A Beginner's Guide to Shark Fishing in the UK: Start with Dogfish and Smoothhounds

Sharks in UK waters: what can you actually catch?

When people hear "shark fishing" they often picture huge fish and big boats. In the UK, the reality for most beginners is friendlier. Several small shark species live close to our coast, and some are among the most common fish you can catch from the shore.

Species	Where beginners might catch it	How easy for beginners?
Lesser-spotted dogfish	Beaches, piers, harbours, boats	Very easy – a great first shark
Smoothhound	Beaches, estuary mouths, boats	Moderate – they fight hard
Bull huss (greater-spotted dogfish)	Rough ground, rocks, boats	Harder – rougher, snaggy ground
Tope	Mostly boats, some specialist shore marks	Specialist – go with an expert
Blue shark, porbeagle	Offshore boats only	Specialist – charter skipper only

This guide focuses on the first two: lesser-spotted dogfish and smoothhounds. They are the best way to catch your first shark and learn how to handle one properly.

Some UK shark species are protected or have special rules about keeping them. The simplest and kindest approach for beginners is to return every shark you catch, quickly and carefully. Always check the current rules for the area you are fishing.

Meet your first sharks

Lesser-spotted dogfish

• A small, sandy-brown shark covered in dark spots.
• Usually fairly small, so ideal for children.
• Has very rough skin, like sandpaper.
• Likes to wrap its tail around your arm when you hold it.
• Feeds on the seabed and loves fish and squid baits.

Smoothhound

• A grey, sleek shark with smooth skin.
• Bigger and much stronger than a dogfish, and known for powerful runs.
• Has flat, crushing teeth for eating crabs rather than sharp, cutting teeth.
• Most often caught in the warmer months.
• Crab is usually the best bait.

Where to fish

Good places to try include:

• Sandy or mixed beaches – often good for both species.
• Piers and harbour walls – safe, easy access and good for families. Dogfish often feed around them.
• Estuary mouths and sandy bays – smoothhounds often hunt crabs here in summer.
• Boats – a day on a family-friendly charter boat can be a great way to catch dogfish and sometimes bigger sharks.

Ask a local tackle-friendly angling club or experienced anglers which local marks are known for dogfish or smoothhounds. Local knowledge makes a big difference.

Step-by-step: catching your first shark from the shore

1. Plan your trip

1. Check the tide times and the weather forecast.
2. Pick a safe spot such as a pier, harbour wall or gently sloping beach.
3. Plan to fish for a couple of hours either side of high tide, or through a rising tide, as a starting point.
4. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

2. Set up your rod

1. Use a beach rod or strong general sea rod with a reel loaded with suitable line.
2. If you will be casting a heavy lead, tie on a shock leader. This stronger length of line stops the lead snapping off during the cast.
3. Attach a simple bottom rig. A one-hook running ledger or a one-hook flapper rig works well.
4. Choose a lead heavy enough to hold the bottom. Use a grip lead if the tide is strong.

3. Bait up

• For dogfish: a strip or fillet of mackerel, squid, or a mackerel and squid cocktail. Fresh bait works best.
• For smoothhounds: peeler crab or hardback crab is the classic bait. Squid can also work.
• Use bait elastic to hold soft baits on the hook so they stay on during the cast.

4. Cast and wait

1. Check behind you before every cast so nobody is in the way.
2. Cast out gently. You do not need to cast a long way. Dogfish are often close in, especially after dark.
3. Put the rod on a rod rest or tripod and tighten the line a little.
4. Watch the rod tip.

5. Recognise the bite

• Dogfish often give a rattly, tugging bite. Give them a moment to take the bait before you lift the rod.
• Smoothhounds often pick up the bait and move off fast. The rod may bend over hard or the line may go slack. Hold the rod, wind down until you feel weight and lift firmly.

6. Land the fish

1. Keep a steady bend in the rod and wind smoothly.
2. Let a big smoothhound run if it wants to. Your reel's drag should be set so line can be pulled off under pressure.
3. On a beach, use the waves to help slide the fish up. On a pier, use a drop net for bigger fish rather than lifting them on the line.

How to handle and release a shark

This is the most important skill in shark fishing.

Handling a dogfish

1. Wet your hands or use a wet cloth. This protects the fish and your hands.
2. Hold the fish gently but firmly behind the head.
3. Dogfish often curl their tail around your wrist. Their skin is very rough and can scrape your skin. A simple trick is to hold the head and tail together so it cannot twist.
4. Keep your fingers away from its mouth.

Handling a smoothhound

1. Support the fish with both hands, one under the head and one near the tail.
2. Keep it low, over a wet unhooking mat or wet sand, in case it wriggles free.
3. They do not have sharp cutting teeth, but they can still give a strong pinch, so keep fingers clear.

Unhooking and release

1. Use long-nosed pliers or a disgorger to remove the hook.
2. If the hook is very deep, cut the line close to the mouth rather than pulling hard.
3. Take any photos quickly, keeping the fish close to the ground.
4. Return the fish to the water gently, head first. Do not throw it from a height.
5. Try to keep it out of the water for as short a time as possible.

What to do if it isn't working

• No bites at all? Try fishing after dark, when dogfish are often more active. Move to a different spot, or try a different state of tide.
• Bait keeps disappearing? Small fish or crabs may be stealing it. Use tougher baits such as squid and tie them on with bait elastic.
• Lots of dogfish but no smoothhounds? Switch to crab bait and fish in late spring or summer over sandy or mixed ground.
• Rig keeps snagging? You may be on rough ground. Move to a cleaner sandy area or use a rotten-bottom weak link so you only lose the lead.
• Lead won't hold the bottom? Use a heavier lead or a grip lead.
• Still struggling? Ask local anglers or a sea angling club. They often share tips with beginners.

Fishing for bigger sharks

Once you are confident, you might want to try for bigger sharks such as tope or blue shark. These are specialist fish:

• They are usually caught from boats, often well offshore.
• They need much stronger tackle and expert handling.
• Some species are protected and some must be released.

The safe way to try is with an experienced charter skipper who specialises in shark fishing and follows good catch-and-release practice. Do not try to target large sharks on your own.

Quick tips for families

• Dogfish are a brilliant first shark for children. They are common, small and easy to catch.
• An adult should always handle hooks, leads, knives and casting.
• Bring a towel so children can hold a fish safely for a photo.
• Fishing from a pier or harbour wall with railings is often easier and safer than a steep beach.
• If you are new to sea fishing, catching mackerel first is a great way to learn, and it gives you fresh bait for dogfish too.