Sharktember 27th

Yesterday was a busy one on the sea. After reading Ghan's story, figured I ought to post up my own.

I was fishing on off of Davenport with my buddy Matt, we had set up squid in 80-90FOW.
The water vis was about 20 feet.  We had launched at dawn and were a couple hours into the session.

At about 9:30 am I catch a swirl about 10 feet off my port side, turn my head, and see the top half of Whitey's tail as the big fish makes a 180 turn. Maybe 18 inches of tail was above the surface.

 It was close enough I could make out the rough skin surface and the bronze color of the skin, and of course that telltale notch in the upper caudal fin lobe. The fish was probably 12-13feet in length. After the quick U-turn the fish went into a smooth glide beneath my bow and disappeared off my starboard side, with its whole side glowing silver at about 15 feet under in the clear water.

I'm pretty sure the fish came up and got a taste of the deployed shark shield and decided against contact. I think the quick U turn was the fish being spooked as it would have just then come into contact with the shield's shock range. I can't be 100% sure the shield was what chased it off, but I'll tell ya, knowing it was on really helped during the seconds during the encounter.
Matt & I doubled up about a kayak length apart for a double shield dose and  fished for another couple hours with no other sightings.

     I bet sales of those Shark Shields are getting a big boost !     

You know when they are that close together they cancel each other out 

My buddy and I fished there Thursday and he saw a full breach, I had a monster ling hanging from the side of my yak for most the day, never saw a Whitey, but sure felt there presence.. Maybe its time to invest in a  Shield... However, have you had any issues with bait or other fish being scared off??

Glad you guys are all good, DPort and the Northern Coast between Ano is heavy around this time of year... Especially October!

As Sean called out to me (we were just within ear shot), I turned my head to see a considerable length of the tail fin sticking up out of the water.  Immediately I began to make my way over to him as I too had a Shark Shield deployed. I figured two SS are better than one and it would surly deter the shark.  As I began to make my  way over there with lines still in the water, I hooked up on a fish.  Shit!!! I cant bring a struggling fish over there. I cut the line and promptly continued my way to the scene, by which point the shark had already gone. There is no telling how things would have gone without a SS, but it is certainly comforting to have one.  We even fished for 2 or 3 more hours; a bit closer to one anther though. Its is that time of the year; officially!

You know when they are that close together they cancel each other out 

Actually it will make an arc and explode the Sharks heart.  Probably not but I haven't been out with someone else who has one so for now my goal of the day is always to try and figure out a way to get Antonio to touch the shark shield while in the water. 

I had to exit the water the other day as my Sharky sense went off.  Felt so much better having one but as I was swimming I was just thinking the shark shield was hanging from my leg way behind me and I hope a shark doesn't come from the front.  Poor visibility sure makes it worse. 

However, have you had any issues with bait or other fish being scared off??

I have not noticed an issue with fish as I have been in bait balls diving with one on and near other fish and they don't seem to be bothered by it.  I was hoping seals would avoid it but they don't seem to care. Have not touched one yet but next time one tries to steal my fish I am going to try and shock one and see how it works. 

However, have you had any issues with bait or other fish being scared off??

I have not noticed an issue with fish as I have been in bait balls diving with one on and near other fish and they don't seem to be bothered by it.  I was hoping seals would avoid it but they don't seem to care. Have not touched one yet but next time one tries to steal my fish I am going to try and shock one and see how it works.

HAHAHA excellent idea!  I am going to start wearing one as well.  The investment isn't that much for the peace of mind.

Matt

My buddy and I fished there Thursday and he saw a full breach, I had a monster ling hanging from the side of my yak for most the day, never saw a Whitey, but sure felt there presence.. Maybe its time to invest in a  Shield... However, have you had any issues with bait or other fish being scared off??

Only sharks and rays could possibly be affected.

And probably not the best idea to hang a fish over the side, regardless of whether you have a shark shield or not. In fact, this might be a good time of the year to practice CnR...

no pix?  Matt you couldn't take a quick shot or two while fighting a ling cod and paddling crazy to Sean at the same time?

Seriously, thanks for the heads up.  Really helps me in the decision making process of where to fish for the next few months.

Bushy

Only sharks and rays could possibly be affected.

And probably not the best idea to hang a fish over the side, regardless of whether you have a shark shield or not. In fact, this might be a good time of the year to practice CnR...

Thanks for the input! CNR is typical practice for me as 90% of the fish I catch, I release them.. however this was a PB 16lb 37" ling I had.. If they are bleeding at all, they will take a ride on my lap or under my legs.. If it was a clean hook set, removal, etc, I am putting them on a stringer, with a bungee style cord and giving them 3-4 ft to swim with me.. Picking them up when its time to move... Fresh fish is the best fish... If seals are around there is no way I am hanging a fish off the side however.. I do understand your point, however I have been doing it for a while with no issues yet...

Just out of curiosity, if you were to keep your fish, how do you keep them?

no pix?  Matt you couldn't take a quick shot or two while fighting a ling cod and paddling crazy to Sean at the same time?

Seriously, thanks for the heads up.  Really helps me in the decision making process of where to fish for the next few months.

Bushy

And agreed with Allen, I think my DPort days are coming to an end around this time of year... Sucks because I have been targeting the Seabass and Butts... Even seen some Blue Fin taken a couple miles out lately!! But as for now, until a SS is invested in, I may hold back on taking my chances around this time of year, especially knowing what goes on up there!

Sean and Matt,

Glad it left you guys alone!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I cut the line and promptly continued my way to the scene,

Excellent decision.
Glad it was only a sighting.

Wild experience. Thanks for sharing it!

Holy crap guys!!! What a wild experience. Glad nobody got blasted