GALVESTON, Texas - With all the talk about sharks and Shark Week, we decided to visit with folks who deal with sharks in their own habitat every day. Right now, it is the height of shark fishing season in Galveston Bay.
It is a beautiful day and aboard the "No Worries II" we head about four miles offshore. Galveston Shark Fishing Captain Mark Gonzalez holds up a piece of shad and says, "this is what works."
The right bait and strategic bait placement and depth are key. Gonzalez explains, "We stagger 'em maybe 30-40 yards apart as well as in different levels of the water column."
Sharks have a powerful sense of smell and are opportunistic feeders. Gonzalez says, "They even eat themselves." Last year he and boat Captain Rick Kraft had a spinner shark on the line. Kraft says, "A big hammer head came in and took him out." Gonzalez mimics a jaw snapping shut with his hand and says, "Crunch! Bit him in half."
Galveston Shark Fishing makes trips daily in the summer.
On this day, they cater to land lovers, explaining how to position the rod against your lower belly and to how to reel in a catch.
A small black tip is thrashing is on the line, thrashing in the water. It's relatively small, about 30 pounds. It is a perfect size for 1st timers, many of whom have grown up on Shark Week.
We have to ask if that media frenzy is good or bad advertising. Gonzalez replies, "It's great! It's great!"
As for the North Carolina shark attacks, Gonzalez offers this advice; "Prohibit swimmers from entering that area past knee deep water. A fine of 500 bucks. Would you have your leg for 500 bucks?"
If a shark does bite, what then? Gonzalez says, "Stick your finger in his eyeballs or punch him in the nose!" Has he ever tried it? Gonzalez laughs saying, "Nope I stay in the boat." It is, he admits, advice he's heard from documentaries.
Captain Kraft meantime offers advice for the novice shark fisherman. When reeling in a catch he says, "It's not a question of strength. It's a question of finesse."
The question is - do I have either? The shark is fighting mad and as I wrestle with line it feels like Moby Dick on the other end.
At one point, I have tugged a fish around the back of the boat, lost my balance and quite nearly lost the fish. Captain Mark rescues me and the fish – which is only about 30 pounds.
Large sharks are photographed and measured, then tossed back in the water. That information is used for fiberglass reproduction mounts. Small sharks like ours can be used for steaks, but most are also caught and released.
They stay on board just long enough for snapshot to remember the angler's fish tale.
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