Shark deterrent

In California, you can carry a gun when you are goin to, going from, and fishing. You can also legally carry a gun on a personal watercraft. Given the risk, seems like a reasonable defense in the Monterey Bay. Thoughts?

Not reasonable. Bad idea. You can't just go around shooting protected sharks because you're scared of them. Get a Shark Shield, and if that isn't enough, get a bigger boat, like an AI.

I’m not saying hunting, I’m saying life and death defense. Like getting attacked.

I’m not saying hunting, I’m saying life and death defense.

But define life and death. At what point do you decide to start shooting at the shark? Seems hasty and irresponsible. Get a bigger boat if you're not comfortable on the ocean.

The shark is attacking you.

I have bigger boats. I’m not afraid of sharks, was just thinking of something other than a gaff for defense.

A spear at the end of your safety flag might be a better option?

I’m in salmonella’s camp on this one, if one was harassing me they way BushMan was harassed and I had a flare gun handy or whatever I wouldn’t hesitate

Ive seen them a few times and they have a way of raising the goosebumps for sure But then over the years I  developed the opinion that when you can see them is probably when they pose the least threat

Some of my more nervous days were when I didn’t see them but boats pulled up to let me know they’d seen one in the vicinity, like bolinas a few times where they tend to prowl the mouth for mammals and are all over the zone anyway

And once at HMB coming in w two salmon I just bled w blood all over my yak and guy on a boat says fyi there’s a big shark cruising here somewhere, then a few minutes later I saw it off in the triangle headed my general direction then another boater says Hey fyi there’s a big shark cruising the area

I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot at one of these beasts under any circumstances, but reality is that’s not likely to be the scenario

I’d be afraid of the gun going off accidently while going about other business. Also, if the gun were easily accessible (as it would need be for defensive purposes) would it just rust out after 1 trip?

I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot at one of these beasts under any circumstances, but reality is that’s not likely to be the scenario

Under any circumstance? You'd find yourself in a heap of trouble if you went out and shot a great white just because.

I think shooting one in self defense after it has actually attacked you would be within reason, but given that you'd likely be capsized at that point it probably would be impossible. And shooting one before it makes contact wouldn't fly.

I've seen one while diving, have had one follow us on the Hobie, and got thumped from below by a curious/aggressive shark off Pt Reyes. Shooting them never once crossed my mind.

Blue kayak,

I was fishing 3 miles out on a boat yesterday when I was thinking about this. What would I do in that situation. What would protect me from death. It’s the same thing why I take a PLB everywhere. It enables me to conquer the fear of going at all, and opens up the ocean and world. I don’t skydive with or without a parachute. I’ve traversed the Monterey Bay many times under sail and power. As I venture out there on a Kayak, maybe alone, what’s the ultimate life saver? What’s the ultimate safety plan? That is all.

Kev

I’d be afraid of the gun going off accidently while going about other business. Also, if the gun were easily accessible (as it would need be for defensive purposes) would it just rust out after 1 trip?

Rust is a major concern, gun going off accidentally isn’t. I’m thinking about the rust too, guns aren’t stainless!

Of all the sharks I’ve seen across the bay, the GWS is not scared of anything, not even a 40 foot sailboat. Everything else stays away.

Ultimately, I’d rather be in a heap of trouble than in two pieces

Salmonella there’s a guy in Hawaii who makes a gaff w a straight point that might at least make you feel like you had an equalizer handy

I’m not convinced the SS is all that useful deterring a massive beast that accelerates to attack speed from way deep underneath you

Ive chatted w two marine biologists coworkers about this and both were interested to hear about GWs breaching on fish that were being landed by boaters One had worked under the local GW guru They both said the energy used breaching was usually only spent on big payoff like mammals so hinted the sharks were pretty desperate for nutrition

I considered taking my 38 but 1) it would rust and 2) would probably blow off my nuts Plus anything would have to be on your person and the only thing practical is a knife

So you and your little knife vs 2000 or more of toothy shark

Truth is we’re all counting on luck