How to…catch a shark by the tail, OceansIQ style.

Since we are talking about catching and tagging tiger sharks, I thought I would show everyone how to catch a tiger (shark) by the tail.

Note: don't try this at home, kids!

As the saying goes, there is more than one way to skin a cat, but in this case catch a tiger shark. 

Richard Fitzpatrick waiting for a tiger shark to arrive, with 'The Claw' in hand

Although we use traditional hook and line methods to catch tiger sharks, we also use our unique “claw” method when sharks are in large numbers at Raine Island. The method involves attaching our custom designed claw to a pole (held in by a rubber fitting) and tying the claw off to a rope and buoy. 

'The Claw' gently snaps shuts around the Tiger Shark's tail, tying the 
shark to a long rope and a floating buoy

When a shark is busy feeding on bait or a dead turtle that happens to be floating in the ocean (which is a common occurrence at Raine Island), we sneak up on it in a small boat and push the claw on to the tail of the tiger. The claw snaps shut and the tiger tries to swim off, which pulls the claw free from the pole and the float and buoy follow. The shark, realising it can’t swim, gives up and hangs in the water column. We then bring the shark next to the boat for the tagging procedure. 

Check out this video to see "The Claw" in action!