Article by Skylar Snead and Chris Taylor
If you fish the surf at Assateague Island long enough, you’re going to hook a shark. You might be tossing cut bait for red drum or hoping for a big bluefish run, and suddenly your rod doubles over and your drag starts screaming. It’s a wild moment, but here’s the thing: what you do next really matters—for your safety, the shark’s life, and staying legal.
Sharks aren’t rare on Assateague, especially during the summer months when the water warms up and the baitfish are thick. Blacktips, sandbars, sand tigers, and even bigger species like dusky and tiger sharks make appearances in the wash. Most of us aren’t coming here specifically to target sharks, but throw out some fresh bunker or mullet, and chances are good you’ll find yourself hooked up eventually.
It’s part of what makes surf fishing exciting. You never know what’s on the end of your line. But once it is a shark, the game changes—and you’ve got a responsibility to handle that catch the right way.
Shark fights are no joke. These fish are strong, fast, and unpredictable. If you’re fishing medium tackle and you hook into something that’s clearly a shark, consider breaking it off early. Long, drawn-out fights can kill a shark before it even hits the wash.
If you are set up for sharks—or just want to be ready—you need heavy-duty gear. That means a stout rod, a high-capacity reel with smooth drag, and a proper leader setup with a non-stainless steel inline circle hook. And that’s not just a suggestion—it’s the law in Maryland. You must use non-stainless, inline circle hooks when fishing for sharks from shore. Stainless steel is not allowed because it doesn’t rust out, and circle hooks are designed to reduce gut-hooking and make releases cleaner. These regulations exist for a reason, and you will be held to them.
In addition to pliers or a dehooker, you need two critical tools:
1. A strong cutter capable of snipping through wire or heavy braided cable.
2. A pair of bolt cutters for cutting large hooks during release if needed.
And here’s the catch: bolt cutters usually won’t cut through cable. That’s something many anglers learn the hard way. If you’re running steel leaders or coated cable, make sure you’ve got a proper cable cutter or heavy-duty snips. You don’t want to be fumbling around trying to free a tired shark with tools that can’t get the job done.
If you bring a shark to shore, your goal should be to keep it on wet sand where waves are still washing over its gills. That thin layer of water keeps the shark breathing and makes for a safer, quicker release. You don’t need to stay knee-deep in the surf if you’re not comfortable—wet sand with the wash coming and going is a solid compromise.
If you’re experienced and the surf conditions are calm, keeping the shark suspended in shallow water is even better—but only if you’re confident. Moving water, soft footing, and a big thrashing shark can turn things sketchy fast. Don’t put yourself in a bad spot just to get a cleaner release. Safety always comes first—for you and the fish.
It’s worth noting that in Delaware, state law requires protected shark species to remain suspended in the water at all times. Maryland doesn’t have that specific requirement, but the same best practices still apply. Keeping the shark breathing and minimizing time out of the water is key no matter where you are. Use long-handled tools to remove the hook. If it’s deeply hooked or the removal gets risky, cut the line close to the hook and let it go.
And remember—if you’re not 100% sure what species it is, release it immediately. Many of the sharks caught off Assateague—including sandbar, sand tiger, dusky, and tiger sharks—are protected and must be released without delay.
Assateague is a special place. Between the wild ponies, protected dunes, and uncrowded beaches, there aren’t many spots like it left. As anglers, it’s on us to help keep it that way. That means handling fish responsibly, cleaning up after ourselves, and not putting on a show with sharks that could get the whole fishery more restricted.
Take your photos quick, or don’t take them at all. Don’t leave bloody sand or bait scraps behind. And don’t be that guy dragging a protected shark 20 feet up the beach for a cell phone video. We all lose when that happens.
Quick Tips from the Sand
- Non-stainless, inline circle hooks are required—no exceptions.
- Use heavy gear to shorten the fight and increase survival chances.
Keep sharks on wet sand with the surf washing over them, or in the shallows if safe.
Use long-handled dehookers or pliers.
Bring strong cutters capable of cutting wire or cable leaders.
Carry bolt cutters for hook removal—but remember, they won’t cut cable.
Cut the line if it’s deep hooked or unsafe to remove.
Know your species—or release it if you’re not sure.
Surf fishing at Assateague is one of those raw, wild experiences that keeps you coming back. Every cast could bring something new. When it’s a shark on the other end, do it right. Gear up, know the rules, and respect the fish.
See you on the sand!
