'STAYING SAFE'
Sharks & Common Sense
An article by Captain Jim Adam
Forward By: Sean Paxton

In case you haven't noticed by now, we like sharks a lot and we like fishing for them even more. Most of the time we're pursuing this quarry, it's done so using land-based shark fishing techniques. This naturally puts us squarely in the shark's territory, whether we're wade fishing the surf for shark bait, kayaking those baits offshore to lure our prey or reviving and releasing tagged sharks and other fish. Any way you slice it, safety has got to be at the top of our list of priorities when engaged in these activities. The safety formula is simple: Awareness of the surroundings + common sense = a much, much safer experience. Club member and accomplished land-based shark angler and captain, Jim Adam, took time out to share the following tips for staying safe. If you plan on spending any time in, on or around saltwater, don't just read this article, but remember it and put it to use the next time you're out there.
Enjoy -- Sean Paxton

Unfortunately, when you hear the word 'shark' in the news it's probably because of an attack. This brings the fear of being eaten alive to most everyone who follows the report. The movie 'Jaws' didn't help the shark's fearsome reputation and it even has a cult following and an annual festival to remember the movie that started it all.

The bottom line on the shark threat is that the waters are safer than you might think. You may be better off improving your swimming skills than worrying about sharks because rip currents are a much greater threat to swimmers. Regardless, it is in the turbid surf zone where most encounters between beach goers and sharks occur, but there are a number of factors that lead to attacks.

Throwing a net in the shallows	Dusky pup caught while bait fishing

First, the surf zone is a confusing area. There are sandbars, drop-offs and tide conditions ever changing. Secondly, crashing waves and currents create very poor water visibility. These factors lead sharks feeding in this environment to make quick biting or slashing movements a typical feeding behavior. An arm or a leg splashing in the water can easily be mistaken for a food item, especially if bright jewelry or uneven tanning contrasts against the water. Almost all shark attacks are considered a case of mistaken identity known as a 'bite and run'. In this case, the shark bites and then releases the victim, once it realizes the unfortunate party is much larger than the its natural prey.

The blacktip and spinner sharks are usually blamed for these types of attacks, but because of their relatively small teeth and jaws, these encounters are usually limited to lacerations resulting from a single bite and rarely result in death.

Larger, more aggressive sharks like the great white, bull and tiger display another type of behavior called the 'bump-and-bite' or 'sneak attack'. In this type of attack a shark may circle or bump the victim or even attack without warning delivering sustained and sometimes multiple bites. Unfortunately, these types of attacks can result in severe injuries or even loss of life.

Despite the the white shark's infamous reputation, the bull shark pictured with Sean Paxton above is now classified as the shark species most dangerous to humans

The good news is that shark attacks are considerably less likely to happen than being struck by lightning or hit on the head by a falling coconut. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize the already slim chances of being attacked by a shark. Be aware of the following circumstances that may indicate the presence of sharks.

• Use caution or stay clear when schools of bait fish and / or diving birds are close to shore.
• Remember sharks are most active at dawn, dusk and at night so avoid swimming or wade fishing at these times.
• Sharks like sharp changes in depth and areas along or in between sandbars. Exercise caution or avoid these areas altogether.
• They are also attracted to splashing and shiny objects like watches or jewelry so remove these items before entering the water.
• Avoid bright colors like that hot pink bikini, particularly if you plan on swimming in deeper water.

The most important thing is to have fun and be safe. There are many hazards in any activity, but being familiar with the risks and how to reduce or prevent them can save your day at the beach.

Have Fun & Be Safe,
Captain Jim