Species · Sea · Mustelus asterias
Smoothhound
A powerful member of the shark family that provides the most exhilarating fight from the shore. Smoothhound arrive from late April and can exceed 20lb. They feed almost exclusively on crustaceans and deliver savage, unstoppable runs.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy estuaries, shallow bays, mudflats |
| Best time | Evening/Night |
| Category | Specimen |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Beach leger, Running rig, Pulley rig
- Baits and flies: Peeler Crab, Hardback Crab, Hermit Crab
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 2/0-4/0. Strong forged. Strong specimen hooks - they have powerful crushing teeth |
| Mainline | 0.35-0.40mm. 20-25lb. Heavy mono or braid for distance casting |
| Hooklength | 0.50-0.60mm. 18-24". 30-50lb heavy mono traces - non-negotiable |
| Shotting | 4-6oz grip leads on open beaches. Running leads in calmer estuaries. |
| Field notes | Peeler crab is the only bait you need - they refuse almost everything else; Heavy traces of 30-50lb mono are essential for their crushing teeth; They run HARD when hooked - set your drag and hold on; Late spring to summer is the season - May to September peak; Sandy estuary marks are the hotspots - fish the flood tide; Wrap peeler crab in bait elastic to keep it on the hook during the cast |
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