Medium weight rod, 8 lb test will do with some crappie rigs and a 2 oz. pyramid weight. You can catch small stuff all day long this way using shrimp or bloodworms. Blues, Croaker, Spots, etc. Throw 'em back or cut 'em up for fresh bait. Put them on a heavy surf rod with anything from 12-20# line, 3 or 4 oz. pyramid weight and a bass or bluefish rig.
I like a big bass or blue rig, 7/0 hook and huge chunk of fresh cut fish.
I just got back from VA Beach yesterday. I was in these all week.
LOTS of pullage from these bad boys. The Blues are running too right now.
Avoid frozen bait at all costs. It's mushy and falls of the hook real fast in the surf. Always go fresh/live whenever possible.
I like a blue rig with wire leader better than bass rigs. A decent sized blue will cut right through a 50# mono leader like butter. Forget a shark on those. Also, the type with a big float on it really helps keep the bait up off the bottom so the crabs won't steal it all.
All my sharks of this size were on the heads of croaker/spot. Cut them in half and hook em up, guts and all. The small tail section provides 2 small filets for smaller rigs that will get you 2-3 lb. blues, spanish, skates and smaller shark.
Take yourself a few 4' pieces of 2" PVC for rod holders. Cut the bottom at an angle to help get it into the sand.
post edited by Smallie Wader - 2010/07/18 15:51:19