Sharks
Sharks
- Size: Most sharks (bonnethead, lemon, blacktip, nurse) caught in Anna Maria’s waters are 3 to 6 feet. However, in the summer months, many 8 to 12 foot bull and hammerhead sharks follow schools of migratory tarpon into the area.
- Habitat: Anna Maria and its surrounding waters are home to multiple shark species (bonnethead, hammerhead, bull, nurse, lemon, blacktip) and they can be found inhabiting every inshore, nearshore, and offshore environment.
- Bait: Sharks are opportunistic feeders that eat nearly everything and follow their noses when feeding. Sharks will readily follow a chum slick to a dead bait (mullet and squid are especially effective) that is weighted to the bottom or suspended under a float.
- Tackle: Heavy spinning or conventional gear with a metal leader is required when shark fishing for larger species offshore, but light spinning tackle can be used for smaller inshore species such as bonnetheads.
- Food Value: Most shark fishing is catch and release, but smaller lemon or blacktip sharks taste excellent when cut into steaks and grilled. A top predator’s meat contains high levels of mercury so limited intake is recommended.
