MOON SHARK TACKLE TIPS

Other than perhaps the common skate, the tope is the one fish possible from the UK shoreline that will really test your tackle. Think big, strong and robust. If there is any weak point in your set-up, a hooked fish will reveal it.

My choice of hook has always been a size 8/0 Varivas Big Mouth Xtra, but this winter I have experimented with the new Varivas Catfish pattern (see below). Both hooks will give you a fighting chance, but equally important is the use of the wire trace. No longer are we limited to the traditional nylon-covered wires of yesteryear.

There are now some excellent alternatives. Mason 49 strand wire or AFW Surflon Micro Supreme are just two that I have used in recent times. The latter can be knotted, meaning that it is more versatile, and both types are kink-resistant. Increase the diameter of your casting leader to 0.90mm (around 100lb) so that if a tope should rub across it, it will hopefully remain intact.

Use a pulley rig, increase the size of swivels and always incorporate a weak link (above), even if there is only the odd rock out in front of you. Highcapacity reels filled with 25lb mainline should be placed on a beachcaster possessing some backbone.

Popular baits include flounder and mackerel, with the heads of the mackerel particularly effective. If a shoal of whiting is in residence, a freshly caught one can also be deadly.

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