Shark Fishing Tips - How to Make a Shark Rig for Surf Fishing

[@BlacktipH]

I would use an albright knot. A uni to uni will also work.

[@BlacktipH]

I use to have that problem. You need to double-up your knot. Try a uni knot with two wraps around the eye of the swivel.

[@BlacktipH]

***** I would use #9 wire, 200lb swivels and 200lb mono.

[@alexpifher8059]

+BlacktipH thank you so much this was really help full for our up coming trip in cape san blas

[@stevenhaitsch1340]

Mona to braid

[@upcloseandpersonaloutdoors]

BlacktipH how much does the supplies cost to make this rig?

[@andrewmorke]

I fished with a Fla. local who used a simple 6 ft. long fish finder rig that used crimped 800 lb mono and a 16/0 non-offset circle hook. I wondered if he was making a mistake by not using steel trace. I decided to try his setup though. We later caught and released a 6ft lemon and a 4 ft. blacktip, and the mono showed minimal abrasion. I'm sure this mono-only rig is fine for surf casting to smaller sharks, but yakked rigs intended for bigger sharks probably demand the wire trace and a longer (20 ft.) 400-600 lb mono abrasion leader.

[@brewzery]

Thanks, TB, this video is weirdly relaxing.

[@mesomemore97]

Great job. Saw other post that were 15 minutes or longer with a bunch of blah blah blah..... you were simple straight to the point. AND NO ANNOYINGLY OBNOXIOUS MUSICAL SOUND TRACK.

[@fhpd350]

I made several leaders like your tutorial shows, both single hook and double hook rigs using #15 wire doubled and #19 wire on the double rigs. Lots of shark fisherman are telling me cable is better and they've lost sharks on wire and never had a cut through on cable. I trust your design and I know your experienced on the Florida sand catching monsters on wire. I pray for no failures! Thanks again for the great videos.

[@BenignSteak2716]

I know it's been a while, but how did it perform? I'm curious to try it myself

[@buck91hunter]

Great Vid! New to shark fishing, I am wanting to catch sharks in the 4-6ft range. My questions: 1) Recommended hook and wire size for sharks in that size range? 2) What lb test and how many yards of either mono or braid? 3) Does the color of mono matter for the leader? Will black work or is it best to stick with clear? Sorry for the abundance of questions and thanks for the help!

[@drkyle223]

So much info out there about this that it was overwhelming. You made it super easy to follow. Thank you!

[@dVthreeeeeee]

I was reading that wires have to be 4ft or longer for sharks in Florida is this true?

[@InfinityFishingTeam]

The audio and video quality is insane. Well done!

[@ethanpike112]

The rod is rated for up to 70 pounds,the reel is a Shakespeare tidewater.I am using 75 pound powerpro braid,200 yards,and below 50 yds of 50 lbs mono.I own a 5/0 hook.

[@TheSpidermonkey97]

just wanted to say thank you for making your videos and answering my questions in the comments. you were very helpful

[@618Fishing]

I would like to make a number of these rigs in different sizes for my upcoming fishing trip. How often do you change out your shark fishing rigs? sorry if this has already been asked

[@BlacktipH]

618 Fishing I change them once the wire kinks or when the mono turns chalky white.

[@fishingwithkerben2320]

Seeing my two favorite youtubers interact lol

[@thefriendlyteenager726]

@@fishingwithkerben2320 ikr

[@Reefahholic]

So this is for sharks under 8’. What about a new video for Shark Rigs that handle 8’-15’ Hammerheads? What size mono? How long? What size crimps? Hook? Etc.?? Yeah I can guess and probably be ok, but I’d like to hear your advice on that. I’m taking about the giant monster that nobody ever thought would be on the end of their line. A legit rig for the Tiagra 130?? I wanna know what a 1,000+ lb fish will not break.

