During the Oak Island summer, the fishing slows a bit. The water warms and, just like us on those dog days of summer, the fish get lethargic. This doesn't mean you can't catch something that can put up a fight. With the right rig and bait, a shark can give you a run for your money. The idea of shark fishing might conjure up an image of Quint strapped into his chair on the Orca, fighting a twenty foot great white... twenty five. Yes, there are plenty of large sharks right off the beach on Oak Island. However, this post is going to focus on the sometimes overlooked, but smaller variety of sharks such as the Atlantic Sharpnose and the Bonnethead. The adult size of these sharks typically range in length from three to four feet. There are a few things to keep in mind when you do decide to go shark fishing on Oak Island. First, identifying sharks can be particularly difficult. Visiting any Facebook group that has a post asking for a shark ID and you'll find many people arguing over what species of shark is pictured. Being able to identify sharks is particularity important if you decide to harvest one. Most sharks are protected by law. This post focuses on two of the more easily identifiable sharks. Make sure you study how to identify these sharks and also know the laws regarding both fishing and harvesting sharks. The RigCreating a shark fishing rig takes a little time and know how. It's a little more complicated than walking into a bait shop and buying a double drop rig. While you can purchase store bought shark rigs, it's not to difficult to create your own. Making your own rig has the advantages of being able to customize the rig to fit your gear and fishing conditions. Gear: Even a small shark can put up a big fight. Before you start, make sure your gear can handle reeling in a three to four foot shark. This means a heavy duty reel, in the 4000 to 6500 range. Your rod and reel must also be rated high enough to hold the line needed when the shark goes for a run. The last thing you want to happen is to hook up with a shark, only to get spooled. Hook: NC law now requires all recreational fisherman to use circle hooks when fishing for sharks. For the sharks we are targeting, something between a 5/0 and 7/0 circle hook will work well. Fishing Wire: Your hook needs to be connected to a foot or two of fishing wire. If not, chances are great that the shark will simple bite through your line. AFW sells fishing wire in various sizes from #5 - 44lb test to #18 325lb test. For small sharks, something between # 6 and #8 will work fine. Monoleader: Also called a shock leader, having two or three feet of this line allows some give when the fish pulls. The mono leader has memory and will stretch and return, preventing the line from breaking. Again, make sure your leader can handle the fish and also match your gear. The video above demonstrates how to use these supplies to create a simple and effective rig for fishing in the surf here on Oak Island when targeting blues and small sharks. Baits for SharksBig sharks like big baits. That frozen shrimp we bought at the Beach Pantry might work for whiting but it's not going to work for sharks. Sharks require something a bit larger and bit more tasty. Depending on the species of shark targeted, selecting the right bait is equally important. Finger mullet: Packs of frozen finger mullet are available where most bait is sold. The packs usually consist of a variety of different size fish. Fishing with the largest in the pack can produce results. This is one of the more easily obtainable baits (yes, they sell these packs at the Beach Pantry) and while they do work, they also attract other fish such as dogfish and blues. Dogfish in particular can clean off a finger mullet almost as efficiently as a pinfish can clean off a piece of shrimp. Check your bait regularly and don't be surprised if there is only a head left on your rig. Cut bait: Bridling a piece of cut bait can be very effective for catching sharks. The larger piece of fish means dogfish have a harder time picking off the bait without being noticed. Local fish markets like Clems often sell large mullet and other bait fish that can be cut into pieces and used for bait. Another option is to catch your own. Pinfish, whiting and blues make excellent bait for sharks. Live bait: This is the best bet when fishing for sharks. Sharks can detect the movement and electrical impulses of the live fish which give this bait the advantage over a cut piece of fish. The disadvantage to using live bait is that you have to have live bait. This means catching it prior to going fishing, in which case the fish will need to be stored in some manner as to keep it alive. One method is to bring two poles to the surf; one with a shark rig and one with a double drop rig. Fish with the double drop rig till a bait fish is caught, then switch out to the shark rig. Crab: All the previously mentioned baits will catch sharks. However, if you are targeting bonnethead, using crab for bait is the way to go. Blue crabs can be caught from the public docks in the ICW or Davis Canal using a crab line with a piece of cut bait or chicken neck tied to it. Lower the line into the water, wait a bit, then pull it up. Make sure you have a net to scoop the crab out of the water. Minimum crab length is 5". Make sure you check the NC regulations. Crabs can be fished whole or in pieces. The video above demonstrates how to rig crab for fishing bonnetheads in the Oak Island surf. Cleaning and Cooking SharksCan you eat shark? Yes. Does it taste good? Well, that question is up for debate. Some people like to eat shark while others find it horrible. Like all fish, proper handling and preparation can go a long way in determining if a fish will make good table fare and shark is no exception. First thing to know is that sharks urinate through Their skin. When the shark dies, the urea in their blood begins to break down into ammonia which then gets absorbed in the meat. For people who do not like the taste of shark, this is most likely the reason. However, this can be minimized by bleeding and gutting the shark immediately. In other words, as soon as you catch it on the beach, cut the fishes gills and also at the tail and let it bleed out. Once it has bled out, gut it. This should reduce the ammonia flavor. The results should be a meaty, white fish. Make sure you know the regulations when it comes to harvesting sharks. Also keep in mind that bleeding and gutting a shark on the beach may upset tourist. These annual beach goers who were momentarily amazed by your catch, may now be horrified by your actions.
Making rigs, learning about species, selecting bait and catching sharks is a lot of work and not for the faint of heart. If you're a weekend fisherman who is happy just catching a whiting or two, shark fishing may not be for you. However, for those who like a challenge, when the rod bends and line starts screening, shark fishing can be an exciting experience.
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Ian SandsFish along with Ian Sands of 'Sands in the Surf' on beautiful Oak Island, NC. We’re fishing the surf and surrounding areas targeting everything from puffer, to blues, to black and red drum, to sharpnose and bonnetheads. Archives
February 2021
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