Pier or Bridge --Hose up your rod & Turn that giant!!

I know alot of guys in the land-based shark fishing world want to be tough guys and pretend they don't need help when fighting a shark but a few essential upgrades to your equipment can make all differance when trying catch a monster shark from a bridge or a pier.One of the most important and simplest things you can do to turn the odds in your favor is to wrap your rod with a section of hose.A hose wrap on your rod can save your rod from severe scratches and help you turn that monster that's going under the pier or bridge.The hose on your rod means that leverage is on your side because you can basically go toe to toe with any large shark thats hellbent on swimming under you and cutting you off on the pilings.You simply lean the middle of the rod or the one foot area below the middle on the rail ,then you sit on the butt of your rod as the shark attempts to swim under and hold on for dear life .At this point the rod will double over and place alot of pressure on your crotch and you must drop down harder and tighten your drag tighter and the rod bending acts like a spring to turn the shark's head and get him coming towards you. Once you use this method on a big shark you will never want to be without it.This is used on mostly our big guns 80 lb test to 200 lb test .Another benefit is that if you decide to haul your shark to the end of the pier or bridge to get measurements ,retrieve your hooks so the shark has a better chance of surviving upon release,the hose makes a world of difference.You can "Ride the Rail"as we call it which simply means sliding your rod along the top rail and walking your shark in the direction you want him to swim.Be careful not to get too far ahead of your shark because they will often double back and try to go under you if you get too far in front of them.Many times big sharks over 400 lbs have been walked by shark club members to the end of the bridge from a mile or more distance.Other times sharks so large and fast are hooked that you have to run while the rod lays on the rail in an attempt to stay even with a shark that is swimming parallel to the bridge.The hose will make all the difference in the world.The hose gives us a great advantage that can only be fully appreciated when you finally hook that large shark that is putting you through your paces. We prefer to use the clear transparent hose available at most hardware stores because you can still show off that beatiful diamond wrap and land your dream shark .We cut the hose down the middle with a sharp razor , then hold it in place around the rod with tie-wraps.Make sure you cut the tie wraps as low as possible and file down if possible so you don't have sharp edges that can cut your hands during a long battle with a big shark.Try to place the tie-wraps above and below the rods foregrip to avoid discomfort to your hands .Some people prefer to use duct tape to hold the hose in place but after a while it starts to dry rot and leaves a sticky film that gets all over your hands while fighting a shark.

Floating out a bait the rod lays scratch free on the concrete rail

Turn his head ,bend that rod to it's fullest without worrying about scratches!!

James Fuqua (Jd) who was one of the pioneers of using the hose has it down to a science



Aaron Bunch on bull shark

On the seven mile bridge

Riding the Rail--walking down the shark for hook removal and a quick measurements

HOSE OR NO HOSE YOU CAN STILL GET BURNED ,,,,,,,,,,WATCH LUI GET BURNED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb0tgmvSx5E
YOUTUBE VIDEO