When people tailwrap and bring on beach to tag or just to take a photo, that is what I understand is safest way for them so shark doesn't get hurt.
But does it hurt them at all when you sit on them and pull their nose up for a photo? And is there a better alternative to tailwrapping?
The guy we mostly go with will tag them, and get water running back through their gills out in the water and is careful with them, but not everyone is like him.
Sharks have been around for about 450,000,000 years, give or take a few million. They outlasted dinosaurs, so I doubt sitting on a shark's back would phase it too much..unless you're one of those 450 lb welfare moms I see around my city.
The only two sharks I've encountered that tend to shut down quick are hammerheads and blacktips..all other common FL species are quite hearty and can easily withstand a couple minutes on the sand for a dehooking, measurement, and picture. Hammerheads I leave in the water, and if a blacktip dies on me then I've got bait. But I have sort of gone away from keeping any shark over 3-4' for bait these days.
Well Said.
Sharks have been around for about 450,000,000 years, give or take a few million. They outlasted dinosaurs, so I doubt sitting on a shark's back would phase it too much..unless you're one of those 450 lb welfare moms I see around my city.
The only two sharks I've encountered that tend to shut down quick are hammerheads and blacktips..all other common FL species are quite hearty and can easily withstand a couple minutes on the sand for a dehooking, measurement, and picture. Hammerheads I leave in the water, and if a blacktip dies on me then I've got bait. But I have sort of gone away from keeping any shark over 3-4' for bait these days.
Good Topic and excellent reply TarponJ.
SOUTH FLORIDA SHARK CLUB -President SFSC-Founding Member est 1983 SFSC-Website Administrator BIG HAMMER SHARK TOURNAMENT -Founder Rene Memorial Sharkathon -Founder NMFS Shark Tagger
I think that sharks are for the most part respected by our shark fishing bretherin. I have not had one die - that I know of, other than the odd blacktip that shows up dead on the end of your line. As long as you work fast, and use heavy enough tackle, there shouldn't be a problem. There is debate as to whether Hammer Heads truly recover. I agree that they should be left in some water and get them back in a fast as possible.
Any thoughts as to what one should do if a hammer dies on the beach? A friend had one wash up on the beach the next day after kayaking the carcass out. Florida law states that it is to be returned to the sea. What about hacking it up and returning the pieces to be eaten. I mean hauling it way out???
Any thoughts as to what one should do if a hammer dies on the beach? A friend had one wash up on the beach the next day after kayaking the carcass out. Florida law states that it is to be returned to the sea. What about hacking it up and returning the pieces to be eaten. I mean hauling it way out???
Not much you can really do other than return it to the sea as the law says. I guess what I would do is cut it up as you say, and weigh the chunks down with rocks tied to heavy fishing line, rope, whatever you got and drop it off about 500-1,000 yards. This could be a lot of work and a lot of chunks and a lot of trips. But I cannot think of anything else other than if you're in a very, very secluded area you could dig a large, deep trench and bury it and cover it with lime (the mineral) so the coons and opossums and other woodland critters don't dig it up..but the law says we have to return it to sea so I guess that isn't an option.
Also, OP there is something I forgot to mention..when you see guys in pictures on top of sharks, a lot of fishermen dehook their catch by having one angler straddle the shark and hold the upper jaw open for easier, safer access to the hook while another angler pops the hook out. they aren't actually 'sitting' on the shark's back and putting all their weight down..more like stooped over the fish. I definitely wouldn't advise actually sitting on the shark's back with all your weight..no need for it. Like the poster above says, the vast majority of shark fishermen treat their catches with respect.
Is there any safe way to weigh a live shark intended for release, or is it best just to get length and a photo?
Also we never gaff unless we're going to keep. Our resident crazy guy that does charters and tags 'em will 'wrestle' it to get its tail wrapped. But once intended to keep, what would you say is the most humane, yet best way to keep the meat good? I used to cut their head off immediately as it seemed most humane before gutting, but now I have been told to cut off the tail while he's still thrashing to bleed, THEN cut off the head. I have a nice big bubba blade I sharpen while fishing we use so it's all clean cuts, but it bothers me to bleed a shark while living but the group agrees its how it's done.