So I'm Mac, live in Orlando but may move to Tampa this year, and have never fished for anything. At least not since I was a kid. I have no thoughts about FL laws because I don't know what they entail yet (I sense a fishing pun coming on). I'm 50 and just googled to find the site.
Now what I want to know is, because it might take wading through numerous posts & searches: If we catch a legal shark and release, that must constitute our one catch per day. Is there any limit other than 'per day'? Also, if we tire a shark out enough to reel it to shore and he's big, how the heck do we de-hook and release back if it hasn't been stunned or something?
Thanks and look forward to fishing off the coast.
Mac
Welcome to Florida shark fishing, Mac! I also live in Orlando and fish with a buddy here all the time (he's also 50). If you ever wanted to tag along on one of our trips, we have enough gear for you to fish with.
Regarding catch and release, the one shark maximum is about harvesting shark, not releasing them. You can catch as many as you want as long as you release them. If you decide you want to feed your family with your catch, you only get one per day. And you'll see that most of the laws are geared towards harvesting shark. For instance, don't harvest a protected species. Don't harvest a fish that's too small. Things like that.
Releasing a shark safely and quickly takes practice. And a really long hook remover. It's best if you see someone doing it. Here's a video from Josh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_vobeVnOxI
Hope this helps! 