Big Game Fishing

Interest in UK Shark fishing has expanded rapidly over the last few years with many large shark species now entering UK waters.

I've been lucky enough to fish and catch large sharks. A boyhood dream of mine was to catch a big blue shark which I achieved and even more incredible, I managed to land a 160lb Porbeagle Shark which after 40 minutes of fighting, tested me as a big game fisherman. 

Blue sharks tend to show up from May in the South West, before becoming the predominant catch in the South Wales area from mid June through to the end of October. 

Other shark species you may encounter on your boat trip are Porbeagle, Mako and Thresher. Boat trips usually cost anywhere from £500 to £600 which might seem expensive but, for a 10 to 12 hour trip is the going rate plus split between a party of 6 to 8 people softens the blow. 

In my experience getting to the fishing grounds usually takes an hour and a half/two hours setting off from the harbour, so good sea legs are definitively needed. I strongly recommend shark fishing, it's a great full day on the Ocean and will test your body to the full. 

MY TOP BAITS are: Big Mackerel, Pollock, Seabass and any fish roughly over 2lb

TIPS - A good skipper is essential, be very careful when handling sharks. Stay clear of them teeth, always take a spare set of clothes and wear footwear with good grip.

BEST SHARK LOCATIONS - Pembrokeshire (Wales), Looe (Cornwall) and North Devon coast. 

By Jeff Cavanagh