Just like last week, the decision to fish was hanging in the balance, as of Friday night. Our schedule has been out of control lately ... in a good way. So we reminded ourselves that this is what we do so we might as well be doing it. Conditions were still great and reports of large dusky and bull sharks were coming in over the radio. Much to our pleasant surprise, there were also confirmed reports of 2 juvenile tiger sharks being caught and released in local waters so big mothers were out there somewhere. What could possibly be better? If this was a multiple choice question, we'd take all of the above.

Since we were already ready already from last week's successful expedition, it wouldn't take much to have our toes in the sand and a rod in our hands this time around. With that said, we were committed to get back in the ring.

Despite all the confirmed reports, conditions were a unlike last week; maybe even a complete opposite, as far as surface activity. There were few, if any birds. The water was a little soupier, and no bait fish or busting predators were observed ... anywhere. The food chain appeared to be missing a few links. But it was too late to turn back now.

The first baits were deployed just after sunset. A Penn 12 and 9 were rigged with a mackerel head and whole medium jack respectively. The trap was set in a location notorious for a shark population attracted by bottom structure features like drop offs and ledges that hold food -- all within reach of a brisk paddle from the beach.

After no takers for our first offering, Jim arrived later with 3 large bonito, which we put in the thaw bucket. About an hour later, they were double-rigged as I prepared for a hot-swap. Despite the lack of activity, I couldn't help but note how sharky it really felt on my second paddle to the drop zone. On the way in, the moon was just beginning to rise behind camp and the tide was still rolling in. This would last until about 1am when it would turn outgoing until 9am. These factors would be in our favor all night so it felt as though preparation and opportunity were closing in on one another.

Another bonito and about four hours passed when we began questioning our chances. There was a front headed our way, but it wasn't due for days. One interesting weather factor, though, was the humidity. The moisture was thick on everything, making it impossible to stay dry. At least the temps stuck around the 70 degree mark. Despite the lack of action, we remembered the golden rule that, "Sometimes you work, you get paid", and the decision was made to fish through daybreak. On nights like this, we need keep ourselves entertained. The good jokes had long passed, and still, not one click on a reel ... nothing. Then right around 1:30, we pulled out some old tricks. It was time for a sacrifice. Since we still had a bonito left in the thaw bucket we decided to chunk it up and pitch it in the wade gut on the outgoing tide. If you weren't there, you might not believe it, but within no more than a minute of our offering, the 9/0 goes ballistic. This was a deliberate pickup and run that had the reel unloading line at a non-stop, blistering pace briefly to the west then on a hell-bent sprint to the north. Brooks was up on that rig so he strapped on his game face while I got him harnessed up and ready to take the stage. Jim had a chance to try out his new digital still that Santa brought him while the action unfolded.

Brooks was back in the saddle and handling it like a pro. After slowly applying drag and getting tight on the fish, he stuck it to 'em once more for good measure. This resulted in an immediate dead line; a sure sign the fish was making a run at the beach. After gobbling up many yards of slack with no resistance, it appeared the fish may have made an escape. Brooks didn't buy it and kept on winding. Good move. A few dozen winds later, we were still hooked up with the line now headed south. This shark was earning his keep. After another 10 minutes or so, it was in the wade gut about 30 yards to the south. Brooks worked it down in front of camp where we had lights and cameras set up. Now it looked like we had some action to throw in the mix. I had everything prepared for a pit stop, and once Brooks wound the leader clip to the rod tip, I moved in to leader and land this still hot fish.

According to MarineBio.org, the maximum reported length for this species is 3 meters with an average of 1.95. This one came in at 2.16 meters. Males mature at 1.6-2.0 m. Upon reaching maturity, the spinner shark grows approximately 5 cm/yr, reaching maximum size at 10-20 years of age. After Robert Hueter of MOTE Marine in Sarasota positively ID'd this fish, and with careful consideration, Brooks decided to submit this catch & release for an ILSFA World Record. I'm proud of him and this notable land-based catch.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
EXTREME CAUTION AND CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED AT ALL TIMES
during any activity involved with this and any other sport. The safety of the angler and all others is of the utmost importance and should take precedence over any attempt to handle a fish for the purposes of gathering data. In addition, if an angler intends to release a catch, proper care and handling should also be exercised to avoid any injury to a fish. The ILSFA, it’s officers, committee members, general members, and / or assigns assume no responsibility for risk of injury or death that might occur as a result of attempting to capture, handle, and / or release any fish, anywhere, under any circumstances.