Hi all,
There's a wide variety of ways to rig a dead bait for shark or broadbill fishing, but here's one method that might be of interest.
Start with a good-quality shark trace and a big hook ;) ;D
I prefer circles (Owner or Gamakatsu), but had this offset 'J' in the tackle box for a while...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_53_206482333.jpeg)
Cold beer always helps...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_53_20649854.jpeg)
I use a four-inch darning needle, but have cut a small slit from the eye, so i can simply hook in the trace or pre-tied livebait bridle.
[(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_54_20650861.jpeg)
Once you've threaded a nice long piece of trace, put it somewhere safe for now...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_54_206512008.jpeg)
Now prepare your tuna - I've used a frozen bonito here.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_47_20620733.jpeg)
Cut off the tail so it doesn't spin in the current.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_47_20621802.jpeg)
Now open a nice long slit just back from the base of the gills, through to the anal fin.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_48_206222439.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_48_20623683.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_48_20624988.jpeg)
Insert the hook into the cavity and position the curve of the hook around the middle of the fish.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_48_206251787.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_49_20626565.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_49_206271981.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_49_206281222.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_49_206291792.jpeg)
Begin stitching from the back, being sure to start with a few crisscrossed loops to form a good strong base.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_49_2063087.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_50_206311646.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_50_20632860.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_50_206331389.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_50_206341696.jpeg)
Use a standard crisscross stitch so each stitch remains tight as you move on to the next.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_50_206351528.jpeg)
Take some time to get a firm seal around the hook as there'll inevitably be movement of the hook in the current.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_51_20636666.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_51_206371591.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_51_206381805.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_51_206391972.jpeg)
You can see the small cut in the eye here - makes it a lot easier to weave pretied bridles through the eye sockets for live baiting.
However, since I'm simply stitching a single strand of mono, I've threaded the full eye above.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_51_206402214.jpeg)
Continue stitching through to the gill plate...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_52_206412410.jpeg)
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_52_206421413.jpeg)
Once at the gills, I use a small pliers to guide the needle through the tough plate and really fasten the top of the hook shank (ie below the eye) together with the bait.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_52_2064354.jpeg)
Put in a number of loops here as this is the pivotal pressure point once the current comes on the bait.
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_52_20644952.jpeg)
This is my 9500SS - fully customised in the vein of the old Japanese 'Bluefin Specials'.
I built this for XOS YT kings and it's got plenty of stopping power, but I wouldn't choose to use it for sharks.
However, I was only planning to target kings on this particular trip and resorted to sharks as a last-ditch attempt to hook something of significance...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_53_20647642.jpeg)
Re-coil the trace and whip on a twist tie until you're ready to go...
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_52_206452422.jpeg)
And here's the finished product:
(http://alantani.com/gallery/20/3590_07_08_17_3_50_53_206462105.jpeg)
There's a number fishos at Alan's place that know far more about targeting sharks than I, so this is only my take on one way of rigging a dead bait.
In this instance, we fished big baits from late afternoon till around 3am and had no big takes.
We caught fish all night, but not the target species.
There were even a couple of fairly good hits on the dead bait, but not what we were after.
Maybe next time...
Righto, hope that was of some interest.
All the best, Justin
PS Big thanks to my mate Richie for the magnificent camera work - cheers mate! ;) ;D
Nice to see you targeting some Sharks Justin. ;D That looks like a whole lot of work rigging that Bonita, but I like it. I wish you luck. When you hook into your first big one, There will be nothing else. ;D
Your cable setup looks Ok, but you need a sliding trace of mono behind it, if you are targeting Sharks.
Check out my posts on making Shark Rigs. I have been doing this a bit, and the sliding trace is Key.
Cracker Post Mate! ;D
Nice, thanks a lot for sharing, you can up your hook up rate by sticking a tooth pick through the hook eye, it helps to keep the hook proud. Bonito is deadly bait. If you use a big head bait, just hook a circle through the nose and secure a cable tie behind the hook to keep the mouth shut. Quick easy way to rig up and you get an excellent hook up rate. Shark Hunter, why do you need a sliding rig?
Quote from: redsetta on February 04, 2014, 09:56:44 AM
Cold beer always helps...
Thanks Justin! Very nicely done!
Cape the reason that we use sliding rigs is this. When your bait is sitting there on the bottom waiting for a shark to come through and grab it, there are times (if the crabs leave your bait alone) that your bait my be out there for several hours at a time. with the currents and shifting of the sands your leaders can become covered up. Well when the shark finally comes in to take it you want the bait to seem as natural as possible so it gets takek then there is the main purpose uf the slide. when the shark takes the bait the initial bite is just that, A BITE. As they swim off with it though they start to swallow the bait. If it was locked up from the sand with no slider then 9 out of 10 time the bait will pull from the sharks mouth. but with the slider haveing a full trace of between 10-20 ft you allow the shark to take in the bait fully and then when the trace reaches its end the weigh causes the hook to basically set itself. all thats left to do then is give it a few more good jacks to make sure you have a good hook set and let the fight begin.
