The inshore waters of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia have an abundance of coastal fish for anglers to target. Whether you’re an experienced angler or novice, everyone can join in on the action of catching and not just fishing. Some days the fish are chewing, while other days, a bite is hard to come by. On those unexpectedly slow days, how do you turn it into a productive fishing trip? One of our best secrets is to switch things over and start fishing for bonnethead shark.

What Kind Of Inshore Can Be Caught

Many different species of fish live in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Anglers seek certain types of fish because of both the battle they put up and the way they taste. These include red drum known as redfish, sea trout, some would call speckled trout or specs, flounder fish, and sheepshead sometimes called convict fish because of their jail suit appearance.

Why Fish Don’t Bite

Believe it or not, one of the primary reasons that fish stop biting is for various weather changes. Cold fronts can lead fish to have lockjaw, which is when they chose not to feed. Another reason why you don’t feel the tug at the end of the line is that you’re fishing in a spot where they are not, which is also likely because of the weather. Fish may have moved to warmer or cooler waters

What To Do If Fish Your Targeted Fish Won’t Bite

Some days no matter how hard you try by moving locations, presentations, and baits, your targeted species will not bite.

Go Home

If you’re dead set on only catching a particular species, and they won’t bite, head back to the car or the dock. Even the best of efforts can go unrewarded. 

Change Your Plan And Fish For A different Species- The Bonnethead Shark

One of the go-to species on a slow day of fishing is the bonnethead shark. Bonnethead sharks are excellent fighters, and believe it or not, do make good table fare.

Why Will Bonnethead Shark Bite On a Slow Day

Like all sharks, the bonnethead is constantly on the move scouring the water for the next meal, which will be your hook and bait. Bonnethead sharks tend to feed in even the most unideal circumstances.

Can You Use The Same Tackle And Gear To Catch Bonnethead Shark

Yes, no need to change the tackle or bait if you are using a popping cork and hook combination or hook and weight combination. The difference between the two presentations is fishing one suspended from the bottom while the weight draws the bait to the seabed. The rods and reels are sufficient to fight bonnethead sharks successfully.

How Do You Find Bonnethead Sharks

What is most exciting about bonnet head shark fishing is that the angler can sight cast them. Look along the shores of the marsh or oyster beds for the telltale sign- the fin sticking out above the water. When you are looking for them, you will see more sharks than you ever noticed before. Cast a live shrimp, cut bait, or minnow with a hook and weight or popping cork in its vicinity. If the cast isn’t perfect, don’t worry. The shark will, more often than not, find the bait.

Considerations When Catching Bonnethead Shark

Remember that you are dealing with a toothy critter. Handle the bonnethead shark with gloves carefully to avoid accidental bites and utilize pliers to remove the hooks. Keep children well away from a shark on the deck of the boat in the event they slip away from your hands.

Don’t Rush To The Dock To Early Before Looking For Bonnethead Shark

Just because the fish you’re in hopes of chooses not to bite doesn’t mean your day of catching is done. Look for the unmistakable sign of sharks cruising the coastal waters of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. When the strike occurs, you will be in a tussle with a bruiser, so be prepared for long drag screaming runs, bent rods, and an extended fight.