Smoothhound Fishing

The Ultimate Guide to Smoothhound Fishing: Best Baits, Rigs & Tactics

Smoothhound fishing provides an exhilarating experience that keeps sea anglers coming back for more. At North East Tackle Supplies, we're passionate about helping you make the most of your smoothhound adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal the best baits, rigs, and tactics to boost your catches of these hard-fighting sharks.

Irresistible Baits for Smoothhounds

Selecting the right bait is critical for enticing smoothhounds. Here are our top recommendations:

• Peeler Crab - A go-to bait, especially paired with a pulley rig. The scent and texture drive smoothhounds wild.
• Hard Crab - Some anglers swear by hard crab since other fish are less likely to steal it.
• Squid - Highly effective when fished whole with the hook through the head. The natural movement is very attractive.
• Rag and Squid/Crab Cocktails - Ideal after rough seas when the water has some color. The contrasting textures and smells work wonders.
• Razorfish - Another good choice in colored water following storms. Their elongated shape mimics a fleeing baitfish.
• Hermit Crabs - Skippers who trap hermit crabs often favor them as smoothhound bait. The shells provide extra attraction.

Visit your local North East Tackle Supplies shop or browse our online store for the freshest, highest quality smoothhound baits.

Rigs That Bring Results

Using the right rig makes a big difference in your smoothhound success. We suggest the following setups:

• Pulley Rig - Commonly used with peeler crab, the pulley rig allows smoothhounds to pick up the bait without feeling resistance, leading to confident takes.
• Single Hook Rig - Since smoothhounds are pack feeders that attack baits aggressively, a single hook rig prevents multiple fish from being hooked at once and causing tangles.

Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you select the optimal smoothhound rig components. From high-quality hooks to superior snaps and swivels, we stock everything you need.

Time It Right for Maximum Action

Smoothhound fishing heats up from June through September when water temperatures peak and the sharks come close to shore to feed and breed. For the best results, focus your efforts around high tide.

We recommend fishing from about two hours before high water until four hours after. This spans the incoming, slack, and initial outgoing stages when smoothhounds are most active.

Gearing Up and Fighting Fish

Smoothhounds are powerful predators with crushing jaws and muscular bodies. Once hooked, they pull hard and can easily snap light line. To avoid disappointment, use suitably strong gear:

• 20-30 lb mainline paired with a 40-60 lb shock leader
• 5/0 to 6/0 extra strong hooks able to withstand intense pressure
• Stiff, powerful rods capable of casting 6-8 oz leads and absorbing aggressive runs

Check out North East Tackle Supplies' extensive range of premium smoothhound gear, including rods, reels, line, hooks and terminal tackle. We'll get you fully equipped for the fight!

Productive Smoothhound Marks

While smoothhounds can be found all around the UK and Ireland, some areas are particularly noted for producing specimens. Top locations include:

• The Kent and Sussex coasts
• The Channel Islands
• The Bristol Channel
• The Northwest - Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside
• Northeast England and Southeast Scotland

Many smoothhound marks are easily accessible, but some, like Chapel St Leonards in Lincolnshire, have beaches unsuitable for wheelchair users. Nearby alternative venues with better access are Chapel Point and Vickers Point.

Fascinating Smoothhound Facts

• The British record smoothhound weighed in at a whopping 18 lb 12 oz, but 8-9 pounders are considered the trickiest and most sport to catch.
• Smoothhounds hunt in packs, so where you catch one, more are likely to follow. Multiple hook-ups are common.
• These small sharks are edible, but most sea anglers prefer to release them to maintain stocks. Their flesh is better for potting or soup than eating as fillets or steaks.
• Although smoothhounds resemble tope, especially when small, they have a blunter snout, steeper forehead and lack the distinctive protruding teeth of their larger cousin.

At North East Tackle Supplies, our mission is to help you enjoy unforgettable smoothhound adventures. For personalized advice and all the right gear, come see us in-store or shop online. Tight lines!