Experienced fisherman Owen Prior recently caught a 12-foot tiger shark at Jacksonville Beach in Florida, which he described as his personal best catch. Prior runs First Coast Surf Fishing in Jacksonville Beach and has caught hundreds of sharks before, including a 14-foot hammerhead. The tiger shark took roughly 25 minutes to reel in, and since they are protected in Florida, Prior quickly snapped a picture and released the shark back into the water. He and his friends had been waiting at the beach for around 12 hours when the shark bit his stingray bait at 4 a.m. Despite being dead asleep, Prior successfully reeled in the massive fish once he was alerted by his friend.
Prior recalled feeling the weight of the shark on the line and mentioned that tiger sharks are not as difficult to reel in as they may seem, as they are known to be lazy. He explained that sharks are generally opportunistic about bait, and he considers himself lucky that the tiger shark was barely hooked. Prior purposely does not use barbs on his hooks to make the release process smoother. He described the experience as great, feeling the power of the shark and being able to safely remove the hook before watching the shark swim away with its free meal. He emphasized that it was a memorable experience.
Looking ahead, Prior mentioned that his next target is tarpon, as he believes they will soon be in the area. While known as a shark expert, Prior reminded people that he is not just a shark guy and previously reeled in a huge tarpon last year. He expressed excitement about the potential opportunity to catch tarpon again, as the water seems to be indicating their presence to him. Prior’s dedication to fishing is evident in his passion for catching a variety of species, and he continues to anticipate new challenges and successes in his fishing endeavors.
The news of Prior’s record tiger shark catch has attracted attention not only for the impressive size of the shark but also for his skillful handling of the situation. Despite the early morning hour and being asleep at the time of the catch, Prior acted quickly and efficiently to reel in the giant fish. The fact that the tiger shark was released back into the ocean unharmed highlights Prior’s commitment to conservation and responsible fishing practices. His experience and expertise in fishing are evident in his ability to recognize and successfully handle challenging situations like this one.
Prior’s recounting of the catch provides insight into the thrill and excitement of landing such a large and powerful fish. His description of feeling the weight of the shark on the line and the battle to reel it in gives readers a sense of the intensity of the moment. His decision to release the tiger shark unharmed demonstrates his respect for the wildlife and the ocean ecosystem. By sharing his story, Prior not only celebrates his personal accomplishment but also raises awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices in preserving marine life for future generations.
Overall, Owen Prior’s record catch of a 12-foot tiger shark serves as a testament to his skill, experience, and dedication to fishing. The memorable experience of reeling in such a massive fish, coupled with the commitment to conservation and responsible fishing practices, sets Prior apart as a knowledgeable and conscientious angler. As he sets his sights on catching tarpon next, it is clear that Owen Prior’s passion for fishing and love for the ocean will continue to drive him to seek new challenges and memorable experiences in the world of sport fishing.