[@adamantonio4763]

Amber Jack are the bulldogs of the sea! They are such an intense fight! Great video

[@nickporter4488]

Would it be easier to have the lock snap running along the mono so the sinker can move freely? Or would you say it's better to keep the sinker in place?

[@TheRubachok]

Hi you are professional at fishing sharks and I wanted to ask you a question please. We usually fish from the shore but we drag the hook on a kayak about 200 yards in and drop it there. But the line or even the braided line 100lbs test breaks in the middle about 100 yards in when bringing the fish in. There were no knots, brand new line and I have had this happen multiple times. Have you ever had this happen and do you know why it is happening? Thank you so much!

[@BlacktipH]

+TheRubachok That's very unusual, you might have a bad batch of line. Sometimes the sharks are so thick that other sharks will bite the line. I have had this happen many times.

[@brandonwallin640]

I have just about the same setup as griffin with the 9' rod, 5/0 hooks, 300 yds of 30 lb test going for 1-4 ft sharks. I will be fishing in Ocean City, MD. How much should I downsize the rig? What # wire, lb mono, swivels, etc. Thanks for answering everyone's questions! It has helped a lot.

[@jeffz2281]

I've been loading you up with questions lately haha, what brand are those crimps? Thanks, Jeff

[@drumslayer4792]

So the weight doesn’t have to slide? Can you use spider weight instead of a pyramid sinker?

[@RCRidgecrestQuality]

Yea I agree. And should I bring another pole for bait fish?

[@OAXBORN]

Thank you for not making this a half hour long video

[@ReelGuyTv]

Is it necessary to crimp the mono to the leader? You can't simply tie it on there?

[@joshuajorgensen9955]

You should always crimp heavy mono (200+lb). In my experience when I have tied heavy mono, many times I have had the mono kink and break as soon as the line gets tight.

[@world3wide3sportsman]

what do u think is the biggest shark i could catch using this from the beach with the right amount of drag and a good leader

[@NE2T1]

Thanks for the nice video. Very well produced and easy to follow. My daughter (9) and I enjoy recreational surf fishing. We often catch small sharks and we would like to catch slightly bigger ones. Say Max 5-6 feet. We have fairly basic pinnacle 8' surf rod. Could it be done? what else would we need?

[@stevee231]

Hey guys, I have a question for you. When you set your baits and wait for the take, do you keep your reels on "free-spool" so the shark can take off on a run or do you stay engaged? Just wondering because I usually don't keep it on free spool, I place the bait with about 50 lbs worth of drag to start with and then I'll adjust it right after the first surge depending on the size of the shark. I have lost several fish once they reach a certain size. So I got to thinking that when I do lose the fish, it is ALWAYS on that first run when I hook up. So I guess 2 things, the reel question and also, would the hooks be contributing to these loses as well? I use circle hooks so the need to actually set the hook isn't there...should I be using more of a "J hook" set-up and actually set the hook? I'd appreciate the advice very much!!! By the way, I love your videos! They are the reason that I started big game sharking in the surf zone. Nothing like hooking that one monster and feeling the power behind them. My 1st big hook-up happened my 2nd season of doing it (1st season caught only modest sizes) and that first surge...I've never felt anything like it. I still hadn't mastered the harnessing and a feel for the fight 'cause it was my first porker so on that initial run I was very close to being pulled into the break. It took me to my knees which was plenty scary as well. Since, I've gotten much better and learned the tricks of fighting a fish that size from the beach....totally different ball-game compared to boating. The most extreme fishing that I think there is.

[@BlacktipH]

We keep it in free spool. We place just enough tension for the line not to creep off the spool. Many times the shark will pick up the bait and drop it. Bull sharks are known to swim with the bait in their mouth. You want the shark to think that there are no strings attached.

[@blizzride]

?? So why arent you letting the sinker slide free???🤔🤔

[@jameschristerson]

Are shark big enough for this rig running the gulf coast this time of year? Or should we bring it down a bit?

