Shark Fishing Gear

Here’s a comprehensive list of essential shark fishing gear:

1. Rod:
2. Length: 7-12 feet (10-12 feet for shore fishing, 7-8 feet for boat fishing)
3. Power: Heavy to extra-heavy
4. Action: Moderate to fast
5. Line Rating: 50-100 lb or higher

6. Recommended models: 11′ Penn Battalion 2, 12′ Penn Squadron, Daiwa FT

7. Reel:

8. Types: Conventional (lever drag) or large spinning reels
9. Size: 6500-8000 for spinning, 30-50 size for conventional
10. Line Capacity: Minimum 300-400 yards
11. Drag Strength: 30+ lbs

12. Recommended models: Penn Squall 50w, Daiwa BG 6500/8000, AVET 80 T-RX

13. Line:

14. Braided line: 50-65 lb for smaller sharks, 80-130 lb for larger sharks

15. Some anglers use a combination of braid and monofilament

16. Leader:

17. Length: At least 20 feet total

18. Two-part construction:
    a) Bite trace: 5 feet of 400-480 lb multi-strand wire
    b) Rubbing leader: 12-15 feet of wire or heavy monofilament

19. Hooks:

20. Circle hooks are recommended (e.g., 12/0 Eagle Claw L2004 Circle Sea for smaller sharks)
21. Sizes 8/0 and higher for larger sharks

22. 18/0 Lindgren Pitman circle hook for large species

23. Bait Deployment:

24. Small kayak (e.g., Ocean Frenzy) or remote-controlled electric boat (e.g., Aquacat Turbo X)

25. VHF radio for communication

26. Fighting Gear:

27. Fighting plate with harness (e.g., Barrett Rod Company Fighting Plate with AFTCO Maxforce Harness)

28. Custom five-rod rack for beach fishing

29. Dehooking Tools:

30. Large wire cutters or bolt cutters
31. Custom dehooker for deep-set hooks

32. Long-handled tools

33. Safety Equipment:

34. Lightweight waders

35. Lights: 5,000-lumen spotlight and 350-lumen headlamp

36. Additional Tools:

37. Tail rope (for non-protected species)
38. Tagging kit (available through NOAA’s Cooperative Shark Tagging Program)
39. First aid kit

40. Camera for documentation

41. Artificial Lures (optional):

42. Topwater lures (e.g., Cordell pencil popper)
43. Twitch baits
44. Large diving plugs

Remember to always prioritize the safety of both the angler and the shark, and follow local regulations and conservation guidelines when shark fishing.

Citations:
[1] https://fishingbooker.com/blog/shark-fishing/
[2] https://www.saltwatersportsman.com/gear/shark-gear-for-conservation-minded-anglers/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie5h8aDp4s0
[4] https://www.reelsandtackle.com/articles–blog/catching-shark-on-artificial-lures
[5] https://www.rokmax.com/blogs/news-and-advice/2018-shark-fishing-season-guide
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ1j8yXDXmU
[7] https://sandbartackle.com/portfolio-item/how-to-catch-sharks/
[8] https://www.gerrysfishing.com/product-category/sea-fishing/shark-fishing/