Complete Guide to Small Shark Fishing: Techniques, Equipment, and Technical Tips

🦈 Complete Guide to Small Shark Fishing: Techniques, Equipment, and Technical Tips

Fishing for small sharks such as catshark, smooth-hound, spurdog, and juvenile blue shark is a fascinating discipline that combines adrenaline, technique, and environmental responsibility. These coastal elasmobranchs, although not reaching the size of “large pelagic sharks,” can deliver powerful fights thanks to their endurance and combative nature.

Catching small sharks is not just a matter of strength: it requires specific gear, good knowledge of the seabed, and the use of targeted techniques to trigger the strike and safely handle the interaction with the animal.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through all the key aspects needed to successfully and responsibly approach small shark fishing in the Mediterranean:

• Preferred habitats and seasonality
• Recommended equipment (rods, reels, lines)
• Anti-abrasion rigs and suitable hooks
• Most effective natural baits
• Shore and boat fishing techniques
• Ethical and release rules for sustainable fishing

Whether you aim to target these predators from the beach, rocky shore, or during light drifting, this guide provides all the knowledge you need for a safe, exciting, and technically advanced fishing experience.

🌍 Habitat and Behavior of Small Sharks

Coastal small sharks are adaptable predators that inhabit a wide range of marine environments. Their presence is influenced by the type of seabed, water temperature, current strength, and above all the abundance of benthic and pelagic prey.

Although these species all belong to the same class (Elasmobranchii), they display different behaviors and environmental preferences depending on their specific biology.

📌 Common Mediterranean Species and Characteristics:

Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
➤ Lives between 30 and 300 meters deep, with higher concentrations between 60 and 150 m.
➤ Prefers sandy or muddy seabeds, where it camouflages itself and feeds on small crustaceans and worms.
➤ Mostly active at night; during the day, it often rests motionless on the bottom.

Smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus)
➤ A coastal and benthic species that inhabits sandy or mobile seabeds between 10 and 200 meters.
➤ Feeds on cephalopods and crustaceans and is highly sensitive to the presence of current.
➤ Gregarious behavior: often moves in small groups.

Spurdog (Squalus acanthias)
➤ A pelagic-benthic species found between 50 and 400 meters, preferring cooler, oxygen-rich waters.
➤ Equipped with venomous dorsal spines (not deadly but irritating).
➤ Actively feeds in deep waters but may rise to midwater when forage is present.

Juvenile Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
➤ A pelagic species that, during its juvenile stage, sometimes approaches the coast—especially on summer nights or when baitfish are abundant.
➤ Typically hunts in midwater and responds well to drifting techniques.

📅 Seasonality

Maximum activity for coastal and benthic species occurs from late spring to early autumn, particularly with the warming of surface waters and the increase in benthic fauna and forage.

Summer: the most productive season, especially at night.
Late autumn: catshark and spurdog remain active in deeper waters.

🕰️ Best Times and Ideal Conditions

Small sharks are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular hunters, taking advantage of low light and their highly developed sense of smell.

⏰ Best times:
Sunset, night, and dawn are the prime moments especially with moonlight and calm seas.

🌊 Ideal conditions:

• Calm or slightly rippled sea
• Good water oxygenation
• Presence of small fish or cephalopods (sign of an active food chain)
• Areas with weak currents, useful for spreading the scent of baits and groundbait

💡 Technical note: The best conditions often occur 24–48 hours after a storm, when the water clears but remains rich in sediments and scents that stimulate predatory activity.

🧰 Recommended Equipment

Fishing for small sharks requires gear that is both strong and sensitive—capable of handling powerful strikes, sudden runs, and the sharp teeth of these species. It’s essential to find the right balance between strength, control, and precision, especially when fishing at night or with long leaders.

🎣 Rod

Choosing the right rod is crucial for managing strong pulls and ensuring solid hooksets, even at long range or depth.

From shore (heavy surfcasting):
➤ Recommended length: 3.90–4.50 m
➤ Strong/progressive action, power 150–250 g
➤ Ideal for long casts and managing fish on deep or mixed bottoms

From boat (heavy bottom fishing or light drifting):
➤ Length: 2.10–2.70 m
➤ Parabolic or progressive action to absorb runs
➤ High power, at least 150 g+, also useful in the presence of current

💡 Technical tip: Rods with a sensitive tip (hybrid or solid tip) help detect even the lightest bites, especially from catsharks and spurdogs.

