Sharks
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Ocean. Lower bays
Sharks can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including coastal waters, bays, and inlets, Surf.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Sharks can be found in a variety of habitats, depending on the species. Some common habitats in the Mid Atlantic region include nearshore waters, oceanic waters, and estuaries.
They can be found in the surf zone, over sandy or rocky bottoms, and around natural or man-made structures such as shipwrecks and artificial reefs.
Surf- Find deeper holes past the surf. Channels between rip currents on the beach
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PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring, shark populations in the Mid Atlantic region begin to increase as water temperatures rise. Sharks such as sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and dusky sharks can be found in inshore waters
SUMMER
During the summer, water temperatures in the Mid Atlantic region continue to rise, and shark populations peak.
This is the prime season for catching sharks in the region. Common species that can be caught include sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, dusky sharks, and thresher sharks.
FALL
During the fall, shark populations in the Mid Atlantic region begin to decrease as water temperatures cool. Common species that can be caught include sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and dusky sharks.
WINTER
Bite dies down until warmer months.
Bait
Cut Fish.
Techniques
Chumming
How: Chumming for sharks involves using a mixture of ground fish or fish oil to attract sharks to the area. The chum is then released into the water to create a scent trail for the sharks to follow.
Gear: Rods: Heavy action rods with a fighting butt. Reels: Conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 100-200 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 100-200 lb test wire or heavy fluorocarbon. Hooks: 10/0-15/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Chum bags, ground fish or fish oil, and heavy duty knives for cutting bait.
Drifting:
How: Drifting for sharks involves using a drift sock or sea anchor to control the speed and direction of the boat while chumming and baiting.
Gear: Rods: Heavy action rods with a fighting butt.