How to Unhook a Shark: A Comprehensive Guide for Anglers

So, you’ve hooked a shark. Congratulations (or maybe not, depending on your intent!). Now comes the critical part: safely unhooking and releasing the shark (assuming you’re not intending to keep it, and even then, humane dispatch is key). This isn’t just about being a responsible angler; it’s about shark conservation and ensuring your own safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to unhook a shark, minimizing stress to the animal and risk to yourself.

The Golden Rule: Safety First!

Before we dive into the specifics, remember the paramount rule: shark safety. Even smaller sharks have powerful jaws and rows of sharp teeth. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on your boat or the beach.

• Never underestimate a shark. Even seemingly docile sharks can react unpredictably.
• Wear appropriate gear. This includes gloves (puncture-resistant are ideal), eye protection, and sturdy footwear.
• Have a plan. Discuss the procedure with your fishing partners beforehand.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. Watch out for waves, slippery surfaces, and other hazards.

Unhooking Steps: A Detailed Breakdown

Here’s a step-by-step guide to unhooking a shark, adaptable to both boat and shore-based situations:

1. Assess the Situation: Before bringing the shark closer, assess how deeply the hook is embedded and the overall condition of the shark. Is it visibly stressed? Bleeding heavily? This will influence your approach.

2. Control the Shark:

   • From a Boat: If possible, use a dehooking device or long-handled pliers to reach the hook without bringing the shark fully on board. Consider using a tail rope (noose) temporarily to control thrashing, but never drag the shark backwards through the water by its tail. Try to keep the shark in the water as much as possible.
   • From the Beach: Gently guide the shark into shallow water. Never drag the shark onto the sand more than necessary.

3. Identify the Hook: Determine the type of hook and how it’s embedded. Is it a circle hook, a J-hook, or something else? This will dictate your removal strategy.

4. Choose Your Tool:

   • Long-handled pliers: Ideal for hooks that are easily accessible.
   • Bolt cutters: Essential for cutting hooks that are deeply embedded or inaccessible.
   • Dehooking device: Designed to slide down the line and dislodge the hook.
   • Wire cutters: For cutting the leader close to the hook (a last resort).

5. Remove the Hook (Ideally by Backing it Out): The best method is to back the hook out the way it went in. Using your pliers, grip the hook shank firmly and gently rotate it back towards the entry point. Apply steady pressure while wiggling the hook slightly.

6. If the Hook is Difficult to Remove:

   • Cut the Hook: If backing the hook out proves impossible, use bolt cutters to cut the hook into smaller sections. Carefully remove each section, minimizing further injury to the shark.
   • Cut the Leader: As a last resort, if you absolutely cannot remove the hook, cut the leader as close to the hook as possible. While leaving the hook is not ideal, it’s often preferable to inflicting further trauma on the shark by struggling to remove it. Studies show hooks will eventually rust, fall out, or pass through the shark.

7. Assess the Shark’s Condition Again: Check for any signs of injury or excessive bleeding. If the shark is severely injured, contact your local fisheries agency for guidance.

8. Revive the Shark: If the shark appears sluggish or disoriented, gently hold it upright in the water until it regains its strength. Ensure water is flowing over its gills.

9. Release the Shark:

   • From the Beach: When the shark shows signs of reviving, gently guide it into deeper water. Move backwards, sliding your hands along the body until you reach the tail. Give the tail a gentle swat to encourage it to swim off.
   • From a Boat: Carefully lower the shark into the water. Avoid dropping it, as this can cause injury.

10. Observe the Shark: After release, carefully observe the shark to ensure it swims away strongly.

Important Considerations for Reducing Shark Mortality

• Use Circle Hooks: Circle hooks are designed to hook sharks in the corner of the mouth, making removal easier and reducing injury. They are often legally required for shark fishing.
• Use Non-Stainless Steel Hooks: Non-stainless steel hooks will corrode and dissolve more quickly if left in the shark.
• Flatten or File Down Hook Barbs: This will make hook removal easier.
• Use Appropriate Tackle: Heavy tackle (at least 80-pound test) will help you land the shark quickly, reducing fight time and stress.
• Minimize Air Exposure: Sharks breathe through their gills and cannot survive for long out of the water.
• Wet Your Hands: Always wet your hands before handling a shark to protect its slime coat.
• Reduce Fight Time: The longer the fight, the more stressed the shark becomes. Use appropriate tackle and techniques to land the shark quickly. Putting the anchor on a buoy can help reduce fight time from a boat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about unhooking sharks:

What happens if I leave a hook in a shark?

Usually, hooks will eventually fall out or pass through the shark’s digestive system. Trying to remove a deeply lodged hook could cause more damage to internal organs or blood vessels. The internal organs of many shark species are loosely held in place by connective tissue. New research revealed sharks can retain hooks for at least seven years and possibly an entire lifetime, which can have profound consequences for those animals.

What is the safest way to unhook a shark?

The safest way is to use long-handled pliers or a dehooking device to remove the hook while the shark is still in the water, if possible. If not, secure the shark gently and use pliers to back the hook out the way it went in. If difficult, cut the hook with bolt cutters.

How long will a hook stay in a shark’s mouth?

Research suggests that sharks can retain hooks for at least seven years, possibly their entire lifetime. This underscores the importance of using appropriate gear and techniques to minimize the likelihood of hook retention.

What should I do if a shark swims at me?

Slowly back away while keeping the shark in sight. Avoid sudden movements or splashing. Large sharks can attack in very shallow depths, so exercise caution.

Do sharks survive catch and release?

Unfortunately, not all sharks survive catch and release. Some animals die due to stress or injuries sustained during the capture process. Studies show that for some species, a significant percentage die even after being released alive. The study showed that for some shark species, like blacktip and spinner sharks, as many as 42 to 71 percent of sharks will die even after being released alive.

Do sharks prefer live or dead bait?

Sharks are generally scavengers and will often prefer dead or cut bait. This is because it requires less energy to obtain.

How long should I let a shark run before setting the hook?

Allow the shark to take the bait for 5 to 10 seconds before setting the hook. This gives the shark time to get the bait firmly in its mouth.

What gear should I use to target sharks?

Use non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks, and heavy tackle (at least 80-pound test). Flatten or file down hook barbs.

Can I outswim a shark?

No, you cannot outswim a shark. It’s better to turn and face the shark, maintaining eye contact.

Is it illegal to take a shark from the ocean?

In many areas, it is illegal to harvest certain shark species. Check your local regulations before targeting sharks. Listing a shark as endangered under the Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to harass, harm, pursue, hang, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect the species.

What scares sharks away?

Electronic shark deterrents (ESDs) emit electrical pulses that can overwhelm a shark’s electro-sensory system, repelling them.

What does a shark bite feel like?

A shark bite can feel like a vibration of the shark gnawing into your skin, accompanied by a burning sensation.

Is it okay to touch a shark?

It is generally discouraged to touch a shark, as it can be stressful for the animal and potentially harmful.

Does a hook hurt a shark?

Yes, a hook can hurt a shark. Internal hooks can cause internal bleeding, while external hooks can interfere with feeding. Trailing line can also cause problems.

Do fish know not to bite a hook?

While fish can adapt their behavior, it’s unlikely they learn to completely avoid hooks. Catch and release practices and other environmental factors can influence their willingness to bite. The Games Learning Society explores these types of learning patterns in complex systems. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Final Thoughts

Unhooking a shark requires careful planning, the right tools, and a healthy dose of respect for these powerful animals. By following these guidelines, you can minimize stress to the shark and risk to yourself, contributing to responsible angling and shark conservation. Responsible angling is key to maintaining healthy shark populations.