Sharks are not the “dangerous eating machines” depicted in films, but rather crucial elements of coastal ecosystems that can offer exciting catch-and-release experiences for small-boat anglers.
By Barry Gibson
Humans appear to be captivated by sharks. We create films featuring them, adorn ourselves with jewelry made from their teeth, and portray them as villains in literature and articles.
Moreover, we fear them. We conjure up images of gleaming, razor-sharp triangular teeth silently lurking in murky waters, always prepared to seize the limb of an unaware swimmer … or to snatch our leg and drag us beneath the surface at the first chance, drowning us before returning to feast. Yikes!
Most of our fears are entirely unjustified. In fact, sharks are just animals like us trying to survive another day. They require food, a clean habitat, and some tranquility. They do not roam the waters seeking unsuspecting water skiers, nor do they assault boats and helicopters. They’re not searching for a fight.
Despite their intimidating look and sporadic human attacks, white sharks are completely protected in the U.S. Sport fishermen who happen to catch one must instantly release it without harm.
Eating Machines
Many of us believe sharks wish to eat us for dinner. This is false. Most sharks primarily consume fish smaller than themselves and will not overindulge. Some, like the lemon shark, feed only every three to four days. Although billions of sharks populate our oceans, only around 100 incidents occur annually involving human attacks. Furthermore, biologists do not attribute these attacks to hunger.
Sharks and Swimmers
Countless sharks inhabit the U.S. coastline, day and night. Many enter the shallows to hunt for fish. The reason more swimmers aren’t attacked is that few sharks (the great white being an exception) can consume anything as large as a college student.
Shark Repellent
Forget it. There’s no miracle solution available. Some detergents might work to a certain extent, but you’ll need to spray the shark directly on the snout.
Shark Vision
Many sharks hunt primarily using their vision. Sharks possess the ability to see colors and can see in lower light conditions than humans, such as in murky waters. However, sharks do not always perceive things as accurately as we can and may make errors.
Electrical Sensing
Sharks can detect electrical signals as minuscule as one-billionth the strength of a flashlight battery. This likely aids them in locating prey. In the open ocean, sharks can sense north and electrically interpret the speed and direction of currents.
Medical Benefits
Sharks have incredibly robust immune systems. Scientists have identified a substance in sharks that can prevent cancer in laboratory rabbits. Shark corneas have been successfully transplanted into humans, providing a cure for specific eye diseases.
Shark Reproduction
Sharks must reach several years of age before they can reproduce. The mother shark gives birth to a small number of well-developed pups rather than the thousands or millions of eggs typical of other fish species. This reproductive strategy makes sharks particularly vulnerable to overfishing.
Shark Evolution
Sharks have existed for 400 million years. In fact, they are not technically fish but are categorized as “fish-like vertebrates.” When dinosaurs roamed the Earth, sharks were the most abundant fish-like creatures in the ocean, with thousands of species. Today, only 18 species remain.
Shark Research
Research is ongoing continuously. Biologists implant radio transmitters in sharks to track their movements. An interesting finding is that, at least among lemon sharks, the young live independently from the teenagers, who in turn, are separate from the adult sharks.
Why We Need Sharks
Sharks serve as “apex” predators at the pinnacle of the food chain. Eliminating all sharks would likely lead to a rapid increase in their prey (smaller fish), which would then suffer from overcrowding, disease, or starvation.
The Threat to Sharks
Sharks face significant risk due to uncontrolled shark fishing in various parts of the world. Commercial fishermen kill millions of sharks each year. Although efforts have been made to regulate shark fisheries, especially in the U.S., many countries continue unregulated shark harvesting, in some instances solely for the fins.
Makos rank among the most pursued sharks by sport fishermen. New length requirements and hook regulations promote the long-term viability of the species.
Sport Fishing for Sharks
Sport fishing for sharks enjoys immense popularity along the U.S. coasts. Numerous new regulations have been introduced in recent years to protect specific species completely (like the ban on retaining any great white shark) and to boost the survival of sharks released by anglers. It is mandated that only mild steel circle hooks be employed, which typically catch the shark in the jaw’s corner rather than the throat, where it could impede feeding and prove fatal. Additionally, certain species of sharks that are caught for consumption have minimum size regulations to allow the shark to reproduce before being harvested.
Fortunately, the era of capturing a shark only to return to the dock for a photo-op is largely over, as more shark anglers realize the vital role sharks play in marine ecosystems. Sharks not meant for consumption should be swiftly released beside the boat. If the hook is difficult to remove, simply cut the leader as safely close to the hook as possible. Never strike or attempt to “calm down” a shark meant for release, as contrary to popular belief, sharks cannot tolerate much stress and may perish shortly after.
Fishing for sharks is exhilarating and is usually quite accessible for center-console anglers, with productive fishing spots often just a couple of miles offshore. A decent 30- or 50-pound class rod-and-reel setup can be found for under $200. By adding an affordable fighting belt, wire leader material, a few circle hooks, protective gloves, and wire cutters, you’ll be set.
Lastly, if you wish to target sharks, you will require a National Marine Fisheries Service Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit along with a Shark Endorsement. To acquire the endorsement, you must view a brief, one-time online video on shark identification and regulations, followed by an online quiz. I’ve done it, and it’s quite simple. The permit costs $26 annually, while the shark endorsement is free.
For more information visit www.hmspermits.noaa.gov