I've caught somewhere around 25 sharks this year so far, been a really good year and It's only July! only been out a few times also. You should get into some smaller ones just fine with a bass rig. for Blacktips, you will need some wire leader though. bonnetheads and sharpnose are usually ok on heavy mono if you change leader after a catch, but Blacktips and other more toothy sharks will cut mono and braid line in a second. I like a 6/0 circle hook especially if you are using a smaller rod and cant catch the big boys from shore with 100y of line anyways. A lot of people like ladyfish, jack or other bloody fish, but I have the best luck on a fillet of pinfish with a little squid on the hook as well. But be willing to try different baits because sharks can actually be finicky. My friend and I went out last Monday, he fished with jack, I fished with pinfish, I caught 8 that day, he caught 2. Only difference was our bait choice. I typically fish from the canoe or my row boat. We would have Blacktip circle the boat 2-3 times, bump his bait, swim away and pick mine up and run, so be willing to try different things. bring another spool of line with you too. If you get one 6ft or so or a 50# stingray, you can likely hold onto your rod and say goodbye to your line. I've been peeled dry a couple times when I am insisting on fishing with my trout rods for smaller sharks and inadvertently had a big one pick up the bait. have fun though, it's a blast! especially if you get into the spinners, they are very acrobatic.
