Florida fifth report - baby sharks

[JohnMckroidJr]

Nice Report! I always wonder about fishing off the Treasure Coast, your reports confirm some of what I expected.

As for your first big bite: Sharks normally just feel like dead weight, but then they will usually shake their head a couple of times just before making a run. The groupers that I have taken shake their head the entire time until they get the bends or swim understructure. I sometimes see big tarpon taken by kayak off the beach up that way, so that might be in your future. They usually jump when first hooked.

As for your second strike, My guess is the same as yours, first being a King, second a Cuda, but sometimes a big shark will run hard also, so ya never know.

Originally Posted by BenCantrell

Yeah, but the afternoon storms with lightning here are legit. I wouldn't mind fishing through some rain, but when you here the thunder in the distance you have to pack it in.

Very true. If I see it flashing in the distance, I am still fishing. If I didn't, I would rarely get out. When it gets to be close enough to hear the thunder within seconds of the flash, I pack it in Or if my rods start buzzing. The last time out the rods started buzzing. When that happens, stow them horizontally and the buzzing stops, and it is time to head for the beach.

[BenCantrell]

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

As for your second strike, My guess is the same as yours, first being a King, second a Cuda, but sometimes a big shark will run hard also, so ya never know.

Hey John, question for you... if you're trolling a small lure like an X-Rap 10 or 12, would you use a wire leader? I'm guessing the answer is no, but if you get bit off, then add wire to the next lure you put on. Curious what your thoughts are though. I keep a pack of silver 12 inch 30 lb wire leaders in my lure box, but I haven't been using them.

I'm replacing all the trebles with Owner 3x inline singles. Next big fish that nails one of my trolling lures is going to stay on!

In other news, a shark expert from FSU says the ones I caught are indeed spinners.

[JohnMckroidJr]

Originally Posted by BenCantrell

Hey John, question for you... if you're trolling a small lure like an X-Rap 10 or 12, would you use a wire leader? I'm guessing the answer is no, but if you get bit off, then add wire to the next lure you put on. Curious what your thoughts are though. I keep a pack of silver 12 inch 30 lb wire leaders in my lure box, but I haven't been using them.

I'm replacing all the trebles with Owner 3x inline singles. Next big fish that nails one of my trolling lures is going to stay on!

In other news, a shark expert from FSU says the ones I caught are indeed spinners.

Ben your guess is correct. Most of the time I don't use a wire, since wires usually mean less strikes. If I do put one on, I use 40lb AFW 1x7 surfstrand tied with a figure 8 knot. I use an 80lb spro swivel. Spro makes much smaller swivels, but if the diameter of the swivel ring is smaller than the diameter of your line, there is a risk of the knot cutting on the ring.

Be super cautious while unhooking fish on multihook lures. The temptation to grab the fish and unhook it by hand is great, but all it takes is one wrong shake of the fish to find the one free hook in your hand. Best to use pliers.
Congrats on adding Spinner Sharks to your life catch list!

[BenCantrell]

Thanks!