hey guys/gals, I live in Kansas, I travel to Florida (Sanible Island) Once a year for 2 weeks. I started shark fishing the first year I was down there and never got a bite. Tried somethings different the next year and got some hook ups and a Giant ray, but was never able to bring the sharks in.
So this year I am going big or going home ( just like every year,LoL). If anyone has any tips I would greatly appreciate it. I have looked and researched all my shark rigs so I think Im good there. Im looking for the proper reel. I have some Penn reels but I do not think there big enough as I could not keep sharks from spooling me. Im not gonna say money is no object But I really do not want to go home unhappy this time.
Thanks for allowing me here, See ya all around soon.
Welcome to the club.
Hit the board index and go to the section "How to "Catch The "MONSTERS"-SHARK FISHING TIPS - Help w Bait Deployment,Hookup and Landing your sharks"
I spent a great deal of time before I landed my first bull shark.
You cant go wrong with a penn senator 12/0 or 14/0 on a 7 to 10 ft rod, rated 80lb or more.
Big sharks can also be landed on a 9/0.
Get yourself a good combination strength and capacity for the line. You can mix n match braid/mono, or all mono.
I have never fished sanibel but I am sure there are posts about fishing that area.
Thanks for your responses and I will check out those sections. Glad to be here!
I'm thinking your probably on the younger side under 18 I presume...go with a 12/0 and a 80-130 lbs class rod...use 100lbs test bull buster...the Coleman sotrar rods are very nice especially for 150 bucks but there 5 foot 9 inches...also if you can get a heavy spinning outfit that will help you out.
Is the 12/0 castable or is it only yakable. Don't know if either of those are words but you get my point. I will be night fishing for the most part so I don't have to fight with people. I'm already going with 200lb braid, but for my top shot I'm not sure. My rig is a 16/0 hook w/4ft of #19 cable then 15ft 500lb mono. Do oven still need the top shot of mono.
The 12/0 is not a casting reel. Plus the baits will be too large to cast. You will be yakin out the bait or feeding them out with a balloon. If you are using 200lb braid, run a top shot of 200 lb mono. (Even if only 50 or 100 yards)
I planned on using a Yak, but really worried about doing this at night. Not so worried about it in the morning. I will be fishing on my own since the wife is not into night fishing. But honestly the waves are not that bad on the gulf anyways, so whats the worst that can happen I get a little wet.
Next question would be, do I just take the bait out and drop it un-weighted, or should I put some weight on it. I have a hard enough time catching anything other then catfish down there so I dont think Im gonna try the live bait thing.
If you got a live tough bait, tail hook 'em and bring him out. Try the balloon on out going tide. If the bait is big enough, hopefully you can avoid the catfish. Or get the cat fish and use him for bait.
It is best to have at least one other person with you. They can assist in feeding the line and setting the drag when deploying bait, manning the rod if it gets hit while you are in the yak, leadering the shark when ya get one, etc.
If you are using a harness and clipping in the reel, keep a knife on you in case you get a monster and the reel locks up. You do not want to be attached to a beast by 200LB line.
Oh no, If its a monster and something happens Im going to with it, no cutting the line here. Im just kidding. I know that a harness will really help but I think I am going to pass on it for that exact reason. Last thing I want to be doing is being pulled behind a shark! All 140lbs of myself.
I really do wish that I could have someone with me, but its just not possible. I dont think my 4 year is gonna do me much good either
I planned on using a Yak, but really worried about doing this at night. Not so worried about it in the morning. I will be fishing on my own since the wife is not into night fishing. But honestly the waves are not that bad on the gulf anyways, so whats the worst that can happen I get a little wet.
Next question would be, do I just take the bait out and drop it un-weighted, or should I put some weight on it. I have a hard enough time catching anything other then catfish down there so I dont think Im gonna try the live bait thing.
Use a big Catfish for bait and you shouldnt have a problem with catfish, they also have a hard time eating a whole Stingray 
. I keep my baits bigger than the cats so they just play with it and get the scent drifting downcurrent. Or you can "pantyhose your bait". I usually only pantyhose Bonito but ya can hose anything you want. Keeps the crabs from wrecking your bait so fast, they love my Bonito!
When is your trip? I will be there for 2 weeks late March early April and be glade to help you.
I'm there in October. What is the best way to catch my bait is there any lures people are using that work really great. Are there fish I should not be using for bait. Because I fish for flathead here, which are big compared to what I catch there. And the bigger fish eat on what I should not use as bait. Fish and game really dislike it when you use a 12" crappie to catch a 90lb flathead even though its of size to keep.
I tried shrimp last year but never caught anything of size.