New Jersey's shark fishermen are following law - but sparking debate over their methods
Known maneaters - bull and tiger sharks - have ended up on lines cast out from shore.
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Videos are popping up online showing some of the ocean’s top predators on New Jersey’s shores, caught by anglers who often pose for pictures with them. It is not illegal, but it is highly regulated and has sparked debate online and on the shore.
Known maneaters - bull and tiger sharks - have ended up on lines cast out from shore. The methods that bring these beasts in have been controversial to some.
“We have no objection to people surf fishing at all," said Bay Head Mayor Bill Curtis. "Just do it within the hours that they’re supposed to, and why chum? I mean, that’s luring fish in.”
Chumming - tossing bloody, ground fish into the ocean - is typically associated with fishing from a boat, miles offshore. It’s actually illegal in Alabama to chum near the shore.
Shark fishermen in Bay Head interviewed by News 12 say that what they’re doing is not chumming.
"Just one bait on a hook," said Brady Collins, of Point Pleasant. "You’re sending that out 300 yards, which is just the same as any other form of fishing.”
Among the new methods, these fishermen and the mayor both say they’ve heard of drones being used to drop bait. This has become contentious in states like Texas and North Carolina - and illegal in Hawaii.
“If you bring the food in closer, the fish are going to come in closer," said Curtis.
News 12 asked the Department of Environmental Protection about these concerns.
A spokesperson for the DEP wrote in a statement, "NJDEP Fish and Wildlife is aware of anglers using kayaks and drones to deploy bait to target sharks and is working with municipalities most heavily impacted by shore-based shark fishing to address the safety concerns posed by such activities. These methods of bait deployment have potential to pose a danger to anglers, beachgoers and sharks. Fish and Wildlife staff, in conjunction with the NJ Marine Fisheries Council and industry stakeholders, have prioritized increased outreach and education efforts to ensure safe and responsible shark fishing and handling practices."
There are ample regulations about shark fishing - especially protected species like sand tiger sharks.
“The main important part of it is, you’ve just got to get the fish back in the water and respect the species," said Collins.
The mayor says New Jersey Fish and Wildlife tells him there’s nothing illegal about shark fishing from the shore, or even chumming.
“Nobody’s been attacked in this area," said Curtis. "My point is, we don’t want it to happen.”
“These sharks are already living here. This is their waters," said Collins. "If you don’t want to swim in them, go in a pool or something.”
