2014-04 Shark fishing from the dock

Gary has been fishing for shark from the dock at night, and has hooked onto some big ones, many of which have managed to break his line within a few moments. He recently "upsized" to 100-pound test and this allowed him to actually bring one in! 

One night we were alone on the dock initially, but with the "zing!" of the line when the shark hit, soon there were a dozen or so spectators out on the dock to see what he landed. It was about a 45 minute fight, with the shark zig-zag'ing out to the west, then the east, then north...but eventually Gary had it close enough to the dock for us to see its dorsal fin and tail and guestimate it was a 7-8 foot shark, most likely bull shark.

Ultimately though, the shark tangled the line around the snorkel area bouey line and then he was stuck. Sharks can't breathe if they can't swim, so Gary and another brave soul grabbed a skiff from shore and paddled out to cut the massive man-eater free. Reel life heros. As we watched, the shark had stopped struggling and disappeared from the surface. All concerned onlookers feared the worst. Fortunately though, upon the approach of the rescuers, the shark mustered up the strength to break the leader and swim free!


Gary reeling in a big one

Launching a skiff to rescue a shark



Returning victorious with all limbs intact