VENICE- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission puts some teeth into its shore based shark fishing restrictions. Changes including a ban on “chumming” the water with fish parts bones and blood on shore.
“Well with chumming you increase the odd of predator of fish are going to come into the area,” said fisher, T.R Larsen. “Obviously sharks are the apex predator.”
Although Larsen doesn’t target sharks, after 20 years of fishing from the Venice Fishing Pier, he says he’s seen and reeled in his fair share of sharks.
“Just like there are birds in the trees, we haves sharks in salt water,” said Larsen.
Fisher, Laurie Mayo says a rod and reel is all she needs.
“You know you go fishing, you take your fishing pole and fish, that it, you don’t need to do that,” said Mayo. “To do that I think is kind of cheating a little.”
Chumming has drawn widespread attention as critics would like to see lines cast further from beach goers, but chumming from a boat or pier can continue. Another change? Anyone casting for sharks from land, bridges or jetties get a no-cost permit and take an online educational program. A change, Larsen says would affect many fishers.
“Because I have friends who are shark fisherman, they would urge me to say no. No permit for shark fishing,” said Larsen.
Mayo says she fishes nearly every day and occasionally finds a shark at the end of her line. She says this new change is concerning.
“I don’t think it’s fair for fisherman to have to worry about catching a shark,” said Mayo. “You get a license, you get whatever you get on the line and that’s it.”
The shore based shark fishing restriction also includes releasing sharks that are on a state prohibited list. Changes will go into effect July 1st.