🌀 Reel

The reel must be robust, smooth, and equipped with a powerful drag capable of handling strong fights and durable leaders.

Type: fixed spool (spinning) or multiplier (overhead), depending on your fishing style
Recommended size: 6000–10000, with a large spool capacity
Drag: progressive, at least 10–15 kg of drag
Smooth retrieve: preferably with sealed bearings and a metal or carbon body

💡 For deep bottom fishing or offshore drifting, a lightweight electric reel can also be considered it helps save time and effort when retrieving from depths over 150 m.

🧵 Main Line

The choice of line determines sensitivity, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength.

Braided line (braid):
➤ PE 2.0 – 4.0 (equivalent to 25–50 lb)
➤ Advantages: high sensitivity, low stretch, cuts through water easily
➤ Caution: use a shock leader to resist abrasion from the seabed or shark teeth

Shock leader:
➤ Length: 3–6 meters
➤ Nylon or fluorocarbon from 0.50 to 0.70 mm, to absorb the strike and resist abrasion

🪝 Leaders and Rigs

The most important part: leaders must withstand serrated teeth and violent movements.

Coated steel wire:
➤ Length: 20–50 cm, flexible but strong
➤ Thickness: 30–60 lb, depending on species and estimated size
➤ Nylon or vinyl coating to reduce memory effect and improve bait presentation

Recommended rigs:
➤ Stiff main boom (fluorocarbon 0.70–0.90 mm) with 1–2 hook snoods
➤ Single or double hook setup (reinforced circle or J-hooks, size 4/0–8/0)
➤ Option to add anti-twist, luminous bead, or pop-up bead for night attraction

💡 Extra tip: Always carry long-nose pliers and cut-resistant gloves even small sharks, especially blue sharks and spurdogs, can easily injure you during unhooking.

🪝 Rigs and Sinkers

How to build a reliable rig for small shark fishing

The rig is one of the most critical components in shark fishing, even for smaller species: it must ensure strength, cut resistance, and at the same time allow the bait enough freedom to appear natural and enticing. The strain on the setup is intense, and the serrated teeth of some species (such as blue sharks or spurdogs) can easily cut through an unsuitable leader.

🎣 Surfcasting Rig for Sharks (from Shore)

This setup is designed for deep beaches, sandy or mixed bottoms, and conditions with moderate surf. It needs to provide robustness for long casts and waves, while keeping the bait stable on the seabed.

✅ Recommended setup:

Fixed or sliding sinker (grip or spike):
➤ Weight: 120–250 g, depending on sea conditions and casting distance
➤ The sliding sinker (running rig) offers greater bite sensitivity, while the fixed one provides more stability in current

Main trace:
➤ Nylon or fluorocarbon 0.70–0.90 mm, length 60–100 cm
➤ Optional anti-tangle tube to prevent line twisting during casting

Hook snood:
➤ Length 80–120 cm, fluorocarbon 0.50 mm
➤ Can be jointed with rolling swivels or rotating beads

Coated steel wire (bite leader):
➤ Positioned between hook and leader, 10–15 cm of braided steel, 30–60 lb
➤ Essential against blue sharks, spurdogs, and smooth-hounds with sharp teeth

Hooks:
➤ Size 3/0 – 6/0, strong and chemically sharpened
➤ Beak type (great for large baits) or Circle Hook (for safer, less damaging releases)

💡 Technical tip: if the area is rocky or covered with seaweed, use anti-snag or quick-release spike sinkers.

 

⚓ Boat Rig (Heavy Bottom Fishing / Coastal Drifting)

For boat fishing, especially over deep bottoms (>30 m), it’s essential to adapt to the current and keep the bait in a natural position.

✅ Recommended setup:

Breakaway sinker:
➤ Variable weight 100–300 g, depending on depth and current
➤ Mounted on a clip or secondary arm to allow easy release in case of snagging

Stiff main trace:
➤ Nylon or fluorocarbon 0.80–1.0 mm, length 80–150 cm
➤ Use a triple swivel or barrel swivel to absorb terminal twist

Sliding rig:
➤ An effective alternative: allows the fish to take the bait without feeling resistance
➤ Composed of a slider, bead stop, swivel, and leader with wire trace

Final leader:
➤ 40–70 cm snood, fluorocarbon 0.50–0.60 mm
➤ Finish with 10–20 cm of coated steel wire near the hook

Hooks:
➤ Circle Hook 4/0 – 8/0, preferably black nickel
➤ For double baits, use two hooks in tandem (no-knot connection)

💡 Expert tip: If using whole sardines or large squid as bait, make sure the hook point is well exposed baits that are too “covered” drastically reduce effective hooksets.

