How To NJ Shark Fishing

[Gerry Zagorski]

Being that it's Shark Week I thought I'd share this article http://www.njfishing.com/NJ_Shark_Fishing.php

Please feel free to offer advise and pile on here.

Enjoy!!

[ChumDumpster]

I've read and reread this article probably 100 times over the last year or so, great info here Gerry. Thanks.

[Pennsy Guy]

Chum, just make sure to use "shark rigs"--either store bought or self rigged & of course, be careful of kinks in solid wire. Using mono is a waste IMO. You're hoping for the perfect mouth corner hook set and then it's not a gimme. We sharked early in the season waiting for the tuna to appear but I was never too thrilled lifting Blues through the water column but that's me...Of course I'll take a Mako if one comes through the slick

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great points about the Shark rigs Dan. 15 foot mutli strand cable rigs are the only way to go. You need the extra length since the sharks skin can be abrasive. Some have rattles and skirts while others just plain hooks. All terminal connections should be crimped as well. The sinker is tied into the top connection where the leader meets your mono with single strand copper rigging wire.

As for reels and rods, they should be in the 50 or 80 pound class. Having lugs on the reel to clip into a stand up harness is a big plus especially if you happen to connect with a larger shark. If you are using a clip in harness you also need to be careful to have someone behind the angler in the harness to make sure they don't fall backwards if a line pops. This is where it is very important to know what you are doing as far as setting your drag. Too much drag or the reel locking up because of a snag in the line could be trouble. Always good for someone to have a knife handy while fighting the fish in case something happens and you need to cut the line.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by ChumDumpster

I've read and reread this article probably 100 times over the last year or so, great info here Gerry. Thanks.

My pleasure Chum. Glad you enjoyed it. After all if you can't be out Sharking, the next best thing is reading and thinking about it

[ChumDumpster]

I have 50 and 80 lb class set ups..I'm spooled with 100lb braid and I buy pre rigged shark rigs from freds, I then double crimp about 10 feet of 200lb mono to my shark rigs so the shark can't tail whip my braid...appreciate all the info though! And yea gerry when I can't be out it is nice to read about it, plus the fact that my picture is up on the site makes it that much better!!

[Oceanista]

My rig/reel setup: hollow core > 80 lb. mono top shot > bimini twist > 150 lb. wind on > crimped-on snap swivel w/chafing gear > 6' multi-strand cable > swivel > 6' single strand wire > hook. Too much leader can be dangerous with the fish boatside.

Or, one of those little snapper rigs with the bobbers on them work, too. Just back the drag down a bit

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Great points about the Shark rigs Dan. 15 foot mutli strand cable rigs are the only way to go. You need the extra length since the sharks skin can be abrasive.

I must respectfully disagree. I will never use multi-stand cable. It is unnecessary. I use a 250lb windon leader to 2 to 3ft of single strand wire to a circle hook. Eliminates the need to wire the fish and is a lot safer than having a bunch of cable.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by JDTuna

I must respectfully disagree. I will never use multi-stand cable. It is unnecessary. I use a 250lb windon leader to 2 to 3ft of single strand wire to a circle hook. Eliminates the need to wire the fish and is a lot safer than having a bunch of cable.

Good info JD... The length of cable does make it hard to leader the fish.. You reel the top of it up to the tip and you still have 15 feet. Please tell us more about the 250# wind on... Sounds like a better way to go.

To add to Justin's point, running cable there's always a risk. Many guys go with a length of cable (maybe 6 ft) heavy ball bearing swivel (250 to 300 lb) and then 6 ft of single strand wire. A long fight with a big shark with just cable you always run the risk of the shark eating through the cable. It's happened to me a few times on big fish and know others who have had it happen to them. Lost an estimated 400 lb. plus mako a few years back after a 2 1/2 hour fight that way, mako ate right through the 325 lb test cable. In my opinion, the above rig of cable crimped to single strand with a heavy ball bearing swivel separating the two is a good set up. It provides better handling than a straight shot of 12 ft of cable or wire, the ball bearing swivel helps when the shark rolls and the swivel helps while leadering the shark boat side. I've also used mono with large circle hooks with good success but haven't used that rig enough to give an opinion. It's really no different than what long liners use. 15 ft of anything and you will have to wrap the leader boat side and risk ending up like Bill Verbanas did. Bill was a legend with offshore sharking but made a rookie mistake which unfortunately cost him his life. The natural tendency is to wrap the leader with longer leaders but even a 100 lb shark in rocking seas or on a slippery deck can create enough force to pull someone overboard. I never go more than 6 ft. / 6 ft., wire to wire or cable to wire with a heavy lb test ball bearing swivel in between. As Gerry's article mentioned, most dangerous time is boat side, be smart, make sure the shark isn't green and have everyone in place and prepared. That includes the rod guy, leader guy, gaff and tail rope ready and if necessary a shot gun or bang stick. You should have three guys on board minimum and preferably four. Too much going on for just two when you consider one should be at the wheel and one on the rod. Should have a leader guy and someone ready to sink the gaff.

Gerry great article and thanks for posting, should be posted every year as it could save someone's life.