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Hunting the Hunters: How to Prepare for a Florida Shark Fishing Excursion

Many Floridian anglers consider it the ultimate test of angler against fish. A contest of strength and will between one person and the deadliest animal in the ocean. Whether or not it is, there’s no question that there’s nothing like it. The line begins playing out as a monster takes the bait, a couple of solid pumps set the hook, the rod bends double, line whines out of the reel, and you’re in for a fight you will never forget. Even after landing a shark, their teeth and tail can still prove dangerous. Shark fishing is not for the faint of heart. However, with a bit of preparation, the right gear such as performance fishing shirts, stalking sharks in the Sunshine State can be the experience of a lifetime.

Shirts For Fishing

 Know the Shark Fishing Regs

Before any shark hunt begins, becoming familiar with the regs is a must. Florida is an angler’s paradise because its coastal waters are packed with a diversity of life. Nearly 50 species of sharks silently patrol the Atlantic coast, and many of them cannot be harvested. Additionally, the regulations for fishing from the shore and from a boat differ. Know your regs and know your sharks (the difference between a blacktip and a spinner, for instance).

 Get the Right Pro Gear

There are few undertakings more intense than wrestling a marine killing machine under the unrelenting Florida sun. When fighting a shark, chafing in uncomfortable gear or baking in the sun’s rays is not going to be pleasant. If you have yet to experience professional-grade performance fishing shirts, rectify that oversight. A high-performance brand like Gillz®, for instance, offers advanced, vented polyester fishing shirts that become like a second skin on the boat. They’re lightweight, they’re breathable, they are moisture-wicking and quick-drying—an absolute must for the committed angler. Additionally, consider a fishing mask, a hat, a quality pair of polarized shades, and a solid pair of gloves.

 Prepare Your Rig and Bait

The rig and bait combination of choice is shark-dependent. There’s no one-size-fits-all setup. However, basics include a rod and reel heavy enough to accommodate a slab of tooth and muscle that may weigh more than you, braided line, and a chunk of (preferably bloody) fish. Research harvestable, or releasable, local shark species, their diet, and their habitat, and fish accordingly.

 Boat or Charter Fishing for Sharks

If you’re unfamiliar with taking shark, consider hooking up with a reputable shark fishing charter for your first hunt. Should you decide to seek some shark on your boat, fish around structures and or keep an eye out for shark signs. Look for slick lines from recent or deeper water feeding frenzies, rip lines, boiling water, or other surface disturbances. Spotting schools of baitfish or squid, or flocks of birds above them, can certainly be a good indication. When you find your spot, drop a chum slick and start fishing. Don’t forget to hold on tight.

 About Gillz®

 As long as he can remember, Kent Hickman has been an angler. He discovered his love for fishing at a young age and took every opportunity to do so. And growing up in his native Florida, there was no shortage of opportunities. That love inspired him to try his hand at going professional, and he joined the tournament circuit. However, Kent encountered an issue: the conditions professional anglers faced were often unforgiving, and he couldn’t find fishing apparel that rose to the challenge. He needed gear that kept him cool, dry, and comfortable while protecting him from exposure to the elements and the harmful rays of the unrelenting Florida sun. Kent decided to meet the challenge himself, and in 2009 he founded Gillz® to provide his fellow anglers stylish high-performance fishing gear, shirts for fishing, fishing masks, accessories, and additional high-quality fishing apparel.

 Join the Gillz® fishing community and experience exactly what Gillz® gear can do for you on the water, at Gillz-gear.com


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