So I’m curious whether anyone here has participated in the annual Blacktip Challenge down in South Florida. I’ve got a couple guys that are looking to form a team and I’m interested in hearing the experience from prior participants.
-is the tournament well-run?
-is surf fishing in South Florida for sharks all that different than it is here in Charleston?
-is shark fishing for 72 straight hours as fun as it sounds? I’m sure there are negatives that you don’t think about until you’re actually doing it…what are they?
-what are items you suggest bringing to the tournament you might not normally think about?
-do most of the teams fish around the clock or do they take breaks during the day?
-As we’re not familiar with the beaches in that area, is it difficult to find good spots?
Any other information that you think would be relevant for someone planning to participate would be greatly appreciated. I’m aware that they are not allowing kayaking this year and that it will just be casting from the beach. Thanks again for any ■■■■■■■■.
Check out the Blacktiph on youtube. Ive been watching them for a few years and have actually communicated with Josh. Seems like a very legit and well run program.
We’ve competed in 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2013 we got 2nd place biggest Blacktip and largest on spinning gear.
It is a very well run event and worth the experience every time. Keep in mind this year is entirely different as it is only casted gear and held a month later than usual. Big waves and winter storms often made it very difficult to run baits and be outside around the clock. Last year we didn’t leave the beach once the event started. It gets cold. Very cold. Make sure you have warm gear. However this year since the tournament revolves around blacktips you don’t need to fish all night. Blacktips are more active during the day. You’ll have to find a beach with bait and that’s a good place to start.
Josh is a friend and we’ve talked about this upcoming event on several occasions. It is a great way to branch out to a different type of angler while keeping it shark based, yet weeding out those who trash the beaches and ultimately lack respect for the sport as they only want the hammers.
Feel free to reach out to me, 631-553-6301 and I can tell you about our experiences in our 20+ FL road trips and tournament experiences
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