Off to catch some sharks August 13 -16

By Carla Allen

FOR THE SOU’WESTER

Insight into the world of sharks is a valuable offshoot of the annual Yarmouth, N.S. Shark Scramble, which will be held from Aug. 13 to 16 this year.

At last year’s captains’ meeting, for instance, participants were presented with some of the information that the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) has collected from the Shark Scramble over the years.

Shark Scramble coordinator John Boudreau says competitors catch, tag and release smaller sharks to assist researchers.

“We tagged 125 sharks last year with satellite tags,” he says. “Last year they (BIO) had a map at the captains’ meeting and they showed us how far some of the sharks went. They tracked one 1,500 miles from Yarmouth heading east. It was quite interesting.”

The Shark Scramble has evolved over the past 10 years to become a better fit for fishermen, now with optional departure times and two-day time periods in which to catch sharks. Participants have the option of departing right after the captain’s meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 15.

“They don’t have to go out, come back, go back out and come back in the two-day tournament,” says Boudreau.

“They had to go so far, it’s a fuel issue for one thing. They can take their time and there’s a window of opportunity for weather and safety.”

A lot of fishermen who used to go out on smaller vessels have opted to join others on bigger boats.

“It’s more comfortable and the other guys need help to pay for the fuel and such. They all chip in. You have to go so far and in a small boat you can only go out a short ways,” Boudreau says.

Because the rules only allow one shark per person now, less are being caught, however more weight is being recorded because the sharks are bigger.

The event has served as a fundraiser for several organizations over the years, raising a total of $70,000.

There will be live music and a beer garden in the tent on Rudders wharf on Thursday, Aug. 14 starting at 9 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. the Systems Care Trivia Challenge will be held on the waterfront. At 9 p.m. live music begins and the beer garden will be open.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. family events will be held in conjunction with the Children’s Wish Foundation. At 1 p.m. the shark weigh-in begins and at 7:30 p.m. the award ceremony begins in the big tent.

Prizes will be similar to those awarded in years past. For every 20 pounds of shark caught, competitors receive an extra ballot for the grand prize, which is awarded in a unique draw.

During the elimination event 20 names are drawn for prizes starting at $100, climbing to $1,500 ($10,000 total). The 20th person wins the grand prize of a trip for two to a southern destination.