Coast : Shark Derby Planned as Conservation Benefit
More than 300 four-person teams are expected to compete Aug. 26-27 in the first United Anglers Mako/Blue Shark Live Tag and Release Derby to be held off Southern California’s coast.
The entry fees of $250 per team will be donated to the newly formed United Anglers of Southern California to aid shark conservation work and help monitor the mako shark population.
The tournament is a “release-only” event based on the number of points earned by the line class used in each division. Divisions include 12-pound test line, 20-pound test, 30-pound test and 50-pound test, with more points given for sharks caught and released on the lighter test lines.
Tags and tag cards will be provided to each team by the Department of Fish and Game, according to derby organizers. Each team captain or boat owner will be required to enroll in the department’s shark tagging program.
Organizers said the derby is intended to provide fun and prizes while drawing attention to the importance of preserving the mako shark fishery.
Top prizes include fishing equipment and trips, with major prizes going to the top five teams in both the mako and blue shark divisions. Top individual awards for both men and women will also be presented.
For information, contact Jim Gilmore, United Anglers of Southern California council director, at (714) 674-1841.
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