Think of it like a mouse trap. You could stand there trying to kill the mouse yourself and you would wait all day. But when you bait them in and they think all is well. they take it but then it to late the trap closes and there done.
Well said Chris! The sliding trace will really improve your hook up ratio.
Chris cut off the tail and is worried about current, sort of how we plug cut herring. If his current is this strong I think a sliding rig would slide to the stop in the current. I use sliders, but it doesn't seem like Chris would need one here.
Ron
The currents working against the leader give the bait more of a floating appearance in the water. When we drop the baits out we drop it with the weight at the point were the leader and the trace meet. As the line is being pulled out it also creates a bow in the line. Once we drop we normally count to 15 and then tighten up the line. As the sand settles over the wait it now provides a lock only aloowing the trace to slip back and forth through the slider. That is where the low resistance comes into play.
Thanks SH - appreciate the insight and will definitely try the slider next time.
We were fishing with fairly big weights in a strong current of 3kts or more, so that'd likely be a good tactic.
Probably overdid the bait prep, but I reckon anticipation is four-fifths of satisfaction ;) ;D
Cheers, Justin
No Such thing as over doing it mate. Here are some pictures of the sliding traces I use. you can see the swivels on the mono section to attach the weight.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/Tigerrig_zps93c86f90.jpg)
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/NewSharkRig_zps32f1da28.jpg)
I tried fishing with a fixed weight and as soon as the shark felt it, he dropped it or spit it. With this setup, he usually has already committed and doesn't want to let go and ends up hooking himself. ;D
In Shark fishing lingo, this setup is known as the "rat trap" ;)
This was the set up I first started using and I have learned a lot since then. ;D
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/JoeAndersonrig_zpsc186b77f.jpg)
Love the longline clip Daron...having a few of those around is always good, they come in handy for alot of different things.
That's great - cheers.
As it happened, I had a very similar set up but, not knowing any better, I clipped the weight onto the top swivel rather than around the 200lb leader.
Hope to have more success next time!
Thanks again, Justin
Good sewing job Justin. Daron are those rigs to be used or you a collector of end tackle? You have to get them dirty. :D ;D Dominick
Believe me Dom I am going to help him get them both Dirty and shredded up come May.
Quote from: Chris Gatorfan on February 05, 2014, 02:29:32 AM
Believe me Dom I am going to help him get them both Dirty and shredded up come May.
Which beach? I want to be there. Dominick
Dominick, I believe he fishes Navarre Beach in Fl. Not far from where I am. Bob
I stay in the Navarre Area and drive down to Pensacola Usually. The Shark Outlet leader was a gift. I took the bait and bought two more of them. John Hebisen is a really nice guy. he sells a lot of cool sharkin' gear.
I am a collector of Shark Fishing gear. Bring that 14/0 and I'll loan you some end tackle. You won't have to wear your patch either. I'll have my Wife kayak your bait out.
I'll be staying in Fort Walton this year Dominick. Got me a nice three bedroom Condo right on the beach.
Bring that shine box. :D
Oh yeah we are going to be working P-Cola beach, and if push comes to shove I am going to take him over to Gulf Island National Seashore...Or if he wants I will get up with him on a Monday or Tuesday and take him fishing with 2 World record holders for Sharks.
looks awesome, alot simpler way to do it is using a zip tie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoAdefzMGmY this only wokrs for fish that have a width big enoguh for azip tie to go around tho. somepeople say it makes sharks weary to chomp it they feel somehting hard like a zip tie, but i disagree, sharks have strong jaws that can split a tuna in 2
I tried the zip tie method. It didn't work for me. I would just reel in a mangled bait. This is the way I do it with a sliding trace, and it works great. You have to leave the hook exposed and it results in better hook ups using circles. They pick up the bait, start running, feel the weight and its too late, they are Hooked! ;)
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/Dec2012Pcola014_zpsc09a6b2a.jpg)
I have only caught one or two sharks over 100 pounds, and have been on board when a couple big threshers and makos came in, but I just haven't experienced the finickiness you all have. In fact I've caught a small Mako off the beach with mussel meat on a dropper loop. Is it the size on shark that makes them so difficult? Please understand, I am not saying the animals you are targeting aren't difficult to hook, it's just not my experience and I'm wondering what is different?
Ron
Quote from: Shark Hunter on February 07, 2014, 05:28:29 AM
I tried the zip tie method. It didn't work for me. I would just reel in a mangled bait. This is the way I do it with a sliding trace, and it works great. You have to leave the hook exposed and it results in better hook ups using circles. They pick up the bait, start running, feel the weight and its too late, they are Hooked! ;)
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/Dec2012Pcola014_zpsc09a6b2a.jpg)
We slide or throw our baits in from the side so do exactly as you have done there, just put the hook through both lips to secure it better for the cast/shake and secure a small cable tie behind the hook to keep the mouth shut otherwise the bait spins in the water and drags. It works even better if you stitch a dacron loop through the lips and attach the hook to that - super hookup rate. On throw baits we can use a sliding sinker setup, but not with the one-way slide as you shake the slide all the way down to a stopper ring. Hookup rates with this free dangling circle just through the lips is superb. 9/10 takes are solid (dropped baits are mostly small sharks that can't mouth the big bait) and you almost 200m of line down before you can even pick up the rod. So you have to leave the reel engaged with a medium drag otherwise it overwinds. All thats left to do is slowly crank up the drag and lean into the fish and hold on :)
Just like Capefish specified in his post about stitching the mouth.
