Florida sharks

[NCDiver21]

Hey guys, I don't post on here very often, however, i do try to keep tabs and read up. (I Got a lot of useful information from the BC section this past summer when i bought my ranger BC.) Anyways, my question is mostly for the florida residents. My family and i started what is to become an annual trip to sanibel island this June. I did a lot of snorkling at Captiva looking for conchs and sand dollars.. my mom is obsessed with sand dollars. While we were there though (or either shortly after we left) is when those few shark attacts happend in the gulf last year. I even saw 3 babby bulls while snorkling last year, very cool experience. I know snorklers and surfers (people at the surface) are said to be more likely to be attacked if an attack is going to occur. My thinking was would it make me any safer or less safer if i were to just wear my gear in the same waters? I was probably 20yds max from the beach in about 15' of water. Any thoughts appreciated.

rob

 

[ReefGuy]

I wouldn't be that concerned. Just avoid 0 vis.

Oh yeah, please only take the white sand dollars (dead ones) and be aware that the queen conch is a protected species.

The closest attack to sanabel last year, BTW, was at boca grande. The guy was wading chest deep in 0 vis water, within site of the pass during a large fishing tournament. Boca Grande pass is known for it's monster currents and monster sharks. Large hammerheads and bulls are abundant during the summer months there. My cousin was fishing in that tournament, and every day came back talking about the sheer number and size of the sharks there that week.

 

[HowardE]

NCdiver21 - I would also avoid looking yummy to the sharks... which surfers definitely look like food. Many people encounter sharks here on the east coast of FL, and they only seem to even pester hunters with full bags of fish.

 

[NCDiver21]

Thanks for the replies, its about what i figured. I was just wondering if being down instead of up and down would help any. The water where i was last year had a good 5-7' vis. I didnt have any luck finding sand dollars last year except ones on the beach. I did find a conch with no life in it though. Found several with creatures still in them but i left them, only took the one with nothing inside.

Rob

 

[Wayward Son]

I think it's a good idea to remove or cover shiney jewelry. Don't wear bracelets & such. If you wear rings that you don't want to take off, wear gloves.

The flash off that stuff works just like a lure to any fish & could induce a strike.