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Shark fishing setup. #11827718 09/14/16 03:02 AM
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DancesWithSquirrels Offline OP
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Been thinking of saltwater fishing in Galveston coming up next summer, but I ain't got a clue about saltwater fishing lol. Any tips on a rod and reel setup that is affordable for big game fish?

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11828005 09/14/16 01:00 PM
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illest23 Offline
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Depends on how you plan on fishing. If your kayaking your bait out, an affordable rod and reel most everyone uses is a Penn Senator (4/0 or 6/0) on an Ugly Stik tiger rod. You can find them cheap on ebay or on the forums. If your casting, a Penn Fierce or Battle 8000 on a long rod would be plenty to target small to medium sharks. Google TX Shark fishing and read the handbook. Good info on there.

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11828155 09/14/16 02:25 PM
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DancesWithSquirrels Offline OP
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I plan on fishing from the shore.

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11828884 09/14/16 08:15 PM
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80# braid minimum. Penn reels r relatively inexpensive.
Look at 16/0 circle hooks and larger with very heavy mono or steel leader. 15'-25' r best imo.
U can swim your bait out or kayak them. Drop the bait and sit back on the beach. Stingray works well for beach fishing imo. Try this link www.Bigsharktackle.com they offer a lot of what u will need.


Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11829480 09/15/16 01:45 AM
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DancesWithSquirrels Offline OP
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I'm fishing from the shore, not a kayak. But still, thanks for the tips!

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11829644 09/15/16 03:47 AM
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Capt. Andrew Offline
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Look at a penn 9/0 or 12/0 load it with 80lb mono with some braid backing. Get a 80lb 7' rod


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Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11829694 09/15/16 05:02 AM
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Originally Posted By: DancesWithSquirrels
I'm fishing from the shore, not a kayak. But still, thanks for the tips!


smirk No one is suggesting u fish from a kayak. Shark Fishermen will often use a kayak to drop their baits out where they need to be.

U need long heavy leaders and sand weights when u shark fish from shore. Sharks skin is ruff like sand paper. When they feel resistance, they will swim n thrash violently. So, an adult shark will often rub right through 80# braid or mono. If u were fishing from a pier or a kayak you'd only need a 3'-7' heavy wire or mono leader. U can catch shark with less but u will often lose more than u catch. U can't cast a 15'-25' 300# plus leader. So, swimming your bait out at least past the second sandbar or kayaking them further past the surf zone r good options.

U will also want a long hook remover or bolt cutters to release the shark quickly.
If u choose to use bolt cutters just cut the hook in the Sharks mouth and pull the shark back out into the water quickly so u don't kill it. YouTube shark fishing 101 & land base shark fishing to understand more faster.


Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11830034 09/15/16 02:19 PM
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Fish Zombie has a good point. You are going to need a delivery method for your heavy bait. People swim them or use a kayak/jetski to drop their baits out in the surf. I personally use my kayak. To answer your original question, it really depends on your definition of "big" game fish. Your gear will be different if you want to catch bull reds and medium sharks vs sharks over 6 feet long. Go to the Texas Shark Fishing site and read the "surf handbook" and "shark handbook". You will find everything you need to know there.


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Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11830465 09/15/16 05:59 PM
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Be sure to keep a close eye on your rigs if using pvc for sand spikes. Just a little wave action will take them down, and a lost rig happens pretty fast in the surf. Another way is to set them up on your truck, and you can move with the tide. I also have an aluminum sand spike that works better than the pvc. Sometimes I set it up in the water, hang bait on it, and fish beside it hand holding a second rig.

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11831401 09/16/16 02:59 AM
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DancesWithSquirrels Offline OP
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So, would it be possible to have a casting set up (spinning) able to reach out far and still have the power to bring in a nice shark? Sorry if I'm so vague, I'm a freshwater fisherman... not saltwater lol.

Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11831661 09/16/16 12:02 PM
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Yes. You'll setup like u wanna catch a 50# big blue cat from the bank. The difference is, salt fish r much stronger and everything has sharp teeth. So, your going to need a lot more line (300 yds min) eeks For this u will need a size 8, 80 or 800 reel (depending on brand) and probably at least a min 8' surf style rod (something u can u cast 50yds). Practice your casting tech (key). Walk out & stand on the 1st sandbar. Cast your offering over the 2nd sandbar. U want to leave your bait stuck in the sand in the 2nd gut. I will recommend at least 50# braid & at least a 48" steel leader or heavy 300# plus mono leader. Use at least a #7/0 kahle hook with a spider weight (sand/surf weight). Important: Cut your bait long and skinny so your weight will hold if waves or currant is present (don't bury your hook! ). Check your bait often if your not using stingray. Crabs and all kinds of small fish will steel your bait as soon as it hits the water. Cat directly into the currant if present and keep your line tight. Fresh bait = more strikes. Stingray = Sharks only.


Re: Shark fishing setup. [Re: DancesWithSquirrels] #11835573 09/18/16 07:10 PM
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�Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?" - The Messiah
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