🍤 Effective Natural Baits

What to use to attract small sharks and how to bait them properly

Small Mediterranean sharks (such as catshark, smooth-hound, and spurdog) are scent-driven predators, guided primarily by the smell of blood and the oils released into the water. For this reason, the most effective natural baits are those rich in organic fluids, oily, resistant to casting or current, and preferably large in size.

Using fresh or well-preserved baits (salted or vacuum-packed) is essential to increase their attractiveness, especially at night or in murky waters.

🧲 Types of Baits and How to Use Them

Type of Bait	Technical and Strategic Notes
Sardine	The queen of baits: whole (without head), tufted, or filleted. Very oily and aromatic. Can be salted to improve casting resistance. Excellent for drifting and surfcasting.
Squid / Cuttlefish	Used both as thin strips (for mobile presentations) and whole. Very tough and long-lasting. Also great when combined with sardine (“cocktail bait”).
Mackerel Fillets	Rich in oil and blood, very effective even in strong currents. Suitable for long, fluttering baits.
Whole Prawns	Hooked with a baiting needle and secured with elastic thread to keep them closed. Good for smooth-hound and blue shark. Peeled prawns attract faster but are more fragile.
Mullet Chunks	Meaty and resistant, an excellent balance between volume and attractiveness. A good choice for larger specimens.
Live or Dead Fish	Horse mackerel, bogue, or saddled seabream: excellent for bottom or drifting fishing. Can be used whole (alive or dead) or as tail sections for maximum scent release.

 

💡 Expert Tips:

• Strategic cuts: make small incisions so the bait releases blood slowly just a couple of diagonal cuts along the flank are enough.
• Leave a loose flap: a dangling piece creates vibrations and mimics the movement of a wounded prey.
• Avoid overly compact or covered baits: the hook must remain visible and ready to set.
• Cocktail bait (mixed bait): combine sardine + squid for a mix of scent and durability widely used from shore in rough seas.

 

🎯 Effective Fishing Techniques

A. 🌙 Night Surfcasting

Strategic technique for catching catshark and smooth-hound from the beach

Night surfcasting is one of the most productive techniques for targeting small coastal sharks particularly catshark and smooth-hound which approach the shore at night in search of food. This method allows fishing in quiet areas that are less frequented during the day, taking advantage of reduced disturbance and increased nocturnal activity of prey.

🌊 Ideal Conditions:

• Calming sea: after a storm, when the waves subside and the seabed remains murky but fishable.
• Target zones: beaches with surf troughs, natural channels, river mouths, or areas with scattered seagrass.
• Depth: cast beyond the first surf step (30–80 m), where holes and feeding corridors form.

✅ Recommended Technical Setup:

• Fixed or spike sinker (120–200 g): ensures better stability even with side currents.
• Powerful rod (4.2–4.5 m) with a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites.
• Shock leader and long leaders, preferably with metal wire or thick fluorocarbon near the hook.
• Large, oily baits: sardine, mullet chunk, or squid strips.

🧂 Targeted Groundbaiting:

• Prepare a mix of chopped sardine, sand, and bread, compacted with seawater.
• Cast the groundbait shortly before the bait, or place it in small dissolvable mesh bags tied above the sinker.
• Re-groundbait every 30–45 minutes in small amounts to maintain a scent trail without overfeeding.

🎣 How to Recognize Bites:

Species	Bite Behavior
Catshark	Slow, multiple, “spongy” taps followed by steady tension. Wait before striking.
Smooth-hound	Sharp hit, followed by a strong lateral or forward run. Strike quickly and firmly.

 

💡 Extra Tips:

• Maintain silence and discretion on the beach: use your headlamp only when necessary.
• Always use fresh or lightly salted baits scent matters more than movement.
• A double bait on twin rigs (e.g., sardine + squid) can double your chances.

 

B. 🚤 Heavy Bottom Fishing from the Boat

Fundamental technique for spurdog, smooth-hound, and catshark on medium-deep bottoms

Heavy bottom fishing from a boat is a highly effective technique for targeting benthic small sharks, such as spurdog, smooth-hound, and catshark, which inhabit depths between 50 and 300 meters. It requires precision in boat positioning, robust rigs, and strongly scented baits.

