THE SHARK FISHING HANDBOOK

By Christopher Deaver, a.k.a The Power Fisherman
Published 2002, Revised 2008, All Rights Reserved.

INTRODUCTION

The SHARK FISHING HANDBOOK is designed to provide a basic introduction to shark fishing and orient the new angler to a working body of knowledge. Our primary discussion will focus on techniques and information employed in targeting 5′ to 7′ sharks from the beach, jetties, and piers. Future information geared at targeting larger sharks, which I consider an advanced subject for the new shark fisherman, will be published later. Most people who catch larger ‘Hollywood’ sharks do so after 2-5 years of fishing the beach. I have spend much of my time fishing in Texas, but the thinking and general techniques we share here work in all surf environments from North Carolina to Australia, from Florida to Mexico.

We know many people want to catch large trophy sharks when they get into this. That is an admirable endeavor. I do believe that targeting 5′ to 7′ers will build the skill and thinking to go after the big one with good odds for success. For those interested in targeting the larger sharks, the mid-sized ones help you get your system down and train your crew. The key to being successful at shark fishing is adopting a good system based on good techniques and spending some time to develop a body of experience on how to apply the techniques in various conditions. It will take about fifty days on the beach before you get your system down cold. Once you have your system down, you should be able to catch a nice shark each day you fish in the Mid-Spring to early Summer and from early Fall through November.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The subject material is broken into “pageview” chapters. By clicking on each subject link, you will receive a brief introduction to an important shark fishing topic. We try to cover the essential logic and key techniques to build into your system eliminating costly trials, error, and frustration along the path of your development.

Chapters:

Chapter 1, Shark Fishing Orientation, provide a general overview of what is required to become a shark fisherman, before moving on to specifics subjects and techniques. The right mental attitude towards the sport and learning the sport is your foundation to success.

Chapter 2, Building a Shark Fishing Crew, covers the importance teamwork to success. Get the right team together, and success is inevitable.

Chapter 3, Shark Fishing Tackle – Selecting Rods and Reels,

Chapter 4, Planning A Shark Fishing Trip,

Chapter 5, Picking a Spot and Setting Up Camp,

Chapter 6, Shark Bait,

Chapter 7, Shark Leader Preparation and Shark Bait Rigging,

Chapter 8, Shark Fishing Bait Placement Strategy and Deployment,

Chapter 9, Fighting, Landing, Handling, and Releasing Sharks,

Chapter 10, Fishing Hard and Staying Motivated,

Chapter 11, Putting the Shark Fishing Handbook into Action,

Catch and Release is Great!

Each state has different game laws, and we encourage anglers to practice catch and release fishing for shark species. Successful catch and release fishing requires teamwork and organization to quickly get a shark back into the water. Ninety-eight percent of the sharks seen here are released. If you decide to keep one, we will respect your decision.

Cautionary Statement:

Although shark fishing can be a lot of fun and thrilling beyond compare, it is fraught with pitfalls and danger. Safety and clarity of mind are of paramount importance when dealing with sharks and the surf environment. The ocean can kill you, no doubt. Losing a hand to a shark is insignificant compared to the magnitude of loosing your life. You are more likely to drown than be attacked by a shark. Caution is important and getting into things slowly will allow you to navigate these inherent dangers in dealing with the surf environment and allow you to enjoy a very exciting sport. Think of the shark fishing camp as a construction site where safety comes first and there is no room for drugs or alcohol. Happy hour starts when the fishing day comes to a close and the last rod is reeled in. Fish together with other people and call for help when you need it. Be extra careful when you are tired or sleepy. Pick your fishing crew wisely and let them know you expect them to be both careful and sober while fishing. It never hurts to have a safety meeting in your campsite before you put the first bait out. Use prudent judgment on the beach and take care to be safe.

BACKGROUND

I wrote the Shark Fishing Handbook after leading Team Stud composed of Kyle Ligon, Oz Ozlins, and Artie Hebert to win the first Texas Sharkfishing Rodeo in 2002. As I took some friends to the beach to teach them shark fishing, they recommended that I write all of this information down and publish it. Some of the ideas shared here were developed on my own, some came from friends, while others came from Australian techniques.

As a new shark fisherman in 2001, I wanted to get my hands on good information to launch me into the sport. I found many people who spoke about shark fishing, but not many who actually made the catches. The internet was full of opinions on technique which were circulated and passed as wisdom by people who had never caught even five sharks. I wrote this Handbook in 2002 so there was a site with WRITTEN ARTCLES ON SHARKFISHING TECHNIQUES THAT WORKED. Even today I see many people who have copied ideas off my site and published them, without getting the details right. That is the testament to our success.

LET’S GET STARTED!

This Handbook is filled with PROVEN TECHNIQUES THAT CATCH SHARKS. Over the years several hundred shark fishermen got their jump start off this information. I suggested you read all the content on the site three times to internalize it. The material is written in a very condensed manner. I do not argue or persuade the merits of the techniques. This is a blueprint for results. Just copy the system as close as your can for results. After you catch your first ten sharks, then take the liberty to improve on what is presented here. After you read the handbook, I would suggest you join our messageboard, for shark fishing discussions. The messageboard is very active with shark fisherman from around the world.