Hey everybody. I am planning a trip for this weekend to go shark fishing from the beach (probably IOP). Y’all have any tips for me? I have a general understanding but I was wondering what specifics I need to be successful (bait, tackle, tide etc.) I have a Senator 4/0 with 80# braid with 30# mono backing and plenty of big mullet in the freezer, should this be enough?
Any help is greatly appreciated
I can’t suggest any piers on IOP since I think they are private, but you have the right equipment. Take some 100-200# test piano wire (Haddrell’s has it), some beefy barrel swivels, and a big circle hook and attach them with a Haywire twist.
As for sinker size, anything from 2-6 ounces depending on what you can cast and how strong the current is.
Don’t forget the gaff, and be certain you can identify a shark before you sink that gaff into an illegal.
Moral judgment under girds the entire structure of laws and is necessary for the rational structure of any significant statute. The idea that our laws can stand independent of moral foundation is senseless.----- Albert Mohler.
Matt he said beach…
Just walk the surf at a lower tide looking for a sandbar and water break. Fish a shark bait on either side of sandbar, that’s where the big reds and sharks are. Use a mullet filet, half crab, bluefish and whiting are better though.
As for the rig, I use 50-80 mono but I only catch eater size (3-4’) sharks
Thanks for the help guys. What do y’all think about kayaking a bait out?
I use a 4/0 as my casted reel. I target larger sharks from the surf and have caught plenty up to 8.5ft. Blacktips and lemons will be in the surf and can be caught just past the breakers. If you can cast your 4/0, wade out to about waist to chest deep and cast. I use 480# cable about 7ft long and hang the bait from the leg of my weight. I attach my weight and leader to a heavy coastlock swivel that is attached to my mainline. A 6-8 oz Sputnik will work for a weight. 8oz + bait is a lot to cast so cast carefully. A typical cast for me is about 40yds. I then walk back to the beach and leave rod in a secured rod holder. Whiting or larger mullet will be your best bait this time of year but rays will work too.
If I understand correctly, you have 30# mono under your 80# braid? If so I would recommend adding about 50yds of 50# mono as a top shot. It will provide the stretch needed when casting and when you get a hard run. You risk a break off with the braid alone. My 4/0 is spooled with straight 80# braid with a 50# mono top shot. The last shark I caught with this rig was a 7ft lemon off IOP this time last year.
Thanks. I do have 10-20 yards of 80# mono above the braid, do you think that is enough?
So from what I hear it sounds like kayaking a bait is not necessary? The best rod that I have is not exactly condusive to casting
Also where should I fish, are any particular places best?
Yakking a 4/0 is not necessary unless that is the only way you can get your bait out. Since you don’t have to go very far and the surf shouldn’t be too bad you could try swimming it out. Just get out to where the water is over your head and drop it.
You should be good with the 80# mono. Personally I like to have more than I can cast. It helps keep the braid out of the sand.
What tide/locations should I fish?
Just get out and fish. My trips are a good 24hrs on the beach so I get multiple tide changes. It doesn’t seem to matter that much. I do however see more action early morning and late evening till about 1am
Thanks, I plan on going in the morning
You generally do see more action during the early morning and around sun set. I have caught numerous sharks during the middle of day, so it doesn’t really matter some times.
Little bit more enjoyable when it’s light out. Just makes fishing easier when you can see everything going on. JMO