Shark Fishing. Details overall shark fishing philosophy, which bait to use and techniques for releasing sharks back into the sea. Includes pictures and several links for further information.

Shark Fishing

For those that want to learn about sharks and enjoy fishing for them, you should do so with conservation in mind. This is because sharks reproduce at a very slow rate. They mature late and bare very few offspring. It takes some sharks anywhere from six to eighteen years, or longer, to mature sexually. Many sharks reproduce once a year, but there are some that can only do so every other year.

Shark Fishing - New England

If you plan to catch a shark, you need to own or find a 35- to 40-foot boat with enough deck space to stow your gear and handle bulky shark carcasses.

Types of popular bait used for shark bait include tuna, eels and stingrays. Anything that will bleed is always good bait. You can't use protected fish, or game fish for shark bait. Use different baits on different rigs. You should also have a heavy leader, about 10 to15 feet in length. 100 lb. monofilament, a wire leader, a pre-rigged leader all work. The usual hook size is 6/0 to 10/0.

Another important item is your float. You have to float the baits at different depths. Common floats to use are pieces of Styrofoam or balloons. I prefer balloons because they're easier to put on the line, and seem to stay better. Fish one line about 50 yards from the boat and another at 75 yards.

Texas Shark Fishing

Once you have caught a shark, handling them requires caution and respect. You must know what a shark is capable of doing. Sharks are very flexible because they do not have a true backbone. The backbone they have is made up of cartilage. Some sharks are able to curl up and bite their own tail!

I do not recommend holding a shark by its tail. Also, do not hold the shark by their jaw plates or gills. The first gill arch is attached to the jaw plate and if you rip any of them, the shark will most likely bleed to death. I suggest holding a shark by cupping your hands around the pectoral fins and pulling them towards the body of the shark. Your palms should meet at the base of the dorsal fin. This method works well for smaller sharks, but I would not try to pick up a large shark. By using this method, it will help displace the pressure evenly on the body.

Atlantis Coast Shark Fishing

It is best to remove smaller sharks from the water to reduce the risk of injury to the fisherman. Smaller sharks do not fight as hard as larger sharks and thus do not expend as much of their energy. It can be difficult to control a small shark in the water. It is best to remove smaller sharks from their normal environment. Smaller sharks do not have the body weight that may crush the internal organs of larger sharks. When you take the shark out of the water, try to keep it on the wet sand. Dry sand tends to get hot during the day and can burn the shark...Continued at top of Col3

The most relevant links we could find, placed here free

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Coastal Shark Fishing

Land Based Shark-Fishing in Australia

Sharkwire.com

Coastal Shark Fishing

Once you remove your hook and have taken your pictures and measurements, it's time to release the shark. It is best to get to a drop off from shallow to deep. Walk the shark forward, never back and forth. Back and forth will drown the shark. Usually, smaller sharks don't need to be walked. They are filled with energy and will swim off right away. However, they are often confused and may turn back at you. That is why I suggest standing in shallow water when you do this so you can get out of the way.

Shark Fishing at Whitby

For larger sharks, I feel it is important NOT to totally take them out of the water. Pull the shark up into shallow enough water until the body is beached. The surrounding water will help support the body weight and the ground will hinder movement. If you bring a large shark out of the water, the chances are that it will not survive because the internal organs may be crushed by its own weight. Remember, they do not have ribs to help support the body weight and protect the organs. Have one person hold the shark while you remove the hook. The person holding the shark needs to straddle the shark without putting their body weight on it.

After the hook is removed, take your pictures and measurements. For the release, most large sharks will need to be walked when released because they expend so much of their energy during the fight. You should walk the shark out into deep enough water to where one or two people can handle it easily. I usually go to waist deep. Stand behind the pectoral fins and walk it forward into the current.

California Shark Fishing

You will see the head and the tail slowly go side to side when it is ready to be released. Push it forward and walk backwards and towards shallow water. Most big sharks swim off never to be seen again. They are usually more worried about themselves than you.