Hi everyone, I posted this morning and got no responses, I figured It was too long and nobody wants to answer all of my questions. I just want to introduce myself. My name is Morgan and I’m actually a guy. I fish for flathead and blue catfish here in wv, and I would like to get into bonnethead shark fishing. I would really appreciate if you guys could help me out and answer a few of my questions. I have pretty much researched everything I need to know now, but still do not know everything I would like to. I am going to be in folly beach this summer, actually right on the folly river. I am planning on taking two rod and reel set ups. The first one is a medium heavy ugly stik tiger with a penn squall 20 levelwind. The second is a medium action ugly stik tiger with an Abu 6500. I will be using half of blue crabs with a circle hook for bait. I will be fishing from shore on the folly river and I could also drive two minutes over to the folly pier. I will be located right at the Mariner Cay Marina. My questions were about what type of line I should spool up the reels with, what brand of hooks I should use, if I should use a steel leader, and what type of rig I should use. I am mainly concerned about the rig/steel leader and how to tie up the rig. Should I put the reels in a rod holder with the reels engaged or leave the bait clicker on? The last question is, are there any good spots within driving distance of the place I’m staying for bonnet heads in the month of July? I am sorry about the long post, I’m just thirsty for information. Please help me out and thank you very much to anyone who responds!
Also, I know a good bit about fishing for catfish and a good bit of freshwater fish. I just don’t know anything about saltwater, especially sharks.
Welcome!
Connor Malark
The banks of the Folly River will be a good area for bonnet heads, big rays, spot tail bass and other shark species with that bait. 20 lb line would be sufficient for bonnetheads from a dock. You main fight will be keeping them out of the oysters and pylons on the next docks over. Heavy mono leader with a circle hook should be sufficient for bonneheads but a 6-8" light steel (#4) leader would decrease your risk of getting cut off dramatically. Stop into Haddrell’s Point in West Ashley to get your gear and they’ll be able to show you how to tie the Haywire twist to make your shark leaders. Rod holders with clickers will work well with those reels.
quote:very good news to hear. Thank you for the response. I do know how to tie the haywire twist, actually. Where can I purchase the wire leader online? I would just like to have my gear ahead of time so I can begin fishing when I get there. Would you say just a regular slip sinker rig? With what sinker? I use 8/0 to 9/0 Charlie Brown hooks for catfish. Would those be ok to use for this?
Originally posted by RapchizzleThe banks of the Folly River will be a good area for bonnet heads, big rays, spot tail bass and other shark species with that bait. 20 lb line would be sufficient for bonnetheads from a dock. You main fight will be keeping them out of the oysters and pylons on the next docks over. Heavy mono leader with a circle hook should be sufficient for bonneheads but a 6-8" light steel (#4) leader would decrease your risk of getting cut off dramatically. Stop into Haddrell’s Point in West Ashley to get your gear and they’ll be able to show you how to tie the Haywire twist to make your shark leaders. Rod holders with clickers will work well with those reels.
quote:thanks!
Originally posted by RedFish4Welcome!
Connor Malark
Bonnets should be plentiful in that area in July. You probably already researched it, but they like shellfish. Shrimp and blue crab. They are fun to catch on light tackle.
You will often see them cruising the banks in shallow water with their dorsal fin out of the water. Just pitch it out ahead of them and they will find it. Circle hooks are best and will most often hook them perfectly in the side of the mouth so that your line won’t get cut by their teeth. Have fun, post pics
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
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Bonnets are a ton of fun to catch. Light tackle with live shrimp caught in a castnet has given us the best luck. The shrimp will also catch just about anything swimming by too. Just make sure to have 10-20 lb line with a strong (preferrably steel) leader. Small- Medium sized circle hooks are great. Make sure to have some good pliers or hook removers.
I am confused on how to tie my bonnethead rig and fish it. Also, could someone provide a link to the hooks you would recommend?
6/0 circle hook, 2-3ft 40-60lb mono or flouro leader, 2-4 oz egg or pyramid weight depending on the current. I prefer the inlets and beaches over the creeks unless you have a boat. The north/west end of folly near the rock groins is usually good bonnet fishing. Whole fresh shrimp or quartered crab is go to bait. Good luck, post some pics
Thank you very much everyone! What knot do you use to connect your main line to your leader? For catfish we use barrel swivels but I don’t think 2-3 feet would be castable under one.