shark sighting south rock Santa Cruz 8/17/24

Hi everyone, I don't kayak fish anymore, as I sold my kayak after getting a boat.  But I still browse these forums and figured I would post this as a safety reminder.  Yesterday (8/17/24) I was fishing out of Santa Cruz around the south rock reef and saw a dorsal fin (of a shark) come up out of the water right along side my boat, this was around 8 am.  My initial thought was that it might have been a sunfish (mola mola), but this one was moving too fast and in one direction.  Not trying to instill fear, as we all know sharks are out there.  But just a reminder to keep an eye out.  I occasionally see kayaks out as far as south rock in Santa Cruz along with rental skiffs.  My rule with sharks is that I leave them alone and hopefully they leave me alone  so I did not get any photos.  Honestly I was just admiring it from a distance.  About 15 minutes after my sighting, someone else reported seeing a GWS in the area, unsure if it was the same one.  Be careful out there.

Thanks for the info.

There seems to have been a lot of shark sightings on the west side of SC this year. Lucky for me, I never fish there...

I recall a story of a GWS biting one of the rental boats in Capitola a couple years ago.  Yeah, they are out there, especially with all the sea life out in full force, they are too.

I have video of a huge GWS off Seaside on Sunday. Cruising slowly, checking out boaters.

With all the recent sightings, just waiting for the press to declare a White Shark Infestation, even though it IS their home. 

Certainly seems like there are more around and for a larger part of the year. Lots of potential reasons for that, I believe

Thanks for sharing! I still haven't seen one yet - kinda want to see at least one though.

With all the recent sightings, just waiting for the press to declare a White Shark Infestation, even though it IS their home. 

Certainly seems like there are more around and for a larger part of the year. Lots of potential reasons for that, I believe

Ha! I've seen a few news reports in the last few weeks - does feel like more sightings than usual. Thankfully, doesn't seem like there has been any incidents, only sightings.