Tactics
All tackle and bait is provided. Rods are purpose built heavy duty beach-casters, around 14' in length with the reel fitted in the low position. The bait most commonly used is mackerel or other oily fish, assisted by a chum trail. The sharks come close inshore, often feeding right inside the surf line and well within casting distance. Once the shark takes the bait, a fast strike is given to avoid deep hooking, as all sharks are tagged and returned alive. The first run of a large shark will take 250 - 300 metres of line from your reel against a tightly set clutch. Once it turns, the batlle commences in earnest! A chum trail is laid from the shore and the sharks soon appear, coming extremely close in. It's not unusual to see them only a few yards from the shore as they search for the cource of the scent. Multiple hook - ups are common. The bronze shark hunts in packs - where there is one shark there are sure to be others. When 3 or 4 anglers are all playing large sharks at the same time, things get pretty hectic. This is where the cool head of the experienced guide proves invaluable in preventing tangles and giving advice. Not to mention the difficult task of actually landing the fish using a long handled heavy duty gaff. Visit the Gallery page to see some video clips of sharks being fought and landed - you will soon see what is involved.
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