Does Florida Have a Shark Problem?

Florida is home to 20 different species of sharks. Each species of shark plays a vital role in the marine ecosystem by regulating the populations of other aquatic animals. What this means is that there is a balance between the predators and prey that helps maintain a healthy ecosystem for a multitude of marine species in one of the most popular fishing locations in the United States.

A population of sharks means that fishermen and anglers not only have to contend with the ocean’s conditions to land a catch successfully, but also with the apex predators themselves. Sharks have been seen in increased numbers off Florida’s coast, leading to fish being snatched off the line. This has led to some expressing their exasperation at losing a prized fish to the point of declaring a problem with sharks in Florida. But does Florida really have a shark problem? It all depends on who is asked.

Why Viktor Hluben Believes There Is a Shark Problem in Florida

Florida is renowned for its abundance and variety of fish, making it an ideal destination for those who love to go deep-sea fishing. This has led to charter companies becoming very successful, not only because of the number but also the size of fish caught consistently by paying customers.

However, over the past several years, these charter companies have had to contend with an unseen problem. The problem, according to anglers, is sharks taking their fish off the line. This phenomenon has occurred with increasing frequency as climate change has made Florida’s ocean waters more hospitable to various species of sharks, with temperatures rising by three degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.

According to Viktor Hluben, a wildly popular outdoor media influencer and content creator for his YouTube channel, Landshark Outdoors, Florida has a massive shark problem. This fact was recently shared on his Instagram when Hluben got a sailfish on his line and a shark took a bite out of it.

“Another sailfish lost to the sharks…. As soon as we got the sailfish next to the boat, two bull sharks mauled this fish,” Hluben’s video caption says. “Open bail, and the sailfish still couldn’t outrun the predators.”

Some of Hluben’s followers agreed with his statement that there is a shark problem in Florida. One follower writes, “Just ate a little girl’s hand. They are eating people. We definitely have a shark problem.”

However, more people believe that Hluben and other anglers are the problem in the ocean, not the sharks, who have been there for millions of years.

“Sharks aren’t the problem,” one naysayer writes. “It’s their backyard. You’re the problem.”

Another detractor says, “This is a typical problem for you fishermen…. Sharks are smart. If they see a hooked fish struggling, what the hell do you think will happen? Sharks have been attacking Tarpon for years. Change it up…sharks are only doing what they live to do. It’s not rocket science!!”

These sentiments were echoed by the majority of those who commented on Hluben’s post, who believe that anglers and fishermen pose a significant problem in the decline of fish populations in the ocean. This, in turn, often causes sharks to approach boats when they see a fish on the line, making it easy prey.

What cannot be disputed is that there are more sharks off the coast of Florida now than there have been in recent years. However, that increase is not as significant as those out on the open water make it out to be, especially given that shark populations have been decimated over the last several decades.

Sharks Are Increasing in Florida, But From a Depleted Population

According to anglers and fishermen, the problem with sharks taking a hard-earned catch off the line is due to an increased population of sharks in Florida. While it is true that there is an increased shark population in the Sunshine State, according to Hannah Medd, Lead Scientist and founder of the American Shark Conservancy, the population increase is far smaller than what most imagine.

“Some populations of coastal species are increasing; however, they are increasing from such a depleted state that now, instead of having only 10% of the original population, we have 12%,” Medd explains to A-Z Animals. “Which is an increase, but by no means ‘over’ population. Sharks take decades to replace themselves in the population, so for some people who have spent the last 10 years on the water, they are seeing an increase.”

However, according to Medd, “an increase is not the same as ‘too many’.”

What also needs to be taken into account is the number of anglers and fishermen in the waters off Florida’s coast, which has increased exponentially. This, too, adds to the shark activity and an uptick in taking fish off the line in the open ocean.

More Anglers and Fishermen Are Taking to Florida’s Waters Than Ever

For years, Florida has been the most popular state for fishermen and anglers to land a massive catch. The state boasts the “largest recreational harvest” and “largest number of angler trips” on the Atlantic coast, which is where the “majority of recreational fishing trips” are taken.

With that being said, there are more anglers and fishermen than ever enjoying time on the ocean off the coast of Florida. This increase in people on the water has brought more sharks to popular fishing areas, according to Medd, as reflected in the number of licenses registered annually.

“There are more people on the water, more boat registrations than ever, more fishing licenses, the health of the reefs and other habitats is degraded, and other prey species populations are down,” Medd tells A-Z Animals. “So, more people are competing with sharks for fish.”

While there is more competition with sharks for fish, that does not mean it is futile to fish in Florida. However, it does mean that to decrease the chances of shark depredation, there are some steps fishermen and anglers may want to take so that their potential catch does not become a meal for the apex marine animals.

What Can Be Done to Decrease the Chances of Shark Depredation

Understandably, anglers and fishermen are frustrated when sharks take their catch after fighting, sometimes for long periods, to get a fish on the boat. Many times, however, no changes are made to where fishing takes place or how fish are caught. This begins a never-ending cycle of not only anglers and fishermen versus their catch, but also against sharks.

To increase the chances of a successful, shark-free fishing experience, several measures can be taken to deter shark depredation or prevent sharks from taking fish off the line. Some recommendations from experienced fishermen include:

• Move to different fishing spots, as the most popular ones generally have a shark population nearby

• Do not fish near shark hot spots

• Use shark deterrents to give more time to get the fish onboard

• Sharks are attracted to the sonar sound boats emit. Therefore, it is recommended to turn the boat’s engine off when fishing to keep sharks from circling

• Fish in more shallow water where sharks are not known to swim

• Do not use live bait when fishing, as it will attract sharks

• Clean fish on land versus at sea

• Try allowing the fish to free-spool if a shark is chasing

In the case of letting the fish free-spool, this is what Hluben did. However, the fish was too tired to outswim the shark. This means that, no matter how hard anglers and fishermen try, there is no foolproof way to stop sharks from taking the catch off the line.

It is essential to remember that sharks are also hunting in the same waters where those trying to land a massive fish are present. Consequently, there is no way to eliminate sharks. Instead, it is best to remember they are part of the marine environment and will be seen from time to time when fishing. That is why implementing strategies to keep sharks at bay is the best chance fishermen and anglers have for a successful day of fishing in open waters.

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