What line capacity is essential for shark fishing?
Key points about line capacity for shark fishing:
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Line capacity is crucial for shark fishing due to the potential for long runs. A minimum of 300+ yards of line is recommended[1][2].
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For spinning reels, sizes 6500-8000 are typically suitable. For conventional reels, sizes 30-50 are recommended[2].
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Line strength varies based on target shark size:
- For smaller sharks: 50-65 lb braided line
- For larger sharks: 80-130 lb braided line[2]
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Some anglers use a combination of braided line and monofilament:
- Example setup: 80 lb braid with 50 yards of 120 lb mono as a top shot[4]
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Hollow core braided line is popular among experienced shark anglers due to its splicing capabilities and consistent strength[4].
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For blue sharks, which average around 100 lbs, reels that can hold about 400 yards of 30 lb line are considered sensible[2].
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When fishing for larger species like thresher or mako sharks, anglers often opt for 50-size reels or larger to ensure adequate line capacity[3].
Remember, having more line capacity than you think you’ll need is generally better for shark fishing, as it provides a safety margin for unexpected long runs or encounters with larger-than-anticipated sharks.
Citations:
[1] https://fishyourassoff.com/how-much-drag-for-shark-fishing.html
[2] https://www.talkseafishing.co.uk/articles/getting-started-with-shark-fishing.1492/
[3] https://www.gerrysfishing.com/product-category/sea-fishing/shark-fishing/
[4] https://sandbartackle.com/portfolio-item/how-to-catch-sharks/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/SurfFishing/comments/pqyy4u/what_size_spinning_rod_and_reel_should_i_get_for/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ1j8yXDXmU
[7] https://www.rokmax.com/blogs/news-and-advice/2018-shark-fishing-season-guide
[8] https://fishingbooker.com/blog/shark-fishing/
