Big Hammer Challenge - Proper Shark Tagging Instructions

This year each team will be assigned a number of shark tags provided to us by NMFS Cooperative Shark Tagging Program for the purpose of helping in the study of of shark migration and growth rates .Each team captain will be responsible for the tags and any unused tags MUST be returned at the end of the tournament or that teams sharks will be disqualified.Each team will recieve either 5 or 10 tags depending on the amount they request and believe they can use.We at the South Florida Shark Club are gratful for the chance to give back and help the shark populations in any way we can.As a teenager I personally was involved since 1976 with the NMFS shark tagging program and in contact with Jack Casey who ran the program from Narragansett,MASS in those days.Now more then ever sharks need our protection as the Apex predators of the oceans and we will continue to work for there protection.Please tag and release your sharks as QUICKLY as possible to assure there speedy recovery.When possible all hooks should be removed and please with as little harm to the shark as possible.Thanks to Pat Turner of NMFS for helping us secure the tags for this year's Big Hammer Challenge and thanks to all of you who will help in this very noble of causes.Good luck to all anglers fishing the tournament.

Safety should be the most important element when handling sharks

The typical shark tag Id Card

Proper placement of tag is important

Using the dowel to insert the shark tag.