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Captain's corner

By Wade Osborne

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 23, 2000

Most people associate shark fishing with night fishing. that is not always appropriate. On days the tidal conditions aren't right for reds or snook on the flats, I anchor upcurrent to a range marker in Tampa Bay. Once anchored, I tie a frozen chum block to one of my boat cleats to create a chum slick that drifts into the marker. Markers are a magnet for bait and predator fish. This chum slick triggers a feeding frenzy. The baitfish feed on the chum, and the larger fish cruise in to feed on fish.

The proper tackle and drag setting is important. Ten-pound spinning gear is perfect. You can use a section of wire to prevent a cut-off, but I prefer 40-pound test mono leader and size 1 or 1/0 long shank saltwater hooks. Mono is less visible, easier to re-tie and allows for more bites. Set the reel drag very light; this helps eliminate cut-offs and allows the shark to hit and run, virtually hooking themselves.

Proper release avoids injury to you and the shark. Most sharks caught are 2-3-foot blacktips. Blacktips have extremely sharp teeth, and fingers are just about snacking size. Try to be ethical and remove the hook. A gripping device, de-hooker or long, needle-nose pliers work. If the shark is hooked deep, cut the line as close as possible to the hook; the hook will dislodge later.

The limit on blacktips is one per person or two per vessel per day.

- Wade Osborne operates Afishionado Guide Services in Tampa. Call (813) 286-3474.

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