Fishing for sharks, especially in the surf, is one of the greatest thrills an angler can experience. Sharks seemingly always put up a great fight, and while catching smaller fish can be fun, fighting a shark at the end of your fishing line is a whole new level.
No matter what type of shark it may be, you will need to be fully prepared to be successful. Luckily we have you covered and will teach you the best rig to use when surf fishing for sharks!
- Country Of Origin : United States
Last update on 2023-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to make the Shark Surf Fishing Rig
For this rig, you will want to be casting baits from the beach and targeting sharks smaller than 6 feet. Anything larger, and you will need some different and stronger gear.
To make this rig, you will need a few basic gear items, such as:
- fishing wire
- 80 to 100-pound test mono-filament fishing line
- a red plastic bead
- two 100+ swivels (rated for anything over 100 pounds)
- an 8-ounce pyramid sinker
- and sharp circle hook at least 7/0 in size.
How to Assemble This Rig
Once you have gathered the right gear, assembling this rig is fairly simple.
- First, you will need to assemble the wire portion of the rig that attaches to the hook. You will want to get around two feet of fishing wire and attach it to a swivel.
- You will then need to attach your hook of choice to the other end of the wire, and the leader portion is now finished.
- After finishing the leader, you will need to cut a small portion of the monofilament line. Tie the other swivel to this line, and then go through the same eye of the swivel to tie a loop.
- Attach your pyramid sinker to this loop by pinching it and feeding it through the eye of the sinker. Now you will need another few feet of monoline. Slide the sinker part on, then slide the plastic bead on afterward.
- The final step is to attach the leader to the mainline of your fishing rod. This can be done by tying the two fishing lines together, and there you have it! While it may seem a little complicated, after doing it a few times, you will quickly get the hang of it.
Related article: Whiting Surf Fishing Rig

Final Thoughts about shark rigs for surf fishing
Surf fishing for sharks can be the experience of a lifetime for many anglers, but you need to use the right fishing rig for the job. This shark fishing rig will surely bring you much more success the next time you head to the beach for some shark fishing!
FAQ
Is shark fishing easy?
Shark fishing can be challenging and requires specialized gear, knowledge, and skills. It may not be easy for beginners, as it can be physically demanding and dangerous, and often requires fishing from a boat. However, with proper training and experience, it can be a thrilling and rewarding fishing experience.
How long should a shark run before setting hook?
When shark fishing, it is generally recommended to let the fish run with the bait for at least 5 to 10 seconds or until it stops pulling, before setting the hook. This allows the shark to take the bait fully and increases the chances of a successful hookset. However, the duration of the run may depend on the type of shark, bait, and fishing conditions, and may require some experimentation to find the right timing.