How To NJ Shark Fishing

[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.

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

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.

Basically, I attach the mainline (could be braid or mono, but I prefer braid) via a Bimini twist or a spliced endloop to about a 20 to 25ft windon leader. I use 250lb but some may prefer to use a heavier windon. Then, I attach a barrel swivel with about 2ft of single strand wire to a circle hook. With this right, you don't even need to wire the fish bc you can reel the windon onto the spool until you are 2ft from the shark...close enough to gaff or cut the leader. If you want to wire the fish, the angler can crank the windon while the shark is being wired, which essentially keeps all the leader off the deck (just be careful to leave a little slack between the wire man and the angler so if the wire man needs to dump the wraps it won't be too tight. IMHO, this is a safer, easier rig when it comes down to dealing with a shark boatside.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks for the 411 JD and Dakota. Great info and seems you are both on the same page as far as single strand leading up to your hook.

I guess your are using a haywire twist on the hook and the barrel swivel connections or crimping, and what pound test single strand?

[JDTuna]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Thanks for the 411 JD and Dakota. Great info and seems you are both on the same page as far as single strand leading up to your hook.

I guess your are using a haywire twist on the hook and the barrel swivel connections or crimping, and what pound test single strand?

Yes, I crimp the windon to the barrel swivel and then use a haywire twist to the swivel and the hook. As far as the pound test, I usually use the 175 or 225 but I've gotten away with lighter stuff. That's really up to personal preference.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by JDTuna

Yes, I crimp the windon to the barrel swivel and then use a haywire twist to the swivel and the hook. As far as the pound test, I usually use the 175 or 225 but I've gotten away with lighter stuff. That's really up to personal preference.

Thanks for the comeback JD...

For those of you who want to learn how to tie a haywire for connections on wire, here a good link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEKjXXtmjHM

Gerry....yes haywire twist for single strand to hook and barrel swivel. Crimp the cable to the barrel and snap swivel off the main line. Usually go a little heavier pound test than JD. Might cost me some bites but more concerned with not losing the fish of a lifetime.