[FLORIDA] Hammerheads, Lemons, Bull sharks, Surprise Goliath Grouper & More

[Shaaaarky]

Originally Posted by AndyS

Here in NJ they passed regulation against dragging sharks up on the sand as it is harmful to the fish.

Quick releases are a priority. New Jersey has not passed anything new. The regulations have just been reiterated over the past 5 years. They insist on an instant release of prohibited species. This means not delaying release. We take action shots and videos to ensure compliance. However, Florida is a very different place where many species can be harvested if that were your intention. This is a growing sport that will not die anytime soon and I take pride in being proactive regarding sustainable practices. In New Jersey, I have personally cooperated in acoustic tagging studies (Monmouth University) regarding post release mortality rates. Every single fish that I handled reported back, as many as 1000 miles away. The fact is that the NE has the most resilient and sustainable land based shark fishery around, despite what the powers that be want to insinuate. NJ sharks are tough as nails and with a proper release (and in many cases improper from newbies) will be just fine.