So You Watch Shark Week … That’s Cute

Today kicks off another shark week, which I will probably not watch again. I’d rather pursue, catch and release sharks in real life than watch them on TV.

All photos are sharks I have caught and released.

Shark Fishing Basics

Shark fishing is a bloody, brutal, boring as well as exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time.

I like to use live or fresh bait, meaning we have to first catch fish and use them as live bait. Sometimes we’ll use chum, a mix of blood and fish parts, to attract sharks.

Then it’s a waiting game that can be as short as 15 minutes to a couple of hours, till you see fins!

Shark Time

Once the shark grabs the bait and runs, it’s game on. Depending on the shark species and size a fight can be anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. Once at the boat, these beasts are never really beaten and first and foremost is everyone’s safety, including the sharks. We take a few pictures then cut the wire leader and off the shark goes. The metal circle hook will shortly rust out.