🌊 Recommended Zones and Depths:

• Muddy, sandy, or mixed bottoms, especially near ledges, submerged shoals, and wrecks.

Target Depths:

• Catshark: 60–150 m
• Smooth-hound: 50–200 m
• Spurdog: 80–300 m, prefers colder waters

Prefer days with moderate currents to optimize groundbait dispersion.

✅ Recommended Technical Setup:

🎣 Equipment:

• Heavy bottom rod (2.1–2.7 m), power 200–400 g
• Rotating or electric reel for extreme depths, with large spool
• Braided line PE 2.5–4, shock leader in fluorocarbon or nylon 0.60–0.80 mm
• Mixed leader: 1.2 m fluorocarbon + 10–15 cm coated steel wire

🪝 Baiting:

• Robust circle or beak hook, sizes 3/0–6/0
• Large baits: whole sardine, mackerel chunks, whole squid or long strips
• Secure bait with elastic thread to withstand casting and currents

🧂 Strategic Groundbaiting:

• Use a metal or stiff mesh feeder, positioned above the sinker or in line on the main trace
• Fill with chopped, pressed sardines mixed with bread and sand to aid sinking
• Gradually release groundbait, replenishing every 20–30 minutes to keep the school active

🎯 Practical Tips:

• Sinkers from 200 to 500 g, variable depending on current and depth: maintaining direct contact with the bottom is essential to intercept benthic sharks
• Drift control: anchor or floating anchors to stay stable in the fishing area

Recognizing bites:

• Catshark: small, continuous vibrations
• Spurdog: slow but powerful pulls
• Smooth-hound: sharp tugs, with initial drag runs

💡 Expert Tip:
Do not strike immediately on the first run: small sharks often bite, release, and then return. Wait for the second decisive pull before setting the hook, especially with circle hooks.

C. 🪝 Coastal Drifting

Mobile technique for targeting juvenile blue sharks, smooth-hounds, and other pelagic sharks

Coastal drifting is a fascinating and highly selective technique, ideal for intercepting small pelagic sharks such as juvenile blue sharks, smooth-hounds, and occasionally spurdogs in midwater. It is practiced from a boat in controlled drift, allowing baits to float at variable depths while moving slowly with the current or a light electric motor.

🌍 Ideal Zones

Areas between 30 and 150 meters deep, near:

• Submerged shoals
• Underwater canyons
• Pelagic passage zones (near schools of sardines, needlefish, bogue)

Presence of seabirds at the surface or predatory activity: excellent indicators!

✅ Recommended Equipment

🎣 Rod

• Stand-up or light drifting rod, 12–30 lb or 20–40 lb action
• Length: 1.6–2.1 m for better control during the fight

🌀 Reel

• Trolling or stand-up reel, smooth and powerful drag
• Size 20–30 lb (e.g., Penn Senator, Shimano TLD)

🧵 Line

Braided PE 4–6 or monofilament 0.50–0.70 mm

Shock leader in fluorocarbon 1–2 meters, followed by:

• 10–20 cm coated stainless steel wire (to prevent cuts from teeth)

🪝 Baits and Rigging

• Live fish: horse mackerel, bogue, saddled seabream, or needlefish (hook through nose or dorsal)
• Dead fish: whole sardine, mackerel, or large chunks
• Secure bait with elastic thread to improve resistance and presentation

💡 Expert Tip: Alternate a surface rig (float with stopper) with a sinking rig using a quick-release sinker or hydrodynamic weight to explore multiple levels of the water column.

🧂 Targeted Groundbaiting

• Groundbait mix: chopped sardine, fish oil, bread, and seawater
• Use a perforated bucket or slow-release feeder to create a continuous scent trail
• Release small amounts every 2–3 minutes to attract predators

🎯 Winning Strategies

• Fish with light current or favorable breeze (avoid fast drifts)
• Alternate bait depths: surface, midwater, and sinking
• Keep lines very loose and drag properly set to accommodate initial runs
• Use a large net or gaff to manage boat-side retrieval efficiently

⚠️ Safety Notes

Even small sharks can be aggressive once onboard:

• Never handle them without control or proper pliers
• Immediately release specimens not intended for consumption: cut the hook or wire if difficult to remove

🧠 Expert Tips for Small Shark Fishing

🔍 Use the fishfinder strategically
Look for clear signals both midwater and on the bottom, especially near passage zones such as channels, shoals, and submerged elevations. These spots are often frequented by small sharks searching for food.