[@fhpd350]

Thanks for the response. I have made several single and double hook rigs using the exact same materials your using, constructed the same way as yours. I am looking forward to trying them out!

[@zaclove6168]

can u make video on how to rig smaller baits and how to hook a shark properly?

[@ethanpike112]

I want to catch 5 to 6 ft blacktip.I have a 7ft rod,Will that be long enough?

[@BarrettExteriorServices]

Where can I get a shark dehooker? Or are all these ones I see in shark videos all homemade?

[@baldeo87]

***** do you think it would be good to use a heavy fluorocarbon leader about 3 ft to stand uo to the shark's skin if it rubs against the line

[@BlacktipH]

+Antonio Baldeo The mono section of this leader is to prevent the sharks skin from hitting your line.

[@norawydarkness]

Will you ever make a video showing us a rig for sharks up to 4-5ft? And some bait rigs would be awesome aswell!

[@BlacktipH]

Yes I will, please be patient.

[@josecabanfishing1631]

Thank you! Even that I was trying for sharks, this rig got me a nice Cubera!

[@ThomasEntertainment1]

Quick question, where in the surf would you recommend casting to catch a shark 5ft and under? And also what bait would you recommend?

[@BlacktipH]

You should be able to catch one within 50yds. I like using blue runners, bonito, ladyfish, jacks, and mullet.

[@BamainCharleston]

BlacktipH - I mainly use spinning gear when I shark (Spinfisher V8500) and leader is comprised of 400lb mono (5-6ft) attached to 150lb coated cable (2ft) and it's worked very well for sharks around 5-6ft range. I'm probably going to convert to single strand soon and was wondering if this size wire is what I should be using with casting gear. My friends from Charleston fished at BTC and my buddy J. Levin placed in 2 categories. Appreciate all your advice and time spent sharing your knowledge.

[@RCRidgecrestQuality]

Have you ever had that happen to you? And where would you recommend getting like my hooks and line leaders and the other stuff? Bass pro shop?

[@thehitchedhikers4770]

What is the actual 15# wire? Is this 15 lb test leader wire? Trying to put this kit together

[@copperpees]

Y'all still doing the black tip challenge?

[@oscarchapa3871]

Great simple shark rig. Thanks for sharing.

[@TurfSurfer]

Ok cool. I'm out here in Daytona beach and ponce inlet still haven't got one.hopeing for one Wednesday!

[@jackheffernan4378]

Is the 500lb mono overkill for sharks under 7 feet? I will be headed to the OBX this summer and will be trying to catch sharks from the surf.

[@blancoballer24bb]

Have you ever fished off of Indian rocks beach?

[@connorfrain1841]

What is the best bait for sharks under 8 feet? Like mullet, Bonita, carcasses, or what?

[@Night_Hog_Hunter]

+Connor Frain mullet, and my personal favorite Spanish makeral.

[@Shockwavepb]

What is the best way to connect 50lb braid to 200lb mono? I have been using an albright knot to connect the braid to 80lb mono for a while and it works well on some of the leader shy fish here in Hawaii, however tying to the 200 with this knot is seems very insecure, any suggestions?

[@westonschraeder5286]

FG Knot

[@rylanandrew8848]

One more thing! can you use like 100lb test instead of 500lb for the mono?

[@Night_Hog_Hunter]

+rylan andrew best not too. the mono is used so that sharks cant tail whip it. if you used braid their skin will cut through 100lb braid like butter.

[@bryethefishinguy3296]

just curious would it not be better to put a slide on the mono section of the rig for your weight so the line will slide through it and not alert the shark? or in your experience do they just not care that much?

[@gregoryschwipps6541]

Joshua -- great videos! Quick question -- what is your favorite brand of spoon for catching bait off of the beach? Or do you always use live bait to catch your bait?

[@BlacktipH]

Gregory Schwipps I like gator spoons and crippled herrings. I also use live bait.

