Shark Fishing Guide: Shark Bait

Shark Questions & Answers

Catching Shark Bait

Using lightweight tackle or your spinning rod discussed in theSharkFishing Gearsection are perfect for fishing for shark bait. You’ll want to rig yourline with a double drop leader. Basically it’s a 2 hook rig with a clipfor a weight at the very bottom of the rig. This way when your fishingthe weight is in the sand and your line is pulled tight, so the hooksare dangling in the water. Now if you get a bite you’ll see it on yourpole instead just losing your bait. A good hook size for this rigreally depends on what type of bait your using to catch your sharkbait. For shrimp, squid, or fishbites you’ll want to use a good 2/0hook. If you’re using mullet or other live or cut bait consider using a3/0 or 4/0 hook. Generally speaking you’re going to catch much largerand gamier fish with this type of bait such as blue runners or jacks.

One other method to catching bait and/or shark bait is thecast net.Throwing a cast net really takes a little while to learn to throw, sodon’t get frustrated. I tell anyone trying to learn to throw a cast netto stay out of the water. Practice dozens of throws in your backyard inthe grass, and then before making your first throw in the water,practice in the sand. Once you can get a 5′ - 10′ range and the netopens up wide you’re ready to start hunting bait. A trained eye can seebait skimming just under the waters surface. A good pair of polarizedsunglasses help a lot, but are not mandatory. You’ll see little “V”s ontop of the water. You want to try to get in front of them and let themswim into your range. Stay very still and be patient. Live bait is theabsolutely best way to catch perfect shark bait. Some also have hadgreat luck blind cast netting in the water. I hope you’re in shape ifyou employ this method as it’s very tiring.

Begging for Shark Bait

There are loads of forums and fishing sites around where youmay beable to find someone kind enough to supply you with extra shark bait.Lots of shark fishers catch loads of bait in a day and will freezethem. Fresh bait is always best but when you’re trying to increase yourchances of catching a shark you want to have anything in the water.

Buying Shark Bait

I met a couple of guys that drove from Jacksonville to fish atmyOrmond Beach spot. They were using a whole Jack Crevalle for bait. Iasked them where in the world they were able to land such great sharkbait and the responded with the Jacksonville Fishing Piers. Makessense. There are people always fishing on those piers so if you canhead down the day before and find a lucky fisherman who landed a nicepiece of meat there’s no harm in offering him $5 or $10 for his catch.I’ve also been lucky and found whole bonito in a couple bait shops.Calling around to see if they stock this type of bait is best. One lastplace to try are the fishing docks. Lots of shark charter boats havestock piles of extra bait. If you’re lucky enough you might just beable to land some fresh shark bait.

The last topic I wanted to cover in this section of the SharkFishing Guide was what species make thebest sharkbait. The following are the best shark bait to be had onthebeaches.

Bonito

I’m not totally sure the best place to catch Bonito as I’venevercaught one. I know tons of this fish are caught offshore I’m just notsure if they can be had from the beaches. I have seen these guys in thefreezer at bait shops. Consider yourself lucky if you can use thebonito as shark bait.

Jack Crevalle

Jacks can be had from the shore. These guys are pound forpound oneof the funnest fish to catch. They’ll put up a great fight and thenmake terrific shark bait. Live mullet or other live bait are great forJacks.

LadyFish

LadyFish are touted as mini-Tarpon and for a good reason. Theyjumplike crazy and put up a great fight. Shrimp, FishBites, artificiallures, and live bait all work great for catching ladyfish.

Blue Runner

I’ve had great luck on the Atlantic fishing for Blue Runners.Liveor cut mullet seem to be their meal of choice. Puts up a pretty goodfight.

Whiting

Whiting primarily feast upon shrimp or sand fleas. The bullwhitingare pretty fun to catch, but anything smaller can be tough to determineif you’ve even got a bite especially with the waves. These guys shouldbe your last choice for sharkbait. Something is always better than nothing.

Stingrays

I know the guys in Texas have much better luck findingstingrays inthe gulf. I’ve fished for 5 years here in Florida and haven’t hooked onof these guys. Up in Hilton Head, SC I have hooked up with some verylarge stingrays. The intercoastal waters of central Florida are teemingwith stingrays. I’ve used them as shark bait but with very little luck.I’ve read many reports of folks in TX catching monster sharks on wholerays.

Casting Shark Bait

Casting shark bait can be quite difficult since you’ve got tothrowa pound or more of shark bait that is connected to a 6′ leader with an8 oz. leader. What you need to remember is that sharks have anincredible sense of smell and have no problem coming into waste deepwater. If you can only cast your shark bait 10-15 yards don’t worry.Walk it out as far as you can, just make sure you are in the gut(between sandbars). Once you get good at casting you should be able tothrow a hunk of shark bait 30-40 yards.

If you’re casting a Penn Senator 113 or similar bait castingrodyou’ve got a whole new challenge. Keeping your reel from ‘bird nesting’is a must. There is nothing worse than getting a huge spool of line alltangled up and wasting precious time with which you could be catchingbait. A lot of times a big tangled mess means cutting the line andstarting over. You can’t afford to be cutting 50-100 yards of yourspool. My first suggestion would be to tie on a weight and practice onthe beach for several minutes. Once you feel comfortable add a littlemore weight. Remember a 6oz weight and a 20-30oz hunk of meat weighs alot! You’ll eventually get the hang of it and it will be quite easy tocast. If you have major issues with casting I have another suggestion.Loosen the drag as light as it will go and throw it has hard as youcan. With the drag enabled at all times it will not birds nest at all.I’m sure this is not good for your reel, so it’s best to learn tocast properly.

One other safety concern to mention when casting shark bait.Whenyour heaving a ton of weight from the end of the pole the line as atendency to slip in your fingers. You can get a deep cut on yourfingers if this happens. Consider using some surgical tubing or aleather glove when casting. There is nothing worse than nursing a deepwound when you’re going to be on the beach all day.

Shark Fishing Guide: Deploying Kayak Shark Bait

Kayaking your shark bait is the best way to haul out those large baits. Two recommended kayaks are the Scrambler XT or the Frenzy. Bothare made by Ocean Kayaks and are great for kayaking in the surf. If youget serious about shark fishing and buy a extra large reel you can haulout your baits several hundred yards and go for the big boys.Additionally they are quite fun to play in the waves when the fishingis slow.

Once you’re happy with your placement you can walk back to thebeachand place your rod in a holder. I recommend a 2-3″� PVC type rod holderabout 4-5′ long. This will keep your reel out of the sand and thecorrosive salt water. Also having the rod this high will keep the lineout of the sand therefore prolonging the life of your main line. Onceits in the rod holder be sure to loosen your drag. You want it tightenough so the waves don’t pull it out, and loose enough that a sharkwon’t realize he just picked up a dinner.