Hello, My first name is Gary, Gulfdaddy here, and I am from the Houston, Tx. area. I found this great shark fishing site by way of Oz Ozland's Extreme Coast site centering on catches in the mid/lower Tx. coast.
I am an older guy, 60, who has likely out lived my monster shark fishing days but still like to read about it and I still torment all those critters in the mid size range that my back will allow. I am predominantly a beach fisherman here catching black tips, small bulls, sand bars, lemons, and a variety of others on long rods.
Growing up not far from Port Aransas, Tx. I spent a fair amount of time on the Bob HAll pier especially in the mid '60s to early 70's. Watched several beasts landed in that time to include a tiger of about 13' from the beach near by back about 1965. That one tiger catch influence me to save for a Penn 12/0 and I then built my first rod, an 8' calcutta. I quickly saved for and built a rod on a Harnell blank with a Varmac reel seat, Aftco big foot roller guides, and a walnut butt. That rig accounted for many a nice bull shark off the Bob Hall and South jetty at Port A.
In these latter years of life, I mostly fish 40-50# gear for sharks appropriate to that tackle.
I have the good fortune of having a friend with a second home in Boca Raton that allows me access. About once a year I get to make a trip there where I include several hours a day on the local pier. The name escapes me how ever. I will be there again this second week of August and will be enjoying some of that areas resident toothie critters. Who knows, I may dust off and respool the 14/0 and have another go at a beast.
I enjoy your site here and applaud you ethics and willingness to share information. Some day I hope to meet some of you on the 7 mile bridge, as that is on my bucket list. Zingin reels, gulfdaddy
Welcome to the site, quite a history of fishing you have. Any old pics lying around?
No old pictures of the beasts. Had a few but they were taken by a family member who will not give them up.