Ok guys, just an opinion and no more.
True, the blues weighed in this past weekend were not 365, which is a very large shark, but that's only one snapshot in time. Bigger blues are out there at other times of the year, notably in the fall when you have the slobs following the draggers. We had several that were longer than our boat is wide (9 1/2 feet). they stuck out on both ends. Obviously they weren't weighed. But it doesn't matter to me, call them 100 pounds and be done with it.
No matter. I'm not taking anything away from shark girl. It's amazing the size of the sharks that junior anglers are catching. Anyone who lands a 365 pound shark has a major achievement. So hats off to them.
I am generally criticizing the trophy hunting attitude that I see around, not specific anglers. You can disagree, but to me it's pointless to kill a big blueshark for a piece of paper and a listing in a book, especially since so many large ones get released day in and day out.
I don't have a problem with anyone keeping a legal catch, but the big sharks are the most prolific breeders, and even the blue sharks are under pressure. I'd prefer if people released the larger mako's and thresher's also for that reason. |