Eight-foot bull sharks have been ravaging kingfish and amberjacks. Bulls are one of the most aggressive sharks in the gulf. Their presence is common this time of year, normally around wrecks or reefs that hold an abundance of fish. Bull sharks can require 50 pounds of food a day. These sharks waited for the perfect moment to attack their hooked prey. After numerous encounters with these aggressive bulls recently, I used a 9/0 reel rigged with 200-pound line, a rod comparable to broom stick connected to a huge shark hook. Simply putting the remaining head piece from a devoured fish on the hook was all it took. The strength of a bull shark is astounding, containing rapid-drag screaming runs and swift turns. Sometimes a leap or two completely out of the water was added to these back-breaking fights. We caught a few, took some pictures then released the sharks unharmed.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
