GoVols

This is the first shark I have ever caught. I assume it is a Blacktip, but let me know otherwise. I caught him off the surf July 3rd at 6:15 AM at the Sandestin beach resort. Here is what I used/did to catch it.

850SSM Penn Spinning Reel 50 Lb. P Line braid

10 ft. Cabelas Salt Striker 2pc graphite rod 15-40lb test; 2-8oz lure weight

3 ft Malin 108lb wireleader with Gamakatsu 7/0 circle hook and 3oz pyramid sinker

frozen lady fish head caught from the day before; slightly thawed

waded out 30 yds during early morning high tide and casted out about 30 yards



Set drag loose, then let it take the bait, tighten drag and reeled in; 30 minute fight; grabbed him by the tail, pulledit to shore and had a family take this shot

Perfect hook placement in the side jaw; pulled hook than slung it back to the water

Shark was gone in a second; about the same rush as harvesting a deer

Awesome

I posted as much info as I could, since this is the website where I got alot of my info to catch this shark. I hope my luck will pass on to someone who hasn't done this yet. Can't wait to be back in Florida again.

I caught two large redfish with the same gear using frozen porgies from HalfHitch tackle the next day at the same spot. I will post pics when I get them.

wrightackle

That is a pretty little shark. It is amazing the fight they put up for their size. On spinning gear like you were using they are one great gamefish. Good report and nice pic to go along with it.

Halfmoon

Nice!

joe bag o donuts

That's great! I'm so glad you caught something. Sounds like you were pretty successful. Welcome to the addicting world of Florida fishing!

need2fish

Great report - thanks for the picture. Looks like you had a great time with him. I bet the kids had fun with that too.

Greenjeans

Great Detailed Report GoVols. I am taking my two teenage boys camping at McCrea in a few weeks and going to try my luck at the shark fishing also. My tackle is a bit older but I do have a few good sized reels and plan on stringing them with 50lb test. Does the braided line do better?

Whats the best bait to use for a shark? I have heard a bonita but not sure how to catch one.

Great Photo.

konz

The best bait to use is what ever is schooling up at that time. My fav. to use is lady fish....or fresh mullet.

GoVols

Spool up with 50lb braid if you can, get about a 3ft wire leader as heavy as you can get it (80-110#), get 3oz pyramid sinkers, and use 7/0 circle hooks. Use light spinning tackle to catch your bait on Johnson Sprite spoons or Gotchas. Ladyfish or Bluefish are what you will catch, but cut up whatever you catch for bait, since shark will be feeding on that. Wade out as far as you are comfortable, cast out, and return to the beach with spool open and close the bail. Set the drag loose and wait for a shark to run with your bait. When it runs, tighten drag and start reeling. Be patient and give the shark time to swallow the bait before tightening the drag and setting the hook. Good luck, since I used this technique to catch my first shark July 3rd in Destin.

fishnfrenzy

i'm gonna give it a try

Horse in around

That is some great eating you let go. Nice catch!:clap