[@petehayes9497]

I'll be running bait with a kayak

[@316ajrodriguez]

Is there a way that you can post where to buy the crane swivels and crank swivels. I went to different fishing stores and the only ones I found that hold that weight are ball bearing snap swivels and crane swivels

[@jameschristerson]

So, how far out should we get the bait? or just fish the inlets?

[@MXP94]

I'm going to the outer banks in a month. Is it possible to catch sharks in the surf there? If so I imagine that they will be under 6ft. Just wondering if I should use the same setup as the one listed in this video.

[@ithinkthistimeitsgoingtowork]

I was told that when surf casting you don't want more than 4 ft of a leader because it will shorten the cast. How do you manage to cast a rig this long?

[@joshuajorgensen9955]

funtasticfishing The leader length will affect the distance, but overall casting distance is a combination of technique and the rod that you are using. I cast 8ft leaders all the time for blacktips.

[@kivancgunay734]

what is the snap lock swivel for? do you attach a weight on it for you just put it on there

[@papafrank7984]

The coastlock snap is used for your weight

[@RCRidgecrestQuality]

This pier I went to in South Carolina that I fished at last year(( first time I ever fished in the salt water) I caught a small shark. I think it was I nurse shark. It was about 1 1/2 feet. I was using small hooks and just shrimp as bait. Under this pier their are about 5-6 foot sharks that just hang out under their. I'm going to that same year so that is good. And how far would you recommend casting it off? I know that you should cast it into dark places, but how far or close should it be?

[@brianbachman6858]

do you think 100lb wire will be good without double twisting it?,I will be using it for 5-6 ft shark

[@johnmozierfishing7010]

How did it go bud

[@coIey]

good tutorial. Im going to try using cable because I suck at haywire twist! Im sure ill get better overtime, but I dont think I am doing it correctly. Also going to try thimbles and crimping

[@chrism3525]

hey why wouldnt you want to just use 19# wire instead of doubling 15# wire? a friend of mine that sharks off east coast of florida also said to go with 15# wire? i'm new to this sorry for all the questions.......

[@BlacktipH]

The purpose of using 2 strands is to prevent kinks. You could also use #12 wire if #15 is too hard.

[@chrism3525]

***** ohhh... now that makes alot of sence....thanks..

[@wolfeblitzer123]

Hey Josh, what size sinkers do you use? And and do you use pyramid sinkers?

[@BlacktipH]

I use pyramid sinkers 5-8 oz, depending on the current.

[@wolfeblitzer123]

thanks

[@emilioaguilar4562]

My birthday is this Thursday and i want to get a rod and reel for on shore fishing. I plan to get something that is $150 and under but i want it to be able to catch snook, tarpon, jack's and probally small sharks what would you recommend?

[@BlacktipH]

Okuma Avenger 80 and a 12ft Okuma Tundra surf rod.

[@RCRidgecrestQuality]

Very good instructions. And I would just like to know if this rod and reel could fishing for sharks off the pier. My rod is a 7ft heavy action Ugly Stick tiger lite with an Abu Garcia Ambassador 6500 C3 paired on it and I would probably have maybe 65lb Power Pro braided line on it. Right now I have 40 lb on, could that work? Same brand and everything.

[@Evergreen7557]

Joshua, I'm reading through these posts, and I am not sure if this has been answered yet. Maybe the Top Comment that is just below my post is the answer. I was wondering what size rig to use for sharks up to 5ft. with surf fishing gear. I was worried about the rig in the video maybe being too much. Thanks Ray

[@BlacktipH]

Downgrade the size of the components used and make the leader 6-7ft in total length.

[@extremeoutdoors361]

What main line would you use for this rig? Would a penn senator reel work for sharks eight feet and under?

[@mueshow]

The 100lb mono is to protect against abrasion from the shark's body? I was wondering why you need it at all. I'm not a shark fisherman, but we use wire for gator bluefish.

[@BlacktipH]

Shark skin is very coarse. You need the heavy mono as a shock leader.

