How To NJ Shark Fishing

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.