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Date: June 23, 2008 at 19:51:24
From: BillS, [cache-dtc-ad11.proxy.aol.com]
Subject: Sharks


Dear Dr. Ken,

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of fishing in the Mako Mania tournament here at the Jersey shore. I was asked to crew for a client that has a 42 Egg Harbor. The crew had little experience, but we did the best we could. I had the best time even though I had not fished for sharks in a long time. We managed to catch 3 sharks, 2 makos and a blue. I fought the blue. Imagine a fat old man like me strapped in. We were kind to each other and he was released not worse for the wear.

My question relates to the second Mako we hooked. After a long fight with another angler it was decided to kill this fish. It was very rough and the charter wanted to go home. The fish was not big maybe 150 pounds. The captain wanted to put a flying gaff in the fish against my thoughts that I could hold this fish with a straight gaff. After two failed attempts the 200# cable leader broke due to angler error. Other than the obvious, correcting the angler error, what shoud we have done different? No one seems to use bang sticks anymore. When I was small we used to use a flying gaff under the chin, then a staight gaff behind the dorsal, then a tail rope. The only difference was we did this from a moving boat so the fight was similar to all other off shore fights. We fought this small fish from a stationary boat. Harpoons are not allowed in tournament fishing. A firearm would be my next choice but I am curious to see your thoughts.

Signed,

Makoless in Brielle.


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