💨 Take advantage of moderate currents
A light or moderate current is ideal because it helps disperse the scent of baits and groundbait, attracting predators without spreading the aroma too quickly.

🔗 Use high-quality metal leaders
Coated stainless steel leaders are essential to prevent breakage from sharks’ sharp teeth. Ensure they are strong yet flexible to maintain natural bait presentation.

🧊 Quick and careful handling of the catch
Shark flesh is delicate and deteriorates quickly if not properly handled. Gut the fish immediately after capture and store it on plenty of ice to maintain freshness and quality.

🪛 Prefer circle hooks
Circle hooks significantly improve hooksets, ensuring a safer hook and reducing injuries to the fish. This choice also lowers mortality in catch-and-release situations, promoting more sustainable fishing.

⚖️ Regulations and Ethics in Small Shark Fishing

📏 Recommended Minimum Sizes and Regulations

• Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula): Often there is no official minimum size, but it is recommended to release individuals smaller than 40 cm to support growth and reproduction.
• Smooth-hound (Mustelus mustelus): In many areas, the minimum size is set around 60 cm, ensuring the fish has reached sexual maturity.
• Spurdog (Squalus acanthias) and Blue Shark (Prionace glauca): These species are protected or subject to stricter regulations in different regions; always check local rules, as they may be protected or have severe catch limits.

🎣 Catch Limits

Most local ordinances set a maximum daily catch of 5 kg per angler. It is essential to always verify updated regulations to avoid fines and contribute to the sustainability of marine resources.

🧭 Fundamental Ethical Principles for Responsible Fishing

• Mandatory release of undersized or injured specimens: Protect young individuals to allow them to mature and contribute to the population. In the case of accidental capture, perform a quick and gentle release.
• Avoid overharvesting coastal schools: Small sharks often move in groups; avoiding the removal of too many individuals from a single school helps maintain ecological balance.
• Limit groundbaiting in sensitive areas: Excessive artificial feeding can alter local ecosystems, favor invasive species, or change natural behaviors. Use groundbait sparingly and only where permitted.
• Use tools for quick unhooking: Pliers and specialized devices reduce stress and injury, increasing survival chances during release.
• Respect the marine habitat: Remember that sharks are slow-growing species with long reproductive cycles and are vulnerable to overexploitation. Avoid leaving waste in the sea and minimize the environmental impact of your fishing activities.

🍽️ In the Kitchen: How to Enjoy Small Sharks

Although small sharks do not enjoy the same fame as other more prized fish species, their white, delicate, and slightly firm flesh offers multiple culinary possibilities, enhanced by proper preparation.

🍽️ Fried Steaks
Catshark and smooth-hound, cut into thick steaks, are particularly suitable for frying. The flesh, soft yet firm, achieves a perfect crispy exterior if lightly floured before cooking. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of crunchy vegetables for a simple and flavorful meal.

🥘 Soups and Broths
Thanks to their delicate flavor, these sharks are ideal for stewed preparations, such as fish soups or traditional Mediterranean broths. Slow cooking enhances the taste without heaviness, producing a dish rich in aromas and nutrients.

🧄 Smooth-hound Baked with Garlic and Parsley
A classic recipe that highlights the natural flavor of smooth-hound is baking it with chopped garlic, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A light splash of white wine or lemon can be added for a touch of acidity that balances the softness of the flesh.

🍋 Spurdog Marinated Raw
Spurdog, with its tender and delicate flesh, can also be enjoyed raw as carpaccio or tartare, but only after proper freezing to eliminate any potential parasites. Marinating with citrus, oil, and spices enhances the flavor and gives a fresh, inviting texture.

 

🌟 Small Shark Fishing: A Technical and Responsible Experience

Fishing for small sharks represents an exciting challenge that combines technical skill, patience, and deep respect for the marine environment. These coastal predators, although not reaching large sizes, offer energetic fights and require a conscious approach and proper equipment to be caught successfully.

To achieve satisfying results, it is essential to have an in-depth knowledge of the target species, their behavior, and natural habitat. Choosing the right baits, durable rigs, and appropriate techniques will allow you to approach each outing with greater confidence and effectiveness.

Moreover, adopting responsible fishing practices such as releasing undersized specimens, using circle hooks to minimize injury, and respecting local regulations is essential to preserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of these delicate species, which play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Whether you prefer night surfcasting from the beach, heavy bottom fishing from the boat, or coastal drifting, an ethical and well-prepared approach will reward you not only with great catches but also with the satisfaction of contributing to the protection of the sea.