Shark encounter-Timber Cove

Should I notify DFG or any other agencies of my encounter with a GWS? Or is that a stupid question, lol

Should I notify DFG or any other agencies of my encounter with a GWS? Or is that a stupid question, lol

Not sure about fish and game but the shark research agency likes all encounters reported.

Crazy stuff happens in the ocean  . Glad you are safe. Im no shark expert but I can confirm Ive seen a 15ft plus Great White swimming solo in the area. I was at OC all day also with two other kayakers when one of them yelled "WTF" all big eyed. I explained to them it was two dolphins they were relieved. They came up in a pair surfing the big breaks chasing bait. They were as big as my Revo13 swimming south around 9-10ish? Hope you slay it in the bay!

Again I don't think it was two GWS. The mixed swell can tap your Yak around too( was doing it to mine) Think you would notice a 12ft plus shark " bumping " your Yak.  It's common to confuse dolphin for shark when your in a Yak in the ocean.lets say it's been said before " shark" and it was dolphin... either way you did it right if your not feeling it get off the water.

So! Today I took my buddy out to Timber Cove for lingcod, an area I fish regularly. I've been trying to convince him he should get a yak and fish the ocean with me! This went over like a fart in church... The ocean was flat, things looked good ect. But I could not shake this anxious, nervous feeling! So in the true spirit of a fisherman.... I went out anyway.  I drifted threw the shelf back and forth. Then....bump? Something hit the bottom of my boat. Interesting? Yep cool-keep fishing! At this point i didn't think much of it. Shortly after this  I headed back in to let my buddy use my yak. Got to the beach-lingcod Mike said nope-not feeling it! Alright well shit, round two. At this point- I was able to "connect" with the ocean you know relax, slow my heart rate, enjoy the salty air! So I go back to the same area (DUMB) that I got bumped. Cast and just about fell out of my boat. Two sharks breached the water as a wave picked them up. There was no mistaking this! They were probably 13-15ft in 60 fow.  I got the f**k out as quick as I could. As I was leaving I had an realization! I ignored all the signs!!

You mentioned: Then....bump? Something hit the bottom of my boat.  Do mind explaining what you mean by bump - was it like somebody hit your yak with a fist?  Which bottom part of your kayak made contact-  bow, midship, stern?  Did your yak tilt when you were bumped? Was there a splash?  Did your yak go a few feet up in the air?  Did you see a large fish or pinniped underneath?

The "bump" was not that impressive! It was like a thump... mid ship harder then a fist but not hard enough to knock me off... I did not see anything else in the water. Let me k ow if this answers your question?

If the thump or bump was at your midship, then the area of contact was pretty much directly underneath you.  If an animal or object caused it you should have seen it.  I wasn't there but I have had a few encounters with Risso's Dolphins.   They have large dorsal fins and sometimes travel in small groups.

I know... people always say it was a "shark" and last year at ocean cove I saw just a fin...my post was I saw a fin, not sure if it was a shark? This was 100% no doubt a GWS! Like I said I understand a lot of newbies say this and that.... I just wanted to let everyone know, I saw 2! I understand posting about seeing a shark is not funny nor is it a joke. I'm serious!

Sheeze, a few buddies and I will be at Timber Cove next Monday. Seeing seals crowded on top of splash rocks is a very good indicator that I use religiously, also birds hunting near surfacing sharks for any left over carrion.

Glad it went OK.

Don't hesitate to send any/all updates.

I Zod Out

No problem-for those of us that live this way. Shark sighting are not going to stop us...but I believe it is good to let everyone in the community know. Remember you are more likely to get struck by lighting then get bit by a shark in CALIFORNIA. Regardless, there always out there, we just don't see them. Pay attention to your instincts, but DO NOT live in fear or you should not be out there!!

Glad you are ok!!

FWIW, I was hanging out with Dave Grigsby from Kayak Connection yesterday and he has one shark shield left in stock that he is willing to sell at a discount for anyone interested.

For more info you can PM him, he is on here as gatorgrigs.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=profile;u=11547

[email protected]

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Glad you are ok!!

FWIW, I was hanging out with Dave Grigsby from Kayak Connection yesterday and he has one shark shield left in stock that he is willing to sell at a discount for anyone interested.

For more info you can PM him, he is on here as gatorgrigs.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?action=profile;u=11547

[email protected]

 

Sincerely,

Jim

That's awesome Jim.  I use mine all the time and as much as I dive I think I figured the cost of it as about $2 for every day out if it lasts a couple years.  It may not be cost effective for people who rarely go out but the peace of mind sure makes it worth it for me and my wife who sorta insisted I get one a couple years ago. 

Also I was in the new Red Triangle Spearfishing shop yesterday grabbing some rigging supplies and saw a shark shield in their display case.  They are having a grand opening of the new storefront on Saturday the 22nd and think they are offering some discounts and raffled prizes.  So if you are interested in a shark shield that may be a good opportunity to grab one. 

Be safe out there. 

Don't forget shark week on Discovery starts this weekend. 

DG

I had about a 15 ft shark swim between me and my buddy last year in September at Timber Cove by the glass house.  We were in the water spearfishing and it was 10 ft from me and about 5 ft from him.  scared the shit out of us.

I regularly dive timber solo, was there on Sunday.  Not to sure if I'm goin to dive there solo again.  There seems to be quite a few sighting there

I'm amazed at how many sighting there have been yet no ones got a decent shot on a GoPro.

I'm amazed at how many sighting there have been yet no ones got a decent shot on a GoPro.

I am not amazed at that.  I have seen a lot of activity on the water and quick sighting of dolphins, whales and other ocean life are rarely caught on video.  At least by me.  Mostly because my go pro is attached to my mask and I don't wear it until getting into the water.  I did buy a ram mount for a camera thinking I could capture more stuff if it was at the ready, but lost that with the camera on the first trip out. 

So until the kayak manufacturers embed cameras 360 and have the ability to run from start of the day until the end on the same battery as my fish finder, I suppose I will keep missing stuff. 

The two times I was pretty sure I witnessed a shark eat a seal I was shore diving and saw the commotion and blood in the water.  For some reason I felt the need to get out and not take pictures. 

Thank you for sharing!

I grew up surfing the North Coast and more recently got into diving. I've never been afraid or deterred by the threat of sharks, but reading first hand accounts like this is good for awareness.

Thank you for sharing!

I grew up surfing the North Coast and more recently got into diving. I've never been afraid or deterred by the threat of sharks, but reading first hand accounts like this is good for awareness.

You're welcome!