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Florida Gulfcoast Spearfishing Post here to discuss regional action or issues about spearing on Florida's Gulfcoast. |
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07-29-2018, 10:36 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
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Sharks in the Gulf
I haven't been able to go spearing in a few years, I want to get started back.
I usually dive out of Mexico Beach, Carrabelle, etc.. The last year I dove the sharks had gotten really bad. It's like people were feeding them. I had two that ran up on me and they chased me all the way back to the boat, they didn't get any fish from me. I jabbed them in the nose probably 20 times and yet they still came. Has this gotten any better, or is the shark shield mandatory now? |
07-29-2018, 01:06 PM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 117
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Well depends on the area but every since they closed most the commercial shark fishing it has been worse every year.
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07-29-2018, 04:38 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Dunedin
Posts: 190
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Can't say but what I do know is that I am enjoying watching sharks on TV (Shark Week) and drinking some suds. Preferable to fending them off in real life.
Haven't had any issues out of Anclote |
07-30-2018, 06:32 PM | #4 |
Capt. Bob Roemer
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Trenton, Florida
Posts: 556
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
I dove in the Cedar Key to Steinhatchee areas and got tired of fending off sharks. Took all the joy out of diving. Sold all of my gear to a member of the board and haven't looked back. I still fish and do target sharks. I have an HMS permit with the new shark endorsement so I'm legal.
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07-30-2018, 06:34 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
That's what I am worried about.
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07-31-2018, 02:37 PM | #6 |
Capt. Bob Roemer
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Trenton, Florida
Posts: 556
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
I don't recommend my course of action to anyone. It was a calculated decision that I put a lot of thought into. I didn't see the need to make my bride a widow just to go and spear a fish or two. I'm older now and time is catching up with me so all the factors seemed to lead to one logical conclusion. There are times that I miss it but drowning some bait over my favorite grouper lair will have to do for now. My concern is all the hipe about a shortage of sharks. Empirically, I have seen the same up surge that most of you have so why won't the managers be honest. Anyway, off of my soapbox. Be safe.
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If you are enjoying the sunrise, then you made it through yesterday. |
07-31-2018, 06:49 PM | #7 | |
Team Headhunter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Slowcala, FL
Age: 59
Posts: 4,074
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Quote:
While the gulf has had bulls in the past they are far more prolific then in years past and have steadily gained association with boats and people with an easy meal. I associate that with the enormous increase in recreational fishing and spearfishing providing easy and opportunistic food that is easy to attain. I also attribute the steady increase in red snapper stock that have blossomed over the last 12-15 years. Those of us that have been diving the gulf coast of Florida know red snapper didn’t hardly exist in our area and now are on nearly every spot. So what can we do? Not much as just like lion fish they are here and will likely remain for as long as I can still cock a spear gun. We are now at a point where we have to deal with them. We are certainly still at the top of the food chain and can plan on defending ourselves but in my opinion that is more option “C” with option A being avoiding known “hot” areas to begin with and option “B” to move to a different area if they show up. I’m not going to stop spearfishing but I am making adjustments in my seasonal hunting locations as well as keeping my visits short and to the purpose at hand.
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07-31-2018, 06:55 PM | #8 |
Capt. Bob Roemer
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Trenton, Florida
Posts: 556
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Tigers are fair game in federal waters IF you have your HMS permit and the shark permit that is free right now. Sand tigers are totally off the list.
Tigers, in my opinion are not that good eating. I'd rather have a young bull any day. HMS permits are only twenty dollars and allows you to take all fish legally designated as such within legal limits. The shark permit is free right now.
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If you are enjoying the sunrise, then you made it through yesterday. |
07-31-2018, 08:09 PM | #9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Guess I am getting a shark shield then!
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08-01-2018, 06:26 AM | #10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Palm Harbor, FL
Posts: 953
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Today is August 1st, if my memory serves me right, this time of year the bulls start running in packs. Yay.
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08-01-2018, 12:53 PM | #11 |
Capt. Bob Roemer
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Trenton, Florida
Posts: 556
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
In October, you don't want to be anywhere near the barge west of cedar key. They stack up just before their southward migration. If you get out there, bring a light and hunt the south end which is the bow. Gag grouper hang out. They have some holes but if you lay flat on the sand and wait a few minutes, you'll see them start to poke their hands out. It it fly!!
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If you are enjoying the sunrise, then you made it through yesterday. |
08-01-2018, 04:03 PM | #12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New Port Richey FL
Posts: 1,984
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
I avoid all artificial reefs, and wrecks. I occasionally see sharks on ledges, but mostly on ones where a resident is there (Bullshaft is the worst, as some of my fellow divers who have visited that ledge can attest).
In the past 2 years on the spots I frequent I've seen very few. They must all be hanging out on more "hot" areas. |
08-01-2018, 05:39 PM | #13 |
Senior Shooter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Homosassa Fl
Posts: 104
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
Eric, I'll give ya a couple good spots with reputations !
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08-01-2018, 05:47 PM | #14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: New Port Richey FL
Posts: 1,984
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
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08-01-2018, 07:19 PM | #15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Port Charlotte Fl
Age: 76
Posts: 2,480
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Re: Sharks in the Gulf
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