Shark Shields

They should just open a season on them like makos and threshers. I think it would be fun to catch one. On a boat.

They should just open a season on them like makos and threshers. I think it would be fun to catch one. On a boat.

Did you see the comments about the Mako that was caught in So Cal? People saying killers etc. It was posted last week sometime.

Chuck thinks the Hobie AI has a big enough profile that a shark won't attack it and there are no reports of an AI being attacked that I know of. With the amas it is also the most survivable if the hull is breached.

As I was coming in at Cap on that day I had a few thoughts that the AI in Island style, like I was out there, might just look like a momma and her pup, or similar scenario.  However I would hope that the ama gets hit first, and that it leaves after that 

I'm sorry for further straying off the subject of shark shields.  The profile of a Hobie AI from beneath may or may not be more enticing to a great white shark, but the larger tri-maran configuration with it's two amas, 4 metal aka bars, and trampolines surrounding the cockpit should serve as a barrier between you and the predator.   And historically, if you can survive the initial attack, you should be okay.  Maybe it's a false sense of security, but I don't plan to go back into sharky waters in anything less.

The Hobie AI is the yak of choice in sharky waters, I agree. After the first missle attack, even if the AI is upside down, you can get out of the water on the trampolines and then get up to the hull. Once the shark is gone, the amas will keep the hull above water even if breached. The trampolines dont much light through so the profile looking up from underwater is big.

Gotta ask, if a shark shield repels sharks wouldn't it repel other fish we wish were way close to our boat? Any studies? I want to be safe, but if I'm not going to catch fish...I would rather fish from shore. Seriously, isn't the whole "black box" theory about dialing in current down a down rigger all about ATTRACTING fish?

Gotta ask, if a shark shield repels sharks wouldn't it repel other fish we wish were way close to our boat? Any studies?

nudling commented at the top of page 2 that it will not repel other fish; however, any additional information would be a good read.

my two cents, no safety device is guaranteed in all situations.  in cars - seat belts do not always work; on motorcycles - helmets do not always work.  but one should consider investing in anything which enhances your safety.  perhaps; a SS, seatbelt and helmet is the way to go

bottom line - consider the variables and make a choice. variables raised in these threads which make me ponder the investment,

1) i've yet to read anyone being injured during the initial attack which addresses the 8m comments - not likely to thwart an attack, but likely to repel thereafter.

2) not as advertised battery life (in our region, temps, etc) is a bit concerning.  but I assume these are primarily designed for divers and surfers to which 5 hrs would be plenty vs. a kayaker which is constantly OTW.  so until they desgin a device specifically for kayaks 5 hrs is probably the best you will get.  disclaimer, my 5hr reference is simply drawing from information owners have provided - i understand the website claims 7hrs.

3) how to mount it on the kayak.  it has to be submerged to work, so through the scuppers below the boat seems like the way to go; however, after an initial attack many kayaks are upside down.  if anyone has other ideas i'd like to hear.

Wipeout, I tie mine to the side of the yak
I does not repel fish unless they bump it as they dont have ampullae of lorenzini.
My best anecdotal proof of this is when fishing LM for stripers a few years ago, I got picked up on one rig by a bigone. My other rod with a live sardine got tangled in the whip. A big bass came up and took that sardine even though the hook was embedded in the whip.
I often see schools of baitfish breeze straight past it.

I also tie mine to the side... I also use the velcro strap on the budgies in the tank well of my Outback...  it's kinda nerve racking hanging such an expensive item over the side of of your Yak, but so far so good... and from what I've seen, just the whip needs to be in the water...

I've also caught a 25lb Lingcod in 12' and many other fish right by the yak, no worries on scaring other fish away...

I used to not turn it on, when fishing with others as the rumor that it might actually " Draw.." the GWS to your position... the jury is still out on that one and can see the reasoning...  but I've also come to the conclusion that now it is going on and ya all can fish by me.... 

I did have one experience on the Islander out at the Cortez Bank... a few small Makos were darting in and out by my yak and hitting bonitas I was hooking up with... kinda of annoying and fun...  I also had the shark shield off...

got the idea to bring them in a bit and switched it on... you would have thought the water was on fire... they went ariel... pretty kool....

and second the AI for sharky waters for all reasons given by ChuckE and GB2...

I'm still looking for a you tube video showing 2 Austraiian guys on a Tandem AI ripping along and GWS passing by them on either side, looking up and appearing frustrated with what to do about the Tandem AI...

if anyone finds it please post up, it's very interesting....

my question about the shark shied is,,,  your supposed to charge it before storage, which I've hardly do and seems to work fine. I do charge it now before storage, but my question is after it has been in storage for maybe a month or so.. do you charge it again before you go out?

my two cents, no safety device is guaranteed in all situations.  in cars - seat belts do not always work; on motorcycles - helmets do not always work.  but one should consider investing in anything which enhances your safety.  perhaps; a SS, seatbelt and helmet is the way to go

+1. I'm not foolish enough to think that it would work in all instances. It's a small price to pay for a little bit of added safety, just like the two pups... err, I mean amas.    At the very least, it's should work for drive byes/inspections or to prevent one from checking out your drift chute. 

Off topic, but the AI is great for the salt. I would imagine that one has to launch itself in order to knock me off and I would be able to jump back on regardless the AIs position.

As for it not repelling fish, it's just a personal observation. I've had a wsb within the SS's range without affecting it. Plus, I'm sure that sport fish are more worried of seeing a kayak than the effects of a SS.

thanks for the feedback guys.  good info...