Sharks have been in the news across the Gulf lately, be it shark attacks along the beaches or large sharks caught in various fishing rodeos. Populations are healthy, and some even say there are too many sharks. If you kayak fish in coastal Louisiana, you will likely encounter sharks, whether on purpose or by accident. Yes, they are dangerous creatures, but being prepared can make for an incredible kayak fishing experience, planned or not.
First and foremost, you should never try to land a shark and bring it live onboard the kayak. Of course, the business end is full of dangerous teeth, but the tail is also quite powerful and can land a dangerous blow or even knock you out of the kayak. Sharks are very flexible and one held by the tail can U-turn its body and land a dangerous bite. With a long fight, subdued sharks can be brought close to the kayak for a photo or two and then should be released by cutting the line as close to the hook as safely possible. No hook or lure is worth getting close to a live shark’s mouth.
Safety first
Sharks are aggressive feeders and can seemingly appear out of nowhere. There probably is no better shark lure than a trout or redfish struggling at the end of your line. Be careful when landing a fish, as sharks regularly appear at that precise moment. If you reach your hand in the water, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Also, some folks like to dangle their feet in the water, especially on hot summer days. Fish or foot, it makes no difference to a shark, and a kayak angler in Hawaii died a few years ago from being bitten on a dangling foot. They can inflict massive damage in the blink of an eye.
Never use stringers to keep fish in shark waters. In South Louisiana, that can be nearly anywhere. I once had a shark eat a strung bass in waters I considered completely fresh. Always plan for the possibility of hooking a shark. Cut it loose if you don’t want to deal with it or tread carefully if you plan to finish the fight. Sharks are fast, powerful and sometimes acrobatic. They are an exciting catch on a kayak as long as you use proper precautions.
Targeting sharks
Specifically targeting sharks is pretty easy. Sharks can be found nearly anywhere, but the passes and bayous near larger lakes and bays are a good place to start. Fishing near moving water helps carry the bait and chum scent and is always a plus.
Large chunks of dead bait like cut mullet, pogies and ladyfish quickly attract sharks to your area. Periodically chumming the water with blood and smaller pieces of bait speeds the process. While many sharks are landed using mono leader, a shark’s razor-sharp teeth and sandpaper skin will quickly cut or wear your line. A wire leader is best if you want to play them until the end. Both J and circle hooks work well, but use a non-stainless hook so it can quickly rust away if the fish is cut off or breaks loose.
When fishing for sharks in a kayak, gear up with heavier rods and line. A stout rod with 50-pound braid and wire leader helps keep you attached. Gloves and a leashed wire cutter come in handy when cutting a shark loose. If you plan to keep a shark for dinner, it is always best to try to land the kayak and finish the fight from shore. A solid bat or club is great for humanely dispatching a shark. Make sure it is fully dead before ever bringing it on the kayak.
Regulations
Shark regulations are strict, and identification between some species can be tricky. Most coastal sharks encountered by Louisiana kayakers fall into the small and large coastal categories. With the exception of bonnethead and Atlantic sharpnose (no minimum size), all others have a 54-inch minimum fork length and a one shark per vessel, per day, limit.
Sharks make excellent table fare, but must be handled properly. It is best to gut and ice a shark as soon as possible. Fully filleting on the water is not permitted, but the shark should be processed at home as soon as possible. Shark skin secretes urea and can degrade the taste and smell if not removed as soon as possible. Soaking fillets in cold, salted water before cooking/freezing is also a good practice.
With a 54-inch fork length minimum, most kept sharks will be at least five feet long. Kayakers don’t have the ability to keep such a large fish properly iced onboard and stay on the water. Plan accordingly if you plan to keep a shark, as you may need to cut your trip short to properly care for it.
A kayak-caught shark can easily be the largest catch for many coastal kayakers. Sharks are incredible, but dangerous creatures. A shark bite while in a kayak can be a serious situation. However, with common sense and proper techniques, it is an exciting species that can be safely and quite easily targeted in a kayak.
