Shark Fishing
So you want to go after the big boys, the hard to land sharks? Well we can help you out! First of all I just want to say is that fishing for sharks is dangerous and in some cases illegal. Some species requires permits and or reporting to official agencies. Always check with laws and regulations in the areas you plan to fish. Also be considerate of swimmers. While there is always sharks around swimmers, the fact that you are reeling them in can cause panic. Please do not shark fish when swimmers are present.
Species:
First thing we must consider when shark fishing is what species you plan to target. For example, the gear you need to catch a Mako is considerably different then the gear you need for a bonnet head shark. NJ is home to many species and has even been the passing area for Great Whites. Below we will list the most common species you will find in NJ
1. Sand Tiger: These sharks are very common especially around Cape May and Atlantic City areas. They can be found most anywhere in NJ coastal waters.
2. Makos: These sharks are typically found in deeper waters. They are very large, a beautiful bright blue color and the favorite species for most shark anglers.
3. Tiger Sharks: These are the largest and most dangerous sharks you will find. They can reach 23 feet and is known to be inquisitive when looking for prey.
4. Bull Sharks: These sharks are large and fairly blind. They hunt by smell and as a result they often attack unreasonable prey like humans. These are the only North American shark that is known yo frequent the bays, rivers and even fresh water.
5. Hammer Head Sharks: While these sharks are the least common sharks on the list, they do frequent NJ waters. Easily identified by their heads that are shaped like a hammer or in the case of the Bonnet Head Shark is shaped like a spade.
Gear:
Once you have a good idea of what kind of species you will be targeting, now we must consider gear.
• First off you will need a large wire leader. Without a wire leader you WILL lose your shark very quickly. If unsure of what size wire leader you need then simply consult your local tackle shop for advice.
• The type of rod you need is critical. Most sharks are very large and very heavy. Going after a Mako with a 7 foot surf rod will likely take you a week, however a 7 foot tuna rod will do the trick. If using surf rods you should be using no less then a 12 foot rod.
• Rod holding belt will help you a lot. This is a simple belt made usually of leather, that has a slot to insert the end of your rod into. Without this you will likely tire out long before you land the shark.
• You will need a proper size hook for the species you will target. A 5/0 hook is fine for a Dog Shark but is nothing more than a tooth pick for a tiger shark. When targeting sharks that you will be returning, use a pair of pliers to crush the barb to reduce stress on the shark. See our catch and release article for more details on how to safely return your shark to the ocean. Click here to see our online store to order all that you need!
Bait:
Having the proper bait will increase your chances of catching sharks. We recommend Mackerel or Bunker. These are oily fish with a strong smell. When boat fishing we recommend preparing a sharkcicle the night before. This is ground up Bunker and Mackerel and frozen solid. Freeze a small rope in the center of the chum. Then when ready to fish, just attach a longer rope to the rope frozen in the center and toss it over the boat. As the frozen chum block melts it will slowly release chum into the ocean. Sharks hunt by smell so a nice smelly, oily chum slick will help attract the shark you would like to catch. If you need some basic bait tips check out our bait school for more details.
Safety:
Sharks have rows of sharp teeth, strong tails and rough skin. They are heavy and powerful creatures. So when fishing for sharks you have to be safe while not harming the fish. Never put your hands near their mouths or tails even with gloves on. Even with mesh gloves, their jaws is powerful enough to do a lot of damage to your hands. Never touch their gills. When possible bring the shark next to the boat and cut the line near the hook as possible. If the barb is crushed the shark will simply spit out the hook and not go through a lot of stress. When surf fishing, bring the shark just to the wash. Remove or cut the hook and very very cautiously allow the shark to swim off. Using your rod if needed to keep a buffer zone between you and the shark. We suggest you bring the shark just to within sight, get you picture and cut the line so you are never near the shark to avoid injury.
We hope this article helped you get started on your shark fishing aventure. Have fun and Happy Fishing!!!
Species:
First thing we must consider when shark fishing is what species you plan to target. For example, the gear you need to catch a Mako is considerably different then the gear you need for a bonnet head shark. NJ is home to many species and has even been the passing area for Great Whites. Below we will list the most common species you will find in NJ
1. Sand Tiger: These sharks are very common especially around Cape May and Atlantic City areas. They can be found most anywhere in NJ coastal waters.
2. Makos: These sharks are typically found in deeper waters. They are very large, a beautiful bright blue color and the favorite species for most shark anglers.
3. Tiger Sharks: These are the largest and most dangerous sharks you will find. They can reach 23 feet and is known to be inquisitive when looking for prey.
4. Bull Sharks: These sharks are large and fairly blind. They hunt by smell and as a result they often attack unreasonable prey like humans. These are the only North American shark that is known yo frequent the bays, rivers and even fresh water.
5. Hammer Head Sharks: While these sharks are the least common sharks on the list, they do frequent NJ waters. Easily identified by their heads that are shaped like a hammer or in the case of the Bonnet Head Shark is shaped like a spade.
Gear:
Once you have a good idea of what kind of species you will be targeting, now we must consider gear.
• First off you will need a large wire leader. Without a wire leader you WILL lose your shark very quickly. If unsure of what size wire leader you need then simply consult your local tackle shop for advice.
• The type of rod you need is critical. Most sharks are very large and very heavy. Going after a Mako with a 7 foot surf rod will likely take you a week, however a 7 foot tuna rod will do the trick. If using surf rods you should be using no less then a 12 foot rod.
• Rod holding belt will help you a lot. This is a simple belt made usually of leather, that has a slot to insert the end of your rod into. Without this you will likely tire out long before you land the shark.
• You will need a proper size hook for the species you will target. A 5/0 hook is fine for a Dog Shark but is nothing more than a tooth pick for a tiger shark. When targeting sharks that you will be returning, use a pair of pliers to crush the barb to reduce stress on the shark. See our catch and release article for more details on how to safely return your shark to the ocean. Click here to see our online store to order all that you need!
Bait:
Having the proper bait will increase your chances of catching sharks. We recommend Mackerel or Bunker. These are oily fish with a strong smell. When boat fishing we recommend preparing a sharkcicle the night before. This is ground up Bunker and Mackerel and frozen solid. Freeze a small rope in the center of the chum. Then when ready to fish, just attach a longer rope to the rope frozen in the center and toss it over the boat. As the frozen chum block melts it will slowly release chum into the ocean. Sharks hunt by smell so a nice smelly, oily chum slick will help attract the shark you would like to catch. If you need some basic bait tips check out our bait school for more details.
Safety:
Sharks have rows of sharp teeth, strong tails and rough skin. They are heavy and powerful creatures. So when fishing for sharks you have to be safe while not harming the fish. Never put your hands near their mouths or tails even with gloves on. Even with mesh gloves, their jaws is powerful enough to do a lot of damage to your hands. Never touch their gills. When possible bring the shark next to the boat and cut the line near the hook as possible. If the barb is crushed the shark will simply spit out the hook and not go through a lot of stress. When surf fishing, bring the shark just to the wash. Remove or cut the hook and very very cautiously allow the shark to swim off. Using your rod if needed to keep a buffer zone between you and the shark. We suggest you bring the shark just to within sight, get you picture and cut the line so you are never near the shark to avoid injury.
We hope this article helped you get started on your shark fishing aventure. Have fun and Happy Fishing!!!
