Captains Log 13-15 August

Seaker · 08-16-2007, 08:44 AM

Captains Log’s 13-15 August 2007

Shark Research –

We have just completed our first leg of what will become a journey and quest to gather vital information on sharks that frequent our waters. Particular interest currently is on large adult female blue sharks. We have just returned from three days at sea with rod and reel in the pursuit of capturing these beautiful creatures. Let me first give a synopsis of the team of specialists and technology involved..

The Team includes a world renown geneticist, shark biologist, shark specialist PhD, Blue Shark specialist, two highly skilled tournament anglers, divers, video gear, Chairperson of the Board, Cappy Say and self.

The Technology …Satellite tags valued at over $4200.00 each are implanted behind the dorsal fin. These tags or better stated computers with hard drives and thermometers record data at short intervals for up to 8 months or longer. They are preset to release in a time frame then pop to the surface and begin to transmit the data about the shark to satellites which then can be received from the satellite to special computers. They track all kinds of data, depth, location, temperature, amount of light etc…

Additional Technology DNA samples will be taken from all sharks for additional study and collection of data for genetic work

All measurements will be taken from each shark

The Mission go to sea for three days and tag as many adult females as we have tags for.

The Work due to Seaker’s size reaching over the gunnels to perform the necessary work forces a change in tactics and it is determined that all sharks will be brought on board for data collection, removal of all hooks, and retuned back into the sea as quickly as possible.

Day One We head to a location which has proven successful in the past and after the typical one hour wait we have our first volunteer. It is now that determination is made to board the fish a male in the 325 pound range. Our work is still not in concert with one another as we begin to form what will become a team choreographed approach. If there is such a thing with 300 plus pounds of joy. We went on this day to attach four tags and released several others that did not measure up as tag worthy hosts. Our efforts were terrific but we lacked a bit in cohesion which is normal when you are performing something that is not normal. Our flying tailer which is basically a padded snare on a pole then transfers to a rope was lost today. While the tail rope was in place the leader parted and the shark turned back onto the rope and in one quick bite severed the rope like dental floss.

Day Two found us much more comfortable with one another and our approach to the beasts. Our catching went well but our tagging did not as once again several non target species were caught and released including a Thresher shark estimated in the 375-425 pound range. Cappy Says’ exact words to me as I leadered the magnificent specimen “I don’t care how much money you pay me I ain’t tail ropin this beast!” It went released and unharmed as did everything we touched

Day Three has tough seas and we moved to another location. We began with our slowest day of catching and the seas were building dramatically to 4-6 feet. It’s tough being out there in 4-6 footers but shark wrestling in a pitching cockpit well it’s just plain sporty and will get your plaque movin as my friend Bob Foulkrod would say. One fish was a beautiful Mako of about 175 pounds. A decision was made to tag this fish and tail rope was in place when the crew decided to bring in the tail for work the boat heaved the mako flipped back and we had 175 pounds of joy in the cockpit with teeth everywhere. The team jumped on the fish to keep it from hurting them or itself a call for a shirt or towel went out and I now own a mako autographed tee shirt

Last Evening we met at the Beachmoor for a group meal and to say our goodbye’s. The weather is turning bad for offshore endeavors and we have more work to do. They are coming back in September to complete the tagging work. They have also offered to assist in any shark charters where tagging will be done…more on that topic on a separate call to action.

So here we are now, three days later and many exciting moments including Colton and Mahmood diving under Seaker to clear a line fouled in our rudder with a big shark attached to it and others swimming all around. Camera’s going off, sharks going off it’s all going off. What a feeling.

At dinner we really don’t want to say goodbye as our team has formed a cohesion. This great eclectic mix of talent all coming together with a common theme. Take care of what we have. Be stewards of the sea. Act on that and be responsible.

I’ll have plenty of pictures coming to you shortly as most are on Colton’s and Lucy’s camera’s and video. I have a dear friend that was very instrumental in putting us all together. He likes to remain anonymous so I’ll honor that wish but offer my heartfelt thanks to him for all his assistance.

Thanks I also wish to thank Dockside Bait & Tackle for putting the flying tailer together for us, also their fine bait and chum products, Accurate Reels, Jason Fulton and Jay Gemma for expediting a new 50W which worked perfectly, Red Top for additional provisions and rod to match up with that Accurate, Point Independence Yacht Club, Captain Steve for staying over one hour past close several times so we could refuel on our quick , To Lane at Taylors Point Marina always there to help us with lines in less than favorable conditions, dock carts after hours. My wife Debi who did an incredible behind the scenes. I missed her Falmouth Road Race getting Seaker ready..no complaints, I missed my son in law’s gandmothers passing but she went for us while we were at sea, She ran groceries to keep us supplied with fresh goods every day, she ran bait and supplies back and forth and never once complained. Anyone think this is an individual event ?

Oh yes and to Cappy Say, I think at first he was convinced I was trying to get him eaten. He did a great job of covering my back.

I’ll get photo’s out under separate cover in a few days

Now who wants to go shark tagging?

Seaker Out!

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