I know it has been a while since I’ve written an update here, but I have basically been living on the beach since the previous write-up. Please forgive my lack of reports! Anyway, just a quick recap what’s been going on:
The hot early season bite we had tapered off to a moderate pick and somewhere along the line turned into a mid-summer lull, lasting about a week or so. Still, we managed to get them going each night with enough effort and perseverance. Keith Dunton and students from Monmouth University continue to join us at least once a week to come and tag the sharks. It has been a very cool experience to see them in action and to be able to assist them in their research.
We’ve been catching Sandbars in the 4′ – 5′ range with regularity, with some nicer 6’ers making somewhat frequent appearances , and the occasional JUMBOS of 7′ +. Sand Tigers of any size have been making their presence known much more randomly, so you never know when one will bite.
Most recently, last night, some larger sharks made an appearance and were willing to bite! Dan and I set out for an easy (cast only) trip for a few hours and managed to tag and release 5 sharks. Sandbars to 75″ and Dan’s personal best Sand Tiger at 101″.
Unfortunately, this Sand Tiger had been through quite a lot, as she not only had a deformed spine, but very recently her lower caudal and anal fins were cut off. She still managed to swim off very nicely on her own, so we are confident in her continued survival!
I expect action to continue to improve as we dive into the bottom half of the season. There are many more photos to post, but I have not had the time to update the website as often as I would like. For more “instant” updates, please be sure to like the Facebook page and follow the Instagram.
There are approximately 8 weeks to go and dates are thinning out fast, so be sure and check out the schedule and secure your date if you’d like to get in on the action before the season ends. Remember, the summer does go quick and will be over before we know it!
As far as the schedule goes: GREEN means GO.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for us!
Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing you all on the sand,
AJ