Shore Launching and Multiple Fish - Sharks/Seals?

[Blesum]

I still strictly shore launch (will probably start doing Kayak launches before too long) and swim as far as half a mile out these days while spearing. I usually take between 1-2 fish each outing depending on what I find.

When kayak fishing, I bleed my fish right away. However, while diving, I chicken out each time when I'm out there and wrestling with a fish at my floats. I don't want to be trailing a bloody slick while I'm out there.

I've already been bit once by a shark and am not keen on repeating that experience. Should I just go ahead and cut/pop a gill or is it OK to just put them on the game clip and wait until I'm closer to the shore before I start bleeding them? BTW the game clip goes on my buoys which has 50' of line to the gun.

I worry about two things - Something chomping on me, or something taking the float away along with my gun.

What do you guys do?

-Blesum

 

[miles]

Hiya

It all depends on the area you're diving in. If the area you're in is known for its abundance of sharks, then bleeding the fish isn't a good idea. Rather simply despatch the fish by inserting your knife into it's brain. The thrashing vibrations of a injured fish is more likely to attract the attention of a shark, than the little blood that is sometimes encountered.

Another option would be to pull a plastic refuse bag over your fish, whilst it is on your stringer. Seals and Sharks will ignore your fish completely. The downside is that the bag creates considerable drag, making swimming around difficult.

Bleeding a fish AFTER you've brained it, doesn't work. You need the fish to be alive when its bled. If its a small fish, simply cutting the gills open should bleed out most of its blood. Certain fish also tend to bleed PROFUSELY!!! Such as members of the tuna species. So, if you do decide to bleed, be careful as to which species you're bleeding.

Regards
miles