Park Rules: Landing a Record Shark

David B mentioned on facebook that the Park might allow a shark to be landed if it is indeed an official record.

Can someone please verify this for me?

I somehow managed to pull in, approximately, a 55-60 pound Blacktip Shark yesterday on 1# test line and completely smashed the 2# Line Class IGFA World Record (which is likely what the line would test for anyhow).

I'm positive with a little work and luck I can pull it off again, and all I need is a 25 pound King to break that record as well.

I'm going for it.

If someone can verify the shark rule on landing records in state park property, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

I can't verify the rule, but I can attest to the fact that what you did was a monumental accomplishment. I had a jack crevalle nearly whip my butt yesterday while using 16# test, much less 2# and an ice fishing rod like you did. Hats off to VG.

I don't know who David B is but the state sez otherwise...
http://www.alapark.com/parks/pdfs/Ru...egulations.pdf

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2. Swimming, Fishing and Boating (220-5-.02) (f) It shall be unlawful to fish for sharks or use any type of shark fishing gear on
any Gulf State Park Public Beach or on the Gulf State Park Saltwater Fishing
Pier. It shall be unlawful to land or to attempt to land any shark on any line
originally cast from said State Park Pier or Beach.

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Good luck with your quest!

Quote:

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unlawful to land or to attempt to land any shark on any line

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That kinda covers it!

Right, I'm fully aware of the written law. However, what David Bornhoft mentioned was that he heard the park ranger would make an exception if a record catch was in question. That is what I want to verify.

One way around it would be to bring the shark to the pier and lasso a rope on its tail, and lift the shark out of the water and hang from a scale over the rail, then deduct the balance weight of the rope to get an accurate weight.

Then the shark would never come over the railing and be officially "landed," but the record could still stand.

Only problem I foresee with that is how to get the rope off of the tail afterward. :)

Hevishot 12ga 3 1/2" magnum blend will get the rope off him.

The other issues you would have with setting a record would be:
Length of your leader ( top shot).
Getting a certified scale (store bought scale might not certify)
Line breakage. It might say one pound and break at four when tested.

I was there yesterday and watching you catch the sharks was impressive.

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Originally Posted by Viking Guy

Right, I'm fully aware of the written law. However, what David Bornhoft mentioned was that he heard the park ranger would make an exception if a record catch was in question. That is what I want to verify.

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Then I would suggest you speak with the Park Ranger.
All us 'law abiding citizens' can do is quote the written law ;-)

1# test LOL. You've taken light line to the extreme! I gotta know, how do you even cast without it breaking/ and how long did it take to bring in that shark?

http://www.igfa.org/images/uploads/f...une162014b.pdf
Real strict guidelines pertaining IGFA records. Briefly read through them and you may have problems doing it from the pier. Good luck!

The only issues I see would be finding a certified hand held scale when you need it, ability to lasso the shark's tail, accurate deduction for rope weight, strength to hold a record shark steady for true weight, method to remove the lasso, and the law/rule against landing sharks in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park property.
I am sure Park Ranger Roger Reetz can answer the record shark question for you.

You may just have to settle for the self-gratification of doing it.

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Originally Posted by FinChaser

The only issues I see would be finding a certified hand held scale when you need it, ability to lasso the shark's tail, accurate deduction for rope weight, strength to hold a record shark steady for true weight, method to remove the lasso, and the law/rule against landing sharks in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and the Gulf State Park property.
I am sure Park Ranger Roger Reetz can answer the record shark question for you.

You may just have to settle for the self-gratification of doing it.

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Yeah, it would be much easier going for the 25 pound king, hah!

Nonetheless, self gratification was certainly plenty on the shark as that was some major fun.

To answer some other questions, the leader has to be under 15 feet long for my line class according to IGFA--20 in certain cases. My assembly was simple--using a small circle hook.

The real issue I will have is the underwritten rule of a rod having a minimum of 40 inches. So if I go for a record, I'll have to use my 5' Clarus rather than a 24" ice rod.

The first shark I pulled in was likely a Grey Reef Shark, and was close to the same length as the Blacktip. Took about 45 minutes, but on a separate reel (same rod) with 5 pound line.

Then I raised the bar with a much smaller reel and 1# line, and the Blacktip took just over an hour.

Gee, VG, I love Ultralight Tackle, too. What you are doing is nothing short of amazing, IMHO. My big line for surf fishing is 10# test on a Penn 6500 SS. Too chicken to go much lighter, tho my flounder outfit in the surf is 6#. May need to rethink this before our next visit to Ft. Morgan.

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Originally Posted by bodebum

Gee, VG, I love Ultralight Tackle, too. What you are doing is nothing short of amazing, IMHO. My big line for surf fishing is 10# test on a Penn 6500 SS. Too chicken to go much lighter, tho my flounder outfit in the surf is 6#. May need to rethink this before our next visit to Ft. Morgan.

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Bodebum, keep in mind that nanofil is what they call a uni-filament superline. While it looks like braid, it is not, and has a similar breaking point to mono. My fluorocarbon vicious line has a stronger breaking point than the nanofil in the 6# class, so they seem pretty accurate. That said, nanofil is an incredible line. Took me getting used to handling it's slickness. I've since learned to connect it's double uni splices to a strip of mono. It will NOT successfully connect to itself or braid--so slick that once in water the knot comes loose. But works well when connected to mono backing/spool extensions/top shot. Definitely worth trying.

With that said, if you do decide to drop down, I recommend getting PP spectra 5# first to see if the lighter diameter is something you like, or trying either a hybrid line like yozuri, or a fluorocarbon like Vicious--who both make incredible light lines and you can feel ultralight 1-4 pound with extra confidence.

As for Snakes other question, to cast a "hardtail" on that thing I have to do a swaying pendulum overhand swing. Otherwise, Jeff grabbed it and tossed it like a baseball with the bail open. Also, I use a 10# mono topshot, so it doesn't break in casting. Not only does casting big baits with smaller diameter line cause the line to break, but it also stresses the guide centers on these cheaper setups--as I learned the hard way long ago.