Struggling to catch leopard sharks from shore

[tdmorrison03]

I’ve been surf fishing 4 times this summer and have had plenty of success with bat rays, small sharks and similar species. I’ve been using the following setup:
- 10’ surf rod loaded with 30lb braid
- Fishfinder rig with 40lb fluorocarbon
- 3oz weight
- used to use 2/o circle hooks but switched to 5/o because I got tired of catching small rays and only wanted bigger catches
- primarily squid for bait but I have tried shrimp, cut mackerel, sand fleas and anchovies

I typically fish at San Elijo beach, Ponto or dog beach. I get there at 5/6 and stop fishing around 10pm. I cast decently far out, past where surfers would usually sit and wait for waves. Am I doing everything correct and I just have to be more patient or is there something I should be doing to have a better chance at a leopard shark or even a different type of shark? Thanks in advance

[yumBass]

You seem to have the right setup. I use 40 lb with a hi-lo, 3 oz, 1/0 and get plenty. Haven’t been to the beach for a month though, so conditions could have changed.

It could be you are actually casting too far if you’re going past the surfers… 30-100 yards is plenty. Also to be noted, if you care: I haven’t caught large ones (30 inches+) this year at all. there are lots of smaller ones though

[vdisney]

Try half a mackerel and stay away from squid. When we used to use squid we ended up catching a lot more rays than leos. It'll happen, good luck

[Carpkiller]

I have only caught larger leopards inside the bays. Seen 'em in the surf, but haven't caught a big one there. In my limited experience (couple dozen sharks) a fresh caught fish gets picked up more often; never got a decent sized leopard on a bait that had been frozen. The current all tackle IGFA leopard shark record was caught on a surf perch.

Details on the record fish:
http://bigfishesoftheworld.blogspot.com ... ciata.html

[Lundy]

Cut bait only, stay away from squid. Looks like you have the right set up. Do not panic if you get one on, take your time don’t set the drag too tight etc. Might loose a few before you catch one. It’s all a learning process. I’m catching them in Oceanside and I’m sure they more concentrated more south. Honestly you don’t have to cast super far, as long as the bait is in 2-3 ft of water they will hit. Sometimes I put in a few seshes before I catch one. I like to fish for perch, halibut and beans while I wait.

[KamWalsh]

Fresh bait is key. Old mackerel like most of the ones you buy from tadckle stores with brown, mushy meat is terrible shark bait. Either catch some from a pier and use same day/within a week or two if frozen, or catch a small perch, croaker, or corbina at the beach and cut it up. You don't need to go heavy for leopards but since there's some larger species in the shark you might hook in the surf I always go with wire leader and a 10 foot 100-130lb shock leader above 40lb mainline. That way you land the leopards faster too and release them in good condition. Chumming can be effective during a strong outgoing tide but if it's incoming you'll just attract stingrays to where you wade out to cast.

[ckrz]

Dog beach whenever the water isn't moving so right around a high or medium tide. 30lb braid is good doesn't matter if you use a leader. Carolina rig with about a half ounce with a circle hook and a whole sardine.

[Jusbigguns]

I got one yesterday on Blood worms. 2' model

[Midnightpass]

I think fresh cut bait (mackerel or BSP) works best for larger models... But I have caught them om sand crabs, ghost shrimp and blood worms... I got this guy from the surf, while fishing for corbina, with one of the three baits I mentioned... With a 4# leader and #8 Owner Mosquito hook... It took awhile though.. For reference, I'm 6'...


Butch

[Midnightpass]

This is one my Grandson caught at Bolsa Chica on a fresh caught and cut BSP...

Butch

[Perch killer]

Nice going Mike getting that leo in on light gear; not easy I'm sure.