AS SEEN IN THE SPRING 2004 ISSUE

Tactics for tangling with southeast Florida’s monsters of the deep.

If you happen to wake up with a bad attitude and a full on brawl is what your looking for, then shark fishing off the southeast coast is just what the doctor ordered.

During the spring season, the annual migration patterns of big hammerheads and fierce thresher sharks invite these bad boys right through our front yards. In addition, blacktips, commonly known as spinner sharks as well as resident bull sharks can be found roaming the shallower reef lines. All of the sharks close proximity to shore makes them easy targets for the anglers brave enough to target these almighty beasts.

In consideration of a shark trip one must spend some time preparing for the adventure, and an all out adventure it will surely be. As previously mentioned, spinners and bulls can be found in fairly shallow water and can be taken on light to medium class tackle, but our targeted species as far as this editorial is concerned, will be their substantially bigger cousins out in the deeper depths. Anglers must keep in mind that visiting hammerheads, threshers and the occasional mako can tip the scale at over 500 pounds! The proper tackle and equipment is a necessity for even standing a chance at success. Anglers should also consider that offshore shark fishing is probably NOT the place to introduce novices to our wonderful sport.

For starters, let’s discuss tackle. Two or three 50 wides or 80’s matched to heavy duty sticks are an absolute must and nothing less should even be considered. Modern day two speed big game reels will even make the task at hand a bit easier. Reels should be topped off with fresh 80 pound mono and all gear needs to be in tip top shape. Along with your rod & reel combos, mandatory equipment which needs to be on board includes tail ropes, a flying gaff or harpoon, gloves, cable cutters and plenty of spare fuel.

Whenever a battle with a big shark is ensuing, safety needs to be first on your list of priorities. Once a monster of the deep is hooked up, the deck should immediately be cleared of all unnecessary obstructions and spectators should stand back and out of the way, especially when the very upset shark is close to the boat.

So you’ve gathered all your gear, you’ve put together a crew of seasoned veterans and you’re ready to go blow off some steam. You must now decide where you’re going to fish. Sharks, similar to all predatory species can be found in areas containing optimal water temperatures and a steady supply of prey. Even though sharks are opportunistic feeders, often weighing in at hundreds of pounds, they do not primarily feed on small baitfish such as pilchards or herring. These palm size baits require too much energy for too little a reward. On the other hand, members of the tuna family, kingfish, large squid, big mackerel, small sharks and even rays make up the staple of their diets. Obviously focusing your efforts on areas where these types of forage are available would be advantageous. Off Florida’s southeastern seaboard, that would in depths of 200 to 400 feet offshore of the third reef. Ideal conditions would include a fairly stiff current and a slight chop although regardless of conditions; keep a sharp eye out for oily slicks, bird activity or shark fins slicing the surface as they head south in their annual migrations.

Once on location, shark fishing is purely a drifting game. The goal is to cross paths with the toothy predators and invite them toward your hook baits with the enticement of a consistent chum slick. A chum bag placed off the stern and a second bag deployed 50 feet below the surface with the aid of a downrigger or lead weights will help you create a wall of inviting morsels. Sharks have an incredible sensatory system and once a big hammerhead or thresher catches a whiff of the invitation, his natural predatory instincts will take over. Inevitably, the shark will roam through the slick towards the source, which brings us to the point of hook baits.

My experience has proven that big sharks find it next to impossible to turn down butterflied mackerel, kingfish or bonito, and the larger the offering, the better! These baits are extremely oily and emit a scent that prowling sharks just can’t ignore. Migrating sharks often swim close to the surface, but it’s not uncommon for them to wander down to 100’ or even close to the bottom. Staggering your hook baits at different depths will insure that at least one of them is in the strike zone. As an added enhancement, try injected your shark baits with pure menhaden oil or Menhaden Milk. It’s like basting a Thanksgiving turkey!

I would recommend single hook rigs on all shark baits. It can become a bit of a challenge to release a shark unharmed if he’s got two hooks connected by a short piece of cable holding his mouth shut. Remember, conservation is the key to insuring a healthy resource for years to come. Conditions will dictate the amount of lead required to present your baits at different depths. Fish the reels with just enough drag to prevent line from coming off the spool. On occasion, a strike can be extremely subtle or as fierce as a freight train. Either way, with a one hook rig and large bait, a fair drop back will be required to hit home. Experience will spell out when it’s time to lock up, tighten up, and hold on!

While drifting, if you notice one of your lines go completely slack, there’s a good chance a shark has picked up the bait and is swimming towards the boat. Crank like crazy and by the time you come tight, you should be hooked up! You may even want to pop the engines in gear to help get out some of the slack.

At boat side, all species of sharks need to be handled with extreme caution. As mentioned, when targeting these species your focus should be on a healthy release, although it’s not uncommon for anglers to boat a great tasting thresher or mako for the dinner table. To release a shark unharmed, get a pair of cable cutters as close as you can to the sharks mouth without jeopardizing your safety of course, and cut the leader as close as possible. If you intend on keeping the shark, the use of a flying gaff or harpoon as well as a tail rope will help you get a hold on the situation. Make sure when boating any shark that you securely fasten the toothy end to a cleat to prevent dangerous reflex thrashes.

As you can see, targeting these powerful monsters of the deep isn’t for everyone, but for the anglers brave enough to come face to face with these apex predators, the experience can surely be rewarding. Don’t forget to bring along a camera and if you want to really share your experience with friends and relatives for years to come, you may want to consider having a release mount made of your trophy catch. A 400 lb. thresher hanging from your office wall will surely help you close a few more deals!

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