Someone please explain the "no shark fishing" please

I am coming in a month and have heard I cannot catch shark from the beach.I have been told to "read the regs" or "go look at so and so,this question has been asked frequently" etc. but I don't find an explanation.I am looking to stay in the rules but wanna know from some locals as the exact rules and if you can't surf shark fish,why not?I want to paddle a Kayake out and drop bait.If you can't shark fish,what happens if you accidentally catch one?Sorry for all the questions but I know this is what this forum is for.I am very grateful for it just looking for some insight.Thanks!-Joe

Also,is it legal to fish at night from the surf at gulf shores?

The shark fishing prohibition is for the State Park areas.

Alabama State Parks

"*Absolutely NO fishing for sharks or use of any shark fishing gear on any Gulf State Park Public Beach OR Gulf State Park Saltwater Fishing Pier. It is unlawful to attempt to land any shark."

If you hook one by accident you cannot "attempt to land" it.

Night fishing would depend on whether or not an area is open for use at night if in the park. Private beach is governed by the owner as far as I know.

If there are city or county regs I do not know of them, hopefully someone else can enlighten us.

Shark Baiting Regulation in Effect

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“It shall be unlawful, on or adjacent to the waters of Alabama under the jurisdiction of the Marine Resources Division as provided by Rule 220-2-.42, for any person to surf fish for sharks, bow fish for sharks, or fish for or target sharks by any other means from any pier or beach in such a manner that presents an unsafe condition to any beach goers, sun bathers, swimmers, or any other person.”

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The the rule is written it comes across as if if there are swimmers around or if you chum then it is illegal.Soley based on the way it is written,if you were to fish for shark at night while noone is swimming and you are using general cut bait then it is ok?I obviously want to shark fish but don't want to get a $1,000 fine on vacation with my kids.Am I reading it wrong?Do they enforce it from the surf?(provided I reading it wrong)

Just an FYI about whether or not they're watching...I was down Ft. Morgan, mobile street, earlier this year and had walked at least half a mile down the beach away from the boardwalk, this was about 6am, and a Marine Police Officer walked up on me from the dunes, about scared the you know what out of me. Not to scare you, but yea, they'll be checking.

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Originally Posted by Godsavedme

The the rule is written it comes across as if if there are swimmers around or if you chum then it is illegal.Soley based on the way it is written,if you were to fish for shark at night while noone is swimming and you are using general cut bait then it is ok?I obviously want to shark fish but don't want to get a $1,000 fine on vacation with my kids.Am I reading it wrong?Do they enforce it from the surf?(provided I reading it wrong)

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I read it the way you do, the prohibition is for chumming and blood baiting, it does not use the specific prohibition for landing or attempting to land a shark that is in the State Park regs. Probably would be wise to call for confirmation - (251) 968-7576.

If you use a big heavy hook and leader (shark sized) that might create a problem.

My buddy goes shark fishing all the time, and he works at Marine Resources. He fishes at night just as you described, with the yak setup and NO ONE SWIMMING near you

Just called a Marine officer in Gulf shores and he said what I described is ok.Its when you start chumming and throwing blood bait at at 2pm with people on the beach it becomes a problem.Thabks for the feedback fellas!

hmmmm

This opens up some new plans for my trip in October.