Bonnet sharks

Saltwater Surf / Pier Fishing
1

Does anyone know how to catch bonnethead sharks. Everytime I fish for them I end up just catching small sharpnose.

2

most times I catch them when I’m fishing shrimp near some oysters for trout…see them cruising the shallows around oyster banks as well…think most people use either shrimp or blue crab for them…saltfisher is the bonnet expert on here, maybe he’ll chime in…

The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org

3

Caught 15 or so smallish Bonnets this past Sat. afternoon. Had 2 hard runs with line breaks, more than likely larger Bonnets. Agree with the shell fish, shrimp, crab, clams. Never had a Bonnet bite cutbait.

4

We fish for them in the Folly River and use blue crab for bait.

BadBob

Polar 1910 BB 150 Johnson
“Convict Hunter”

If you ain’t the lead dog then the scenery never changes

5

Every bonnet I’ve ever caught has been on fresh crab, whole or half.

Sea Hunt 225 Ultra
Malibu Stealth 12

6

If you can’t get crabs,fiddler&shrimp combo is pretty good

You can’t catch fish on a dry line

7
quote:
Originally posted by dparker677

Caught 15 or so smallish Bonnets this past Sat. afternoon. Had 2 hard runs with line breaks, more than likely larger Bonnets. Agree with the shell fish, shrimp, crab, clams. Never had a Bonnet bite cutbait.

I haven’t caught many in my day but all have been on the larger side and all on cut bait. Usually off the point of a sandbar.

First, Most, Biggest

8

I used to catch them exclusively on whole live or dead menhaden. They usually do only eat shellfish. I’ve heard that due to their diet of shellfish, it makes them the best tasting shark species.

9

I have a 9 ft surf rod, haven’t got a reel to go with it yet but when i do, I Plan to spool with braid. I have never used braid before. Is it the same lbs as mono and what is the best lbs to use for a large bonnet.

10
quote:
Originally posted by Jay413

I have a 9 ft surf rod, haven’t got a reel to go with it yet but when i do, I Plan to spool with braid. I have never used braid before. Is it the same lbs as mono and what is the best lbs to use for a large bonnet.

Braid comes in all strengths just like mono.
Braid is smaller in diameter than mono of the same lbs test.
Advantages of braid:

  • Longer casting
  • More line on your reel than a mono rated for the same strength
  • Doesn’t have “line memory” like mono (i.e. curling up).
    Spooling with braid will mean you’ll want to put on a mono or flouro leader so the braid doesn’t go all the way to your hook/presentation.
    What strength braid you use depends on what you’re targeting as well as what your rod and reel are rated for. You can catch bonnets with very light test, but you can crank one in without care if you have thick/strong braid.
    My opinion for the area (if you’re not targeting huge sharks): 30 lb test braid
    This site will recommend white. :wink:
    You can go with lighter strength, but wind knots are more likely with the thinner braid.