Did I catch it?

[Cpt. Cobia]

It was a 350 lb. Bull shark last week in Plam Beach. After standing for 30 min. the gaff missed and the fish sounded. After another 1.5 hours she was ready to gaff again, the mate had the double line and right before the gaff flew the wire leader kinked and she was gone. I was going to keep the shark, but was this an unplanned release or did I lose her? Most folks say I had her, what do ya'll think?
c.c.

[Prior Engagement]

In release tournament fishing, all you have to do is touch the leader. But, if you were meat fishing, well I think you would have been eating a burger or crab cakes. What a nice fight though. Got any pictures?

[Cpt. Cobia]

My wife was leaning over the gunnel taking pictures, she got scared! I will try to post up the pictures tomorrow.
c.c.

[Cpt. Cobia]

I cant get all 3 on one post, so stay with me.

[Cpt. Cobia]

next

[Cpt. Cobia]

The money shot.

[Lucky Charm]

Nice fish. I'd say you caught it.

What are the bag limits on sharks? Do they vary by type?

sill strechin yellow tails in the keys and hunting sails.

peter

[Leprechaun]

CC - were you using a multi-stranded leader or single strand?

Because years ago I lost what was an estimated 450lb Mako when the single-strand let go at a kink right at boatside.

Not that I'm any kind of blue-water fisherman, much prefer the inshore stuff, but I learned a valuable lesson that day.

rgds, Leprechaun

[Cpt. Cobia]

Lep,
The rig was 8' or so of no. 15 wire with a circle hook, 5 or 6' of 300 lb. test and the 4' of 50? double line. One thing I forgot to mention is that, an Amberjack or something decent hit my mackerel bait then this shark hit that. Gotta love the food chain.
c.c.

[termite]

Cpt Cobia
The next time you make up a leader use #19 wire. It's heavier and I never had one kink on me. It's a little tough to put a haywire twist in it but well worth it.

[Cpt. Cobia]

I am working on a rig that I want to try, Cpt. Frank Mundus used 12 strands of no. 12 for the Montauk Monster, so I think i will try 3 strands for my adventures. I have a large quantity of 12 wire to use up.
But I will consider all Ideas.
Thanks c.c.