Look up bridleing live bait for marlin or tuna.
I bridle through the mouth or if through the eyes I sew the mouth shut.
They will inhale the hook even if it's a couple inches away from the bait.
You'll get an even deeper, more solid hook up with your circles. Less obstructions to the hook.
I need to find someone in my area that's doing this, or coordinate with the guys in the panhandle.
What is it your trying to corridinate on Doc?
I think he is wanting to feel the power Chris. ;)
Quote from: Chris Gatorfan on February 07, 2014, 04:28:03 PM
What is it your trying to corridinate on Doc?
I need to get a trip or two in with some experienced fishermen.
I want to do some beach sharking,but it's a pretty specific skill set. For the fairly shallow beaches that we have here, a kayak is an essential, which means at least one more person. There's no way to safely land and release a big fish by yourself, either. After watching some of the idiots on YouTube it's very obvious that it takes a team that has some experience, cool heads, and common sense.
And common sense ain't common.
Well I would be glad to have you come fish with me this year if you can get over here. We always have at least 3 or 4 of us at a time out there. You would definitely have helping hands there with you. Just let me know. Heck better yet if you can see when Daron will be here and get it set up for the same time We could do a little "Team Alan Tani" on the sharks for a few days.
I knew this was bound to happen. ;D
Dominick has the itch too.
Dom can come to. We'll Have an Alan Tani Member Sharkfest, and show the so called APEX Predator who the real APEX Predators are.
If I can make it count me in to! I'll bring some good ol nc redneck ray slaying skills to, if I'm invited and y'all can handle me ;)
Where is Bunnlevel, NC at exactly. I used to live in Greenville. Loved going Striper fishing in the Tar/Pamlico River.
And yes if you can come, then we would be glad to have you also.
Sounds good. I need to give about three months notice to get any time off, so I'll need to have specific dates. I'll review this thread again this weekend, and check back before putting in for the PTO. My number one fishing partner lives in Crestview, so I have a place to stay.
It's not too soon to start thinking about tackle. I don't have any of the monster size reels that I see here, but I have a pair of 9/0's. One's a 900H which will have an Alan Tani drag, a kolekar grip and Keta Krank by this summer. I might double dog it, too.
I just got the one piece half frame for the 115L, and I'll be adding double stainless dogs and a sleeve, plus the drag, crank and handle upgrades. I'm thinking of straight 80 mono for them both. I have a pair of Sabres that I built several years ago, a six foot 30-80 with all rollers and slick butt, and a 6 1/2 foot 40-100 with roller tip and stripper. I know that rollers can be a problem on the beach, but that's what I have.
As far as catching sting rays for bait, I have some experience with big rays. My biggest was at least twice the weight of my biggest halibut (which was 155 lbs). I don't expect to ever replicate that!
I haven't got the Ray catching down. I will bring some gigs with me this year for sure.
Ok, So far Bunnlevel, Floating Doc, Chris and me. Maybe Dominick. This is going to be a hoot! ;D
Your 9/0 will work fine Doc. Personally, I'll be fishing a 12/0 and Sal's 14/0 exclusively. ;)
Bob (Cone) lives in the area too. I'm sure he is in. 8)
Yes Doc the 9/0's will be perfect for here... The Continental shelf being so close here allows us to have a little bit deeper waters and also causes us to get alot of palegics here also.
Jeez lads - if I could, I would!
Will be in Baja Sur in three weeks (first time since '96), but still too far to join yas.
Good luck!
Thanks. The way the weather is right now, come May when this goes down the sharks should be thick. We are already predicting a killer year in all the fish categoies for this year - Sharks, Cobia, Kings....I cant wait.
Okay, month of May. I'll need to submit dates this month. There's no guarantee that I'll get the time off. I'll also have to check with my friend to see if it's a good time to put me up. I'm going to see if I can get a few days in with him. We only see each other every year or two.
Should we start another thread?
I'll be down there the last two weeks of May Doc. Chris and I were talking and The last week, the week of Memorial Day is going to be the time I think we are shooting for. I will start a new thread in Members fishing reports. "Alan Tani Shark Week".
Quote from: Chris Gatorfan on February 08, 2014, 03:08:26 AM
Where is Bunnlevel, NC at exactly. I used to live in Greenville. Loved going Striper fishing in the Tar/Pamlico River.
And yes if you can come, then we would be glad to have you also.
It is about an hour and 15 min or so west of Greenville. Near fayettville