[@rylanandrew8848]

I am trying to get into shark fishing and i was wondering if you new of any really good and hardy conventional type reels for sharks 6-9 feet (pen fathom, penn squall, penn senator, etc.). I also was wondering if the sharks can see the wire and if so, can it cause them to not bite sometimes?

[@BlacktipH]

Get a Penn 9/0 and spool it with 700yds of 100lb Jerry Brown with a 150lb mono topshot. I only use wire and it works fine for me. They used to catch sharks with chains and meat hooks.

[@McQuizzley]

***** i want to get into shark fishing and i was wondering if i used a penn 9/0 like you suggested to another person, what rod would be good with that reel?

[@geauxtweet]

I saw your crimp was actually looking like it was bent to fit over the thimble.. did you do that or was the crimp already fitted so?

[@wesleybryant7334]

Is it possible to tie an mono leader on the rig without crimping

[@Johnny--gd2fq]

I know sharks have super abrasive skin but do you really need 500 pound mono?

[@asianboyfishing5943]

I'm targeting sharks in the 5-6ft range should I go with my 16/0 mustad circles hooks or 13/0 mustad circle hooks?

[@BlacktipH]

The 16/0 Mustad duratin hooks will work great.

[@nickwalker5568]

For pier fishing can I just use the mono leader? If I can get away with having no wire I will but if you highly recommend it I will use it

[@BlacktipH]

+Nick Fishes I would recommend wire.

[@Aflatheadmontage]

i went shark fishing last night and saw a 6ft bull shark free jump 4ft in the air and it also barrel rolled 3 times pretty sick

[@bhouchens1]

Is this rig to much for blacktip sharks under 4 feet? Like should I downgrade to something smaller?

[@BowserBoy500]

what size sinker is prefered. and what gauge line? and tips on good bait for florida on shore fishing?

[@qmyers20mallard87]

I heard that some people use like weedeater line in place of the 7 ft sections of mono

[@trappermiklos5404]

Backwoodsboyzoutdoors 2015 I do because you can barley find 150 mono in SD and weed eater line in about 300 mono

[@animalbarrie]

amazon bro....

[@Iron_Kong]

can you set up a fish finder rig with this set up??

[@Skurrttt]

i have been catching up on your tutorial and fishing videos, i been flats fishing and inlet fishing sebastian inlet since a kid, im decent at it, 24 now, just wondering if the same 175 yards of 25lb braid in my spool enough to tango with a decent 4-5 foot black tip on the surf?

[@zaclove6168]

night sharking tmrw me and whats good bait for casting i have mullet and ladyfish its my first time going at mid afternoon till about 9:00

[@josephrowing2186]

if you use 100lb power pro braid should you use a mono shock leader

[@tomeskew6080]

+Joseph Rowing Yes the mono is there to give the rig some stretch so that it won't break off when you are pulling the shark in by pumping your rod back.

[@AlphaxRax]

I'm finally getting my shark rig setup, I have a Daiwa Saltist 50h conventional on a Shimano Tallus Ex. Heavy (65-200lb). What weight braid/top shot would you recommend for 6-8footers (Texas Gulf Coast)? Also, checking out SharkOutlet I only see 4/0 Crane Swivels and I know you mentioned 3/0 in the vid. Any issue using the 4/0 ?

[@coltonrunner]

But where did you buy the 12/0 eagle claw L2004 circle sea

[@jawsfishing5235]

I will be going fishing for tope shark irland what rod should i get also should i use a penn ceniter 9/0 what shoud i spool it with

[@BlacktipH]

A 9/0 for those sharks is overkill. I would recommend going with a 4/0 or a Shimano Torium 50. Spool them with 50lb Bullbuster monofilament.

[@markhoffmier1386]

Do you have a link to purchase all the components to make these rigs, or do they make kits?

[@cameronfitzgibbon5341]

copy and paste everything into amazon, that's how i did it. It'll cost close to 50$ for this set up.

