Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 November 1877 — Catching Sharks in Florida. [ARTICLE]

Catching Sharks in Florida.

A correspondent sends us the following novel and effective method of capturing sharks, as practiced successfully at Mayport, a watering-place at the mouth of the St. John’s: “ I procured a tight half-barrel, around which was lashed a strong rope, to which was attached three feet of chain and a shark hook, baited with a fat mullet. Securing my line to the apparatus, I moored it just outside of the breakers, and returned in my boat to the shore. Sharks are numerous and hungry in this section, and I did not have to wait long for a customer. It would done your heart good, Col. Thompson, to have witnessed the extraordinary gambols performed by that barrel. It appeared to have been imbued with life, and rolled, tossed and pitched in the most fantastic manner. Anon the blade-like dorsal fin of the monster would cleave the surface, while his muscular tail would lash the water into foam. I awaited the result with composure, feeling assured that the violent efforts of my captive would soon exhaust his powers. Finally his strength succumbed, and I drew him on to the shore with scarcely any exertion. The specimen was a fine one, and weighed between 200 and 300 pounds. I caught a smaller one six feet long the same afternoon, and hooked a ‘tarpon,’ which escaped by leaping clear out of the water, thereby detaching the hook. My method has stood the test of experiment, and I hereby give notice that I shall apply for a patent.”— Savannah News.