Good news, bad news - good news is i caught the 2nd biggest fish of my life, bad news is that it was a shark.
Ive been targeting Tarpon the last month or so, no success yet but feel I’m learning. Before this year i had never really used a cast net, so first part of process was figuring that out and finding bait. couldnt find anything in my usual spots in and off the waterway. Got down to SI point, about 1/4 mile putside of the waterway and big menhaden were busting all over the place. Now, I’m no Captain Fritz with my cast net, but after a few throws I had the livewell filled with the biggest Menhaden I have seen, as big or bigger than my hand.
Went to a spot, couple of rods out with lead, one float. Lost a big fish after 20 mins or so, almost certainly a shark, then hooked up again 15 mins later. took about 25 mins to get it on on heavy tackle.
65# braid ML, 100# mono leader, a couple of very long runs. Finally got it up next to the boat and the (**() thing was nearly as long as me, 6’. I could see the hook in its mouth but I really didn’t want to get my hand too close to that mouth, snipped the line. Would anyone try and remove the hook from a fish like that? i kinda felt bad about leaving the hook there.
While I was fighting that fish my the other rod went off. By the time i could get to that rod whatever was on wasn’t anymore. A couple more smaller sharks and decided to move.
Cruised up N Jetty, looking for any signs of tarpon - loads of baitfish, diving birds, but couldn’t see any activity. Tried a few spots, cruised down S jetty and fished around submerged area, nothing except a couple more sharks.
I know sharks are ‘trash’ fish, but man, that big one was a lot of fun. Looking forward to cooler weather and getting back into artificial and creek fishing.
cheers
I’m not a Dr, those are my initials and I cant edit my user name. Please do not contact me regarding medical issues 
