Bycatch—the accidental capture of non-target species—is a major threat to marine ecosystems, particularly sharks, which are often caught in both small-scale and industrial fisheries. Whether you're a recreational angler, small-scale fisher, or part of a commercial operation, there are proven ways to minimize unintended catches while still maximizing your target yield. Below is a comprehensive list of tips, tricks, and methods to help you fish more sustainably while protecting vulnerable marine life.

• Switch to circle hooks – These reduce gut-hooking and increase survival rates for released sharks 9.
• Avoid wire leaders – Monofilament leaders allow sharks to bite through and escape more easily, reducing mortality by ~40% 5.
• Try LED net lights – Flashing green or UV lights on gillnets deter turtles, dolphins, and sharks while maintaining target catch rates 1113.

• Avoid excessive splashing – Erratic movements mimic distressed prey, attracting sharks. Use smooth retrieves 14.
• Minimize electronics & noise – Sharks are drawn to vibrations (e.g., sonar, engine noise). Turn off unnecessary devices when possible.
• Change bait types – Avoid oily, bloody baits (e.g., mackerel) if sharks are prevalent; use squid or artificial lures instead.

• Cut the line close, but quickly if a shark is accidentally caught. Many survive if released quickly 9.

• Avoid river mouths & murky water – Bull sharks frequent these zones 1014.
• Watch for diving birds/baitfish – Feeding activity signals sharks nearby 10.
• Fish deeper or further offshore – Many sharks patrol shallow drop-offs and reefs.

• Magnetic repellents (e.g., Zeppelin) – Disrupt sharks’ electroreception, reducing strikes by ~65% 6.
• Weight placement – Dipping weights below the bait keeps it away from surface-cruising sharks.
• Avoid shiny lures/jewelry – Reflective items mimic fish scales, attracting investigation 14.

• Fish at midday – Sharks are more active at dawn/dusk 14.
• Move after a shark encounter – If one appears, sharks may linger due to scent trails.

• Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) – Simple grids in nets let turtles escape while retaining shrimp 13.
• Handline with shorter leaders – Reduces longline-style bycatch.
• Collaborate with researchers – Some NGOs provide free bycatch-reduction gear for testing 11.

• Report bycatch data – Helps scientists improve regulations 9.
• Avoid "high-risk" zones – Seasonal closures or habitat-based fishing reduce encounters.

• Follow MMPA fishery categories – Adhere to observer and reporting requirements 4.
• Use acoustic pingers – Deter marine mammals from nets.

• Hookpods – Encase hooks until deep enough to avoid seabirds 13.
• Weak hooks – Designed to straighten under a shark’s force, allowing escape 5.

Even if you can’t eliminate bycatch entirely, small changes make a difference:

• Prioritize release – A live shark contributes more to the ecosystem than a dead one.
• Share knowledge – Teach fellow fishers about these methods.
• Advocate for policy – Support marine protected areas and sustainable fishing laws 812.

By adopting these strategies, we can protect sharks and other marine life while maintaining productive fisheries. The ocean’s health depends on it.

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Sources Cited:

• NOAA Fisheries (gear modifications) 59
• Florida Sportsman (magnetic deterrents) 6
• Tracking Sharks (behavioral avoidance) 14
• Fisheries Research (LED net lights) 11
• WEF (bycatch tech) 13
• Marine Mammal Protection Act 4