This tournament was jaws-ome!
Anglers on 32 boats battled to reel in the biggest shark in Sheepshead Bay on June 25. Fisherman hauled in 17 of the ocean’s greatest predators during Stella Maris Bait and Tackle’s third annual Shark Tournament — a huge success considering catching the carnivorous sea creatures is no easy feat, said one of the tournament’s directors and boat captains.
“People are excited when they have a shark, because it’s an accomplishment to land something as big as a human — it’s not easy, they are very strong,” said Capt. John Calamia of boat Whatta Catch. “To find one, and then hook one, and then reel it in — every one of these steps takes skill and luck. Something to be very proud of.”
The first-place catch was a 202-pound Thresher shark brought up by trawlers on the Goin’ Fishin. Crew on The Emily Rose placed second with a 193-pound Thresher, the Chaise-ing-nikki dragged up a 189-pounder of the same species, according to the Captain.
But the killing machines weren’t just trophies — they were “butchered and steaked,” because they make a tasty treat for things higher on the food chain, said Calamia.
“Oh yeah, it’s delicious. Thresher shark is delicious, good quality, top-of-the-line,” he said.
