Longtime Manatee Fishing Guide: 'I've Never Seen so Many Sharks'

Anyone know how to catch a shark?

Shark anglers are needed.

As many anglers gear up for tarpon season, there are numerous reports of tons of bull sharks roaming the beaches from Boca Grande to Tampa.

“I caught nine tarpon the other day,” said Capt. Scott Moore of Anna Maria Island, “and eight I had to break off because sharks were after them. Go shark fishing too. I've never seen so many sharks. They need to be fished.”

Moore added that he still is not impressed with the amount of snook that are scattered from the bays to off the beaches. After the statewide snook population took a hit in a freeze two winters ago, the linesiders are slow to recover.

“We have a little ways to go with them,” Moore said.

Finally, if anglers are after redfish, remember that numerous reports indicate they are spooking very easily. That means the best advantage anglers have at catching reds is using a kayak or canoe. If in a boat, pushing your way in with a pole pole — starting at a distance of at least 100 feet from a school — is necessary.

The only other viable option is motoring with stealth to a mangrove shoreline with deep water at high tide.