[@zachcockrill6754]

What’s the lb test of the wire? I don’t see anything that states a “#15 single strand wire.” Just has lb and length

[@emanuelvillarreal9641]

Zach Cockrill look up American Fishing Wire it has the # and lb

[@TheThepimp15]

how do you clip or tie your rig up to your main line ? do you just tie it on or do you use a snap swivel ? and if so what pound of snap ?

[@tommyatkinson4406]

what is a good rig for casting off an ocean pier for blacktips

[@mattf1951]

Do you ever go fishing in/around Cat Cay, Bahamas (south of Bimini)?

[@daviselder5580]

on the AFW website, it says that a 2.8mm sleeve is required to crimp 500 pound mono, but you used a 2.3mm sleeve. Will the 2.3mm sleeve fit as well?

[@BlacktipH]

Monofilament manufacturers have different diameters. Using a larger crimp isn't a bad thing.

[@serb3727]

Which of your BlacktipH series rod and reel combos would best compliment this setup for mid sized sharks? Thanks!

[@BlacktipH]

+Djordje M Whatever fits inside your budget. This is the best setup that money can buy: bit.ly/saltiga-century

[@benb6801]

Do you prefer a slider for the wieght ?

[@jackc.8060]

Do I have to use this for surf fishing?

[@ascitiesburn672]

I just got a whole bunch of free tackle and an old old Penn Senator that surprisingly still works well. Would you recommend 200# mono for a leader like this? That was included in the box and I'd like to keep my purchases to a minimum. haha.

[@BlacktipH]

ascitiesburn672 I don't recommend 200lb leader for sharks unless you are fishing for sharks under 5ft.

[@ascitiesburn672]

That's what I figured. I'll have to get some more heavy leader then.

[@elleynde]

question . where do you get these crimper? are they available on a fishing website. i am never able to find crimper tool at good price. is 50$ a normal price for that kind of tool ??

[@NCCoastFishing]

and ive got bill fisher 2/0 600 lb test barrel swivels. i think that should be good

[@accountburner4714]

I have this same rig but what lb line should I use for sharks under 5ft? I'm going to nc in a couple days. For a Saragosa 18000 with a 12ft rod. Braid or mono?

[@sethburkhardt9627]

I went fishing in Cortez, Fl a few days ago with this rig setup. I had 100lb Braid spooled onto the reel. I spent several nights fishing there and I ended up hooking what I believe was a huge shark. I am not sure if the rig broke or the line itself broke, but after battling with the beast for a short period of time one of them broke. I was wondering what you suggest as to what I should do to avoid this from happening again. Do you think I should put stronger line on, or maybe make a stronger rig? If you thing the rig was what broke would you mind giving me a idea how to set up a stronger rig? Thanks in advance, plus great info on your page as i subscribed :)

[@BlacktipH]

What kind of reel were you using? If the rig broke, then you didn't crimp properly or tie your haywire twist properly.

[@sethburkhardt9627]

***** I was using a Penn spinfisher V 10500. Thanks for the reply, I had the drag pretty high and that may have also caused the line to snap. I am pretty sure I made the rig correctly tho. Thanks again for the reply. If it was the line what would be your next step up from 100lb line? I was fishing under the cortez bridge so it is possible it might have got wrapped around one of the pilons, if that helps any.

[@andysanders6593]

I am fairly new to shark fishing. After creating the shark rig, or leader, what knot do you use to connect the rig to your top shot mono?

[@BlacktipH]

+Andy Sanders Uni knot.

[@TheRyan115]

What would be the pound test of your main line ? The minimum ?

[@tonyfnb]

i know it depends on what is going on with the ocean but what size weight do you suggest for surf fishing? also could this rig be used for cobia?

[@BlacktipH]

The weight should be chosen based upon the rating of your rod and the current of the surf. I like to use between a 5-6oz pyramid. Sometimes I have to use an 8oz if the current is strong.