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Sharks are providing lots of fishing fun

By Staff | Sep 6, 2019

Someone mentioned there’s another hurricane coming across the ocean, but for the moment I don’t care. I’m going fishing looking for snook and redfish to play with. I’m happy about Dorian leaving and need a few more days to de-stress and enjoy it before having to worry again about little things like losing the roof, boats blowing away or a tree coming through the wall. Welcome to Florida life.

We got out just before the weather event and clients from hot and dry Las Vegas wore out their arms and backs catching skiff pulling sharks of various sizes in shallow water on light tackle. I’m surprised more flats fishing folks don’t pursue these fish as they provide great sport. Strong, lighting fast, drag burning runs plus often having to chase them down to keep from being spooled all ads to the excitement.

Anchor up or Power Pole down and hang a chum block on the back, relax and wait. Set up a couple of rods with 12 inches of wire leader tied to your main line with an Albright Knot and a circle hook attached to your leader with a Haywire Twist connection. (Go to your computer or to YouTube to learn these important knots)

Bait up with ladyfish, mackerel or mullet chunks and toss out into the slick where the shark’s hound dog nose will find them.

No Power Pole? Then use a quick release anchor with a float to chase bigger sharks that can burn off a spool of line faster than you can pull and stow an anchor to give chase.

Fly guys can get in on the chum slick action as well by hitting sharks right on the nose with a brightly colored large fly. Their eyesight is poor so getting that fly right in their face is key to getting that strike.

Now is the time to experience this action before the migratory tarpon are gone as many sharks leave with them.

Fly anglers often spend big bucks on high tech fly rods. New for 2020, Scott offers its new Sector Series High Performance saltwater fly rod starting at “only” 985 bucks. I’ll take two!

Before you shun fly fishing, be aware that spending that kind of money isn’t necessary as there are many fine rods available in the $200 $400 range. Also, complete starter sets are available offered by large retailers like Bass Pro and Cabela’s that include rod, reel, fly line and leader for right around $200. Orvis, a leader in fly fishing for years, usually has a reasonably priced starter outfit available as well.

When you’re ready to move from beginner and want a better quality rod without busting the bank, don’t forget Ebay where lightly used high dollar rods or whole outfits sometimes sell at 50-60% of their new price and where your purchase is protected by Paypal.

Southwest Florida is made for saltwater fly fishing. If you think you might want to try it ,start by visiting YOU TUBE for instruction, talk to a fly friendly friend or pro guide or take lessons. For several years I’ve offered a total beginners, two-hour, everything included course that’s been highly successful and reasonably priced.

Found a great new item in a recent catalog for fly types (feather-craft.com) The USA made O’PROS Third Hand Rod Holder which is a rod holder worn on your belt to securely hold your rod. It adjusts 360 degrees so you can tilt the Third Hand to any angle to hold your rod in any position. Used while unhooking and releasing a fish, wading, working on equipment, or tying on a new fly or while poling your skiff.

There adaptable to GoPro mounts like suction cups which stick to your kayak’s hull or even your car while you rig your fly rod. Helps protect valuable rods and reels and at $24.99, it looks like a very useful item

Capt. George Tunison is a Cape Coral resident fishing guide. Contact him at 239-282-9434 or captgeorget3@aol.com.