Shark Fishing Gear: A historical review

Abstract

In this account the descriptions of the gear and accessiry equipment, and suggestions for fishing methods and bait, are simplified and basic. Advances since 1950 in gear for other fisheries might be incorporated into methods for shark fishing; experimentation can undoubtedly improve gear efficiency. For instance, fishing with baited hooks on anchored bottom lines was more effective and cost little more in 1950 than fishing with the perishable cotton-twine gill nets then available. Now, the introduction of synthetic twine, improvements in gear for handling large nets, and the higher price of bait used with anchored bottom lines, indicate a need to reassess the merits of the two types of fishing gear for large sharks.