Thread: Shark fishing

WKRG Debbie Williams just now announced a "shark event"

BREAKING - SHARK FISHING GULF STATE PARK PIER:
Details to be released later today but what we know so far—there will be a special permit managed shark event the next two Tuesday nights from 8-12 am. There will be 10 fishermen permitted each night. Once they see how these two nights go they will reevaluate for further opportunities.

Wow that's a great compromise! I think this is a great solution. It'll even draw more people to the pier I imagine to watch. Wonder how permits will be dispersed.

Congratulations !!!
No matter how you look at it, it is a start and the state listened to all of the complaints, well done.
The bottom line is eliminating sharks so you can do the real fishing we all want to do without the pests.
Please don't start to complain on who gets to do it or how limited it is.
Sure it would be nice to get some shark steaks but one shark gone is one gone.
I look forward to seeing the results.
Thanks to the state for listening to everyone responsible for making their voice heard

Who wants to guess on 1st shark weight?

I'm overly excited, however I don't think I can chance a 3 hour drive to not get one of those limited permits.

I expect and hope to see locals take full advantage of this and turn it into a good thing.

I don't understand why they're limiting it to ten permitted persons only. There's a legal harvest limit to follow, and they've already set a time limit.

I vote they give Chille a permit, just so we can ooh, ahh, and salivate over a plated money shot of Atlantic sharpnose or blacktip!

Originally Posted by fordguy

I don't understand why they're limiting it to ten permitted persons only. There's a legal harvest limit to follow, and they've already set a time limit.

Besides it being contrary to current state law, there were concerns raised how anglers could safely handle such large and potentially dangerous fish.
Consequently the powers that be decided a conservative approach was the best way to proceed in evaluating the effectiveness and addressing any safety issues for the pier patrons.
My suggestion to them was to draw a lottery for the available tags from the list of interested fishermen (similar to how the state alligator hunts have been managed).

As we go forward the system can be 'tweaked' and hopefully expanded...

Here is the full test of the emailed Press Release:

Gulf State Park Pier to Offer Limited Shark Fishing

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is implementing a pilot program for a permitted managed shark fishing season at the Gulf State Park Saltwater Fishing Pier. The first two events will take place on the south end of the pier – called the octagon – from 8 p.m. to midnight on Tuesday, June 19 and Tuesday, June 26, 2018. The octagon will close to routine use 30 minutes prior to these events, and reopen to routine use 30 minutes following them. During the events, the octagon area of the pier will be designated for the exclusive use of the participating anglers and their designated assistants. The managed shark fishing events will be limited to 10 anglers per occasion, with each having one rod and reel in use. Each angler may have two assistants, so a maximum of 30 individuals are allowed on the octagon area during these events. No other anglers or pier guests will be allowed within the octagon area during this time. The remainder of the pier will be open to anglers and other pier guests as normally provided.Angler gear shall remain the same as presently provided under existing pier rules, and anglers are required to provide their own gear, including release poles to facilitate the release of undersized catch.After monitoring these two events in June, the agency will evaluate the program and make decisions about additional events for the following months.Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein said the limited shark fishing days are in response to requests from pier anglers. “We surveyed pier anglers about their satisfaction with fishing from the pier, and many of them expressed concern that they are not able to catch other species because of the abundance of sharks near the pier. Anglers often catch sharks inadvertently and are required to cut the line when that happens. We’re offering these initial shark fishing opportunities on a trial basis,” Lein said.Anglers interested in shark fishing on the designated dates can apply in person at the pier, by phone to the park pier management during regular business hours, or online. Applicants should be prepared to provide contact information for notification of selection to a pending managed shark fishing event. Applicants will be selected in the order in which they apply.Additional information will be posted online. To stay current on the most up-to-date information for these events and other pier events, visit http://alapark.com/Gulf-State-Park-Fishing-and-Education-PierTo register for participation as an angler for these Managed Shark Fishing events, visit www.alapark.com/shark-fishing or call the pier manager at (251) 967-FISH.
Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The division relies on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. To learn more, visit www.alapark.com.

Applicants will be selected in the order in which they apply.

Originally Posted by fordguy

I don't understand why they're limiting it to ten permitted persons only. There's a legal harvest limit to follow, and they've already set a time limit.

Probably to slowly introduce it and make sure things are worked out. I don't really think 30 or more googans chunkin ladyfish with 100lb braid on giant surf rods is good to start things off lol..

Personally I think the locals that are best equipped(with knowledge and equipment) should be allowed to get a safe system in place. Afterwards It'd be nice to open up sharking on tuesday evenings to who ever wants to try it, as long as they are properly equipped.

Wow, talk about mixed emotions.
I have a M-F job, that means I'm SOL.

Gluck and safe sharking to those that have the time and luck to get permits.

For the hundredth time... How about we just be allowed to land sharks on the pier according to state creel/ size limits already in place?

Most of use do Chile, however, PTO is saved up for when my son arrives in Sept..... I may have to borrow a bit of that PTO to sneak off and try my luck at getting a permit.