Float Fishing: Here Sharky!

Well we're at it again, out trying to lure in a big one here at Sharky's on the Pier in Venice, Florida. Choice of baits range from mullet to Jack and reels go from jig master to nines but for the sake of this article, I'll be using my Mainer for backup, my 6/0 for fishing local and the 9/0 to float out.

We always fish with a back up! If for some reason your cut off or have a maintenance problem it is easier to switch out rods than to re-rig or change out a reel. I carry my Penn Mainer just for that reason. My Mainer, an original from the 60's, is equipped with 50# test line on a Diawa Beef Stick. The leader is 360# mono leader with a 3 ounce slip weight and accompanying short shank 8/0 mustad hook. I have a mono leader on because sometimes this time of year, with the cooler water, the bite doesn't happen on wire. Now let's not laugh but for those of you who can't find the 300 to 500# test mono leader material or can't afford the stuff, Alas a miracle; I use the heaviest weed whacking string money can buy and boy does it catch big fish!

I'll be fishing local with my Penn 6/0. This reel is duded up with 500 yards of 50# mono and attached to a DLX35H eight foot Star Rod. This rod and reel combo is ideal for a big shark; It'll put a bruising to 'em. The leader is Seven Stran 480# SS wire with a 4 ounce sliding weight and attached 10/0 mustad tinned hook. My bait of choice today is half a mullet. Placing the hook in the center of the head, pushing through; with it coming out between the gills and the bottom lip. Casting a 6/0 takes time and practice. Crows nests are going to happen on a regular basis, so don't let that stop you from trying. A 200 foot cast is possible with skill and lots of luck but just getting it out off the pier, in the water, without crossing someone Else's line objective. This type of fishing is considered going local. A hand cast with a 4/0 or larger reel.