Sight Fishing for Bonnethead Sharks: Tips and Tricks
If you know me, you know I have a passion for sight fishing bonnethead sharks. Whether using a fly rod or spinning gear, I absolutely love these incredible fish! Bonnethead sharks are fantastic adversaries for low tide fishing during the warmer months, offering tailing and feeding shots for anglers. These sharks are all muscle, and they'll eat flies, artificial lures, and bait. Best of all, they revive quickly after a fight, making for a sustainable and exciting fishing experience.
Why Fish for Bonnethead Sharks?
Bonnethead sharks are unique and challenging targets because they are very scent-oriented animals and omnivores. This means they can be quite picky about what flies they choose to eat. A wrong strip or too much metal exposed on the hook can easily spook them, leaving you or your angler heartbroken.
The "Tomahawk" Fly
To improve your chances of success, I developed a fly called the "Tomahawk." I've had great luck with it, and it’s become a favorite in my tackle box. Here’s how to fish it:
Casting: When using the Tomahawk fly, cast several feet in front of the shark.
Retrieving: Do a very slow, steady retrieve. The goal is to feel the bottom and have the hook eye scrape up sand and mud on the retrieve. This action mimics a wary crab trying to escape danger, making it irresistible to bonnetheads.
Tips for Success
Be Patient: Bonnethead sharks can be wary, so patience is key. Watch their behavior and adjust your technique accordingly.
Pay Attention to Detail: Make sure your fly has the right presentation. Bonnetheads are sharp and will notice if something seems off.
Practice Your Cast: Accurate casting is crucial. Practice casting a few feet ahead of the shark to increase your chances of a successful hookup.
Step 1:
1/0 Streamer Circle
Step 2:
Add Racoon Zonker to your hook shank. I cut mine aroung the length of the shank then tie it on. Remember, fur down skin up!
Step 3:
Blue Hackel
Step 4:
This stuff is the shit, I have been usuing it in a lot of fly recipes and have nothing but good things to say about it. Anyways, add it after the hackel.
Step 5:
Add your eyes and shank weight. You can also use a few beadchain eyes instead. You want this fly to hit the bottom fast.
Step 6:
Add it
Step 7:
Not a critical step but i like to add a little silver to the Zonker. I feel it makes it look a little more sand cloudy. It could also be completely in my head and its a wasted step. Any ways I do it to all of mine.
Just like that you have a Bonnethead fly. Super simple and they work great! I usually dont use a weed guard on mine fishing around Folly, Kiawah, Stono and some of the harbor but feel free to add one if you need it. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Capt. Conner
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