Tide: 2.2ft High at 2am
Since August 15th of last year I started logging my shark trips just to see what it really takes to catch a land based tiger shark. Tigers are quite uncommon around this area although based on recent catches there seems to be a minor resurgence within the past year, perhaps a result of the oil spill to the north displacing them down here. Forty trips and 178 baits later, the log ended last night. The run came at 2:20am, four days prior to the full moon. It was a slow run on a big bait that was dropped 350 yards offshore. It took around 40 yards on the first run and made short powerful bursts throughout the fight but was no match for a locked 12/0. I told John it had to be a big bull or tiger based on the fight. Once in the shallows it thrashed hard under the moonlight. I'll never forget it. John shouted, "you're not gonna believe it!" as he grabbed the tail. She taped out at 8'3", a bit on the skinny side, but like most tigers had a large head. She swam away perfectly through the still warm waters with a bright glimmer cast from the moon overhead. The tiger quest is complete...what's next?
