 Ft. Lauderdale Fishing/ Shark Fishing
Ft. Lauderdale fishing in February is not known for catching sharks. This year has certainly been the exception.
We had Syd and Jarrod on board again, they have been with us before a few times. With a 2-3’ chop on the water, we headed out to find the Tuna that had been so plentiful the last few days. In 500’ of water, a mere 2.5 miles from shore, we found a weed line with birds working and some Tuna busting the minnows that hang with the weed.
Sometimes schools of fish get so zoned in on what they are eating they won’t try anything else and trying to match what they are interested in can be part of the fun… And frustration as well. But we managed a few Skipjacks and soon set our sights on large game.
Back in shore we put the kites up and began our wait. It wasn’t long before a hungry Sailfish came along but he became tangled in the leader and we jumped him off shortly after trying to hook him. With the kites reset with fresh livies, we waited once again.
This time our deep line went off with the shark bait we had out and caused quite a run of things. It was apparent we would need to bring our gear in to help Syd land this sea creature and as we did so, we hooked a large Silky Shark in the process. Jarrod was now engaged.
Silky Sharks don’t get really big but it turned into quite a battle on the light tackle. Meanwhile, back in the BIG chair, Syd was breaking a sweat as he fought whatever was at the end of the string.
We released the Silky and concentrated on Syd and his fish. It turned out to be a large Bull Shark and after finally getting him to the boat 4 or 5 times, we were able to release him after Syd got a few pictures.
We reset and saw a medium sized Hammerhead swimming in our pattern. We tried everything to get him off the live baits and light tackle but again, he was zoned in on that bait. After taking it from him 6 times or so, he faded and we thought he was gone. The shark bait we had brought to the surface was rigged and ready just hanging from the boat. Ready to deploy it, t sat waiting for attention. We never got it out. Either that same Hammerhead or another, we can’t be sure, bit and was hooked and it was Jarrod’s time in the big chair.
Now, we have a picture of Jarrod holding his fish with Andrew’s help. Hammerheads have a handle built right into their heads to hold them. Bull Sharks do not! Sorry folks, no pictures of Syd with his fish. LOL
3 Sharks within 2 hours? And one battle taking over 55 minutes? Not bad fishing in Ft. Lauderdale, wouldn't you say?
Captain Steve Souther
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