Fishing regulations vary from region to region. Some places will have different standards than others with regard to the fish and other animals that can be caught, as well as size and catch number limitations. But the protections that are in place for certain species of sharks are generally quite consistent, and are especially stringent in the Atlantic Ocean.
What sharks are not good for fishing? Here are just a few examples of some of the species of shark that have some strong protections:
- Great white shark: Not that most people would want to go out and angle for a great white anyway, but it should be noted that it has been illegal to hunt the great white in Atlantic waters in the United States since 1997. California was actually ahead of the curve on this issue, making it illegal to hunt the shark in California waters in 1994.
- Basking shark: Like the great white, the basking shark has been under federal protection in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
- Sixgill shark: The sixgill shark has been subject to federal protection in Atlantic waters in the United States since 1999.
- Whale shark: The whale shark has also been protected in Atlantic waters in the United States since 1997.
- Sand tiger shark: Add the sand tiger shark to the list of sharks that have been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1997.
- Caribbean reef shark: The Caribbean reef shark has been protected in American Atlantic waters since 1999.
- Night shark: The night shark has also been protected in the United States on the Atlantic side since 1999.
- Bigeye thresher shark: The bigeye thresher shark is another example of a shark that has been protected by the federal government on the Atlantic coast since 1999.
- Galapagos shark: Finally, the Galapagos shark has also been protected in Atlantic waters in the United States since 1999.
So, obviously, it is illegal to fish or hunt for these sharks protected from fishing if you’re on the Atlantic coast. But what about if you’re on the Pacific side?
It’s important for you to check local regulations. Just because there aren’t any federal regulations in place for shark hunting in your area does not mean you are free to go out and catch any shark you come across. If you’re going to be fishing around Hawaii, for example, you should be sure to check all relevant Hawaii regulations before you go out on your excursion.
The good news is that if you’re taking a fishing charter in Hawaii with Sea Wife Charters, you won’t have to worry about tracking all of these regulations yourself. Any captain who takes you out will have a thorough understanding of all the fishing regulations in the area. And if it’s okay for you to go after a shark of a particular species, the captain will be able to outfit and assist you in the process to give you the best chance of success.
If you’re interested in learning more about our shared fishing charter services, we encourage you to contact Sea Wife Charters today.