Howard and I were diving on the West side of a reef called "sunkist" on Saturday. I shot a 30" plus Yellow Jack, and managed to get it into my catch bag. Yellow Jacks seem to have a lot of blood. I didn't think too much of the whole thing, and after a few minutes; we proceeded along on our way.
About 20 minutes later into the dive. Howard signaled me "SHARK" - I didn't think too much of it at first. The shark was way off in the distance, and looked like a little nurse shark at first. As it got closer, I could see that it was a BULL SHARK, and not a small Bull either. It was about 10-12 FEET in length, and was REALLY FAT (I'm assuming it's well fed)
The shark circled us from about 70 feet away (as far as we could see - the viz was about 60-80 feet) - It circled so far away the first few circles, that it almost seemed like it was going to leave us alone.
Then the circles got tighter, and the shark came closer to us. Reluctantly, I released my catch
The Shark continued to circle us in "tightening spirals" - but never came closer than 30 feet to us. It was too far away for Howard to get pictures even. Once we were about 40 feet away from the fish I had left behind... the shark swooped in (rather quickly) and took the whole fish in one chomp, and swam away.
After the dive; we went and bought a lift bag
- Later we spoke to a few people who told us that this shark is commonly sighted in the "hood" and that he loves to harass spearos for their catch. I think next time, I will still give up my fish, if the same shark or any BULL comes knockin. I will also shoot anything big to the surface
About 20 minutes later into the dive. Howard signaled me "SHARK" - I didn't think too much of it at first. The shark was way off in the distance, and looked like a little nurse shark at first. As it got closer, I could see that it was a BULL SHARK, and not a small Bull either. It was about 10-12 FEET in length, and was REALLY FAT (I'm assuming it's well fed)
The shark circled us from about 70 feet away (as far as we could see - the viz was about 60-80 feet) - It circled so far away the first few circles, that it almost seemed like it was going to leave us alone.
Then the circles got tighter, and the shark came closer to us. Reluctantly, I released my catch
The Shark continued to circle us in "tightening spirals" - but never came closer than 30 feet to us. It was too far away for Howard to get pictures even. Once we were about 40 feet away from the fish I had left behind... the shark swooped in (rather quickly) and took the whole fish in one chomp, and swam away.
After the dive; we went and bought a lift bag
- Later we spoke to a few people who told us that this shark is commonly sighted in the "hood" and that he loves to harass spearos for their catch. I think next time, I will still give up my fish, if the same shark or any BULL comes knockin. I will also shoot anything big to the surface
