WIth Winter behind and Summer fast approaching. I thought I would repost this on to remind people to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
I had the chance to go Shark fishing off the Florida Atlantic coast recently. I tell you, with all the fishing expeditions I had under my belt. Nothing came close to the excitement I felt when I started reeling in a shark.
Having lived in Florida for only a year, we have visited the Atlantic Ocean several times. I Swam in the surf, lied on the beaches and eaten at beach front restaurants. Never have I been out on the Atlantic Ocean fishing. This was a new experience for me.
We started our day leaving out of Port Canaveral, Florida on the Ocean Obsession II deep sea fishing boat. Sea Obsession https://fishobsession.com/ is a smaller multi-passenger fishing boat, with charters going out daily.
Unlike other fishing trips, shark fishing was an evening adventure. Our party of four started out in the afternoon for the 2-hour drive from central Florida to Port Canaveral. The drive gave us a chance to talk about the up-coming adventure.
We got to the port a couple hours early and decided to have a late afternoon meal. As there would be no galley on the ship that evening and the trip was planned to last from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. We drove down the coast and found a Tiki style restaurant right on the beach, in Coco Beach.
Since we were in the area, we were able to get to the dock in plenty of time for our excursion. At the same time, we arrived at the dock, The Disney “Wish” cruise line was leaving port. Here was a chance to see one of Disney’s flagships cruising out of the port and was an added sight to see.
The Ocean Obsession II pulled up to the dock and the passengers from the half-day trip disembarked. A short time later we were on board. This ship holds a total of 50 passengers, but we only had 22 passengers, less than half-full. Allowing us plenty of room to fish, which we found we would need that evening.
The nice thing about taking a charter boat was, it was the most economical way to go deep sea fishing. The rod, tackle, and bait were all provided as part of the extraordinary price of $50. They were great explaining how to Shark fish (dos and don’ts) and that alone made the trip worth it.
So out we go, beyond the breakwater. Heading out about two miles to a trough in the sandy bottom. The crew explained that in the area of Port Canaveral there is a trough that the sharks use as a highway, as they forage for things to eat.
We stopped, anchor dropped and the horn sounds, indicating we can start fishing. All twenty-two of us drop our lines into the water. We wait, and wait, and wait. About one-half hour later a pole bends and the tackle “comes to life”. The call “SHARK ON”! Someone has caught the first shark of the evening. It was a small “Sharp Nose” shark. Maybe 18 inches in length. Not a keeper, but a good sign of things to come.
A short time later, again the cry “SHARK ON”, and again the cry goes out. Seems we entered a period when sharks in the 18 to 24 inch-range started feeding on our bait.
Oh, did I forget to mention what type of bait we were using? Sorry for that. That evening the charter boat loaded us up with squid and sardines.
A short time later, my friend Joe yelled “SHARK ON! I watched as the rod bent to where it was almost touching the side of the boat. He was reeling as fast as he could and everyone was quickly pulling their lines out of the water, as he moved with the shark down the side of the boat.
At the stern he worked for a good 15 minutes, then it surfaced. The dorsal fin and shape of the head, “A HAMMERHEAD SHARK”! With the help from the crew, he pulled in a nice size shark. A photograph and back in the Ocean for this protected species.
We started seeing more and more sharks circling the boat. Nothing big, but a continued good sign that we were going to have a great trip.
A short time later, and “zing” my tackle starting signing. The pole dipped and dipped and having already caught a smaller shark that evening, this was something much bigger.
I reeled and reeled, and while reeling, the line kept going out. I could not keep up with the amount of line leaving my reel. I kept reeling and suddenly the shape came into view.
Could it be, yes it was a “Black Tip” shark. The crew raced over to help. We got it up to the side of the boat and again, “zing” he was gone taking line with him. This went on time after time, which seemed like forever.
We got him up to the surface for the third time, up beside the boat and he took off. This time breaking the line as he went.
My heart was saddened that I could not bring him in, but excited with the fight this top predator gave.
The crew estimated from the size, that he must have been around 50lbs. That was 50lbs of meat, muscle, and teeth, rows and rows of teeth.
I have scuba dived with sharks before, but nothing compares to having this predator on a line fighting for its life. I will catch him again someday.
As for the rest of our voyage, the boat caught our limit of sharks and we even had to throw a good half-dozen back, after being caught.
So, I would say it was a good evening fishing.
On the return trip to dock we all were tired from the evening fishing. We would talk about the different catches.
At dock, the crew cleaned our catch and we brought home 10 filets for a feast.
As for the crew, we could not have asked for better. They were friendly and helpful and made sure our lines were untangled and straighten out, every time I tried to cast, instead of dropping my line.
If you are going to take a fishing trip, even in the evening hours, charter companies recommend you bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (even the setting sun is bright), and a hat. Don’t forget the Dramamine, if you get sea-sick.
Most important, don’t forget a cooler for drinks and to bring those delicious shark filets home in.
In any case, make sure you bring a good sense of humor and plan to have fun. This is fishing, not catching, so you may, or may not catch that trophy, “Shark”.
And, do not forget to tip your crew. They work hard. Without them I think the trip would not have been as enjoyable.
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