The Best DIY Shark Fishing Rig

How to Make the Shark Fishing Rig I Use on My Charters

When I’m running shark fishing charters out of Ocean Isle Beach, this is the exact rig I trust. It’s simple, durable, and quick to build. Once you’ve got the right gear, you can make one in just a couple of minutes. I use these rigs with clients all season long, and they consistently hold up to the power and sharp teeth of sharks we catch like Hammerheads, Tigers, Sandbar, Bull, and Sharpnose sharks.

Step-by-Step Shark Fishing Rig Tutorial (Video)

The best way to learn is to see this rig built in real time. Watch the video below to see Captain Harvey give you the complete walk-through from hook to swivel. Making your own shark fishing rigs saves money and ensures your connections are solid before you hit the water. More details, as well as the materials list, is below the video.

Items Needed to Make Your Shark Fishing Rig

Below are the exact components I use. Use high-quality, heavy-duty tackle—your connections are the difference between landing a shark or losing one.

• Mustad 39960-DT stainless inline circle hook, 12/0 or bigger
• 400 lb clear monofilament leader (5 feet per rig)
• Double Barrel Crimp Sleeves, 2 MM
• Heavy-duty barrel swivel (400lb test)
• 3 or 4 oz Sinker (nearshore boat: your usual; surf/pier: consider a different style to hold bottom)
• Quality crimping tool & cutters

Note: I also pin a list of items in the YouTube video’s comments.

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My 2-Piece Shark Fishing Leader Setup Explained

I tie this leader using two pieces of 400 lb monofilament fishing line: a short 12-inch section at the top that carries the sinker and connects to the main line, and a longer 4-foot section that runs from the short piece down to the hook. This setup locks the sinker onto the leader so it won’t slide up the main line, keeps the bait close to the bottom while still allowing a natural drift in the current, and the short upper section gives me a built-in grab handle when the shark is near the boat. When I’m landing a shark I can grab the sinker and top swivel together (while wearing gloves) for added control while keeping the fish safely in the water.

The leader length works out perfectly — not only does it make handling sharks easier as mentioned above, but it’s also shorter than the distance from the rod tip to the reel. That means you can leave this rig tied onto your shark rods, keeping them ready to fish at all times.

Why I Use Heavy Mono Instead of Wire for Shark Rigs

Most shark rig tutorials tell you to use wire, but I prefer 400 lb mono. It’s stealthier, and sharks are less likely to shy off, yet tough enough to handle abrasion. The slight stretch that monofilament gives you also helps absorb sudden runs, which happen on nearly every encounter with a shark. With properly sized crimps, this mono setup is just as reliable as wire and a lot safer to handle (no sharp kinks or frays). Mono also won't scratch my boat like a steel leader can.

Best Situations to Use This Shark Fishing Rig

I primarily use this rig nearshore from my boat where it shines for the 2 most common species I catch, which are Hammerheads and Sharpnose Sharks. It can also work from the surf or a pier, just adapt the sinker style to hold bottom in waves or strong current. The core rig stays the same; adjust weight and hardware to your conditions.

Best Bait for a Shark Fishing Rig

My go-to bait for shark fishing is bluefish because they’re very oily and bloody when used as cut bait. That scent and blood trail make them tough to beat for attracting aggressive feeders like Hammerheads and Bulls. Mullet, Croakers, and larger Pinfish can also work well, but whenever I can get fresh bluefish, that’s always my first choice.

I catch most of my bluefish for bait by trolling just off the beaches. If you’ve ever trolled for Spanish Mackerel, you know that slowing down a bit often leads to bluefish strikes. I take advantage of that by pulling Yo-Zuri deep diving lures at 4–5 MPH, which consistently puts bluefish in the boat for shark bait. On some trips, I start by having clients troll for bluefish just long enough to get the bait we need, and then we use the fish they caught as fresh cutbait for sharks. My clients love this approach because it gives them the full experience from start to finish.

Important Shark Fishing Safety Tips

Keep hands clear of the shark’s mouth, even when it looks tired. Use a long-handled fish dehooker, and don’t bring large sharks of any species into the boat, release them at the side. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions on the water.

Check Shark Fishing Regulations

Regulations change often. Before each trip, confirm current shark fishing regulations for species size and bag limits, as well as any requirements for the rigs used. Also, some areas do not allow shark fishing from the shore, make sure you're legal before you start fishing.

Book a Shark Fishing Trip in Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Want to put this rig to work with me? Book a shark fishing charter in Ocean Isle Beach. I’ll provide the gear, license, get you on the fish, and coach you through the process, so that you can experience the fight for yourself. You can also click / tap below for more info on my Shark Fishing Charters

SHARK FISHING CHARTER INFO

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