks are generaly fished for in depths of 80 + feet ,this creates a potential of catching a super peadator ie: whie shark , blue shark,mako, or a tiger and in the gulf hammer heads these sharks are the moast violent game fish and the white is the more selective of these speices , the tiger shark has enough bite strength to sever the femor with little efort .
these are increadible sport fish but do your self a favor and go out a few trips with a pro and learn the works