Fishing off Sanibel Island here in Florida was always adventure. Often I would reel in tiny sharks. Those little buggers I reeled in were more adorable than menacing. Still, the idea of getting caught by a real shark gave me chills, reminding me to stick to fishing and avoid becoming their toothy punchline. According to CBS News, there's a couple of guys here in the sunshine state that I really don't envy right now. These two individuals recently joined the elite club of "Shark Bite Survivors" in southern Florida.
In Summerland Key, a fisherman found himself on the receiving end of a surprise attack. Reports suggest that a daring shark ventured onto the dock and bit his foot. Talk about an audacious ambush!
Not to be outdone, a 20-year-old daredevil spearfishing in Marathon became the hunted. A hungry shark saw his leg as a delectable treat. He was swiftly transported to a Miami hospital, sharing the terrifying ordeal with the media.
The man, I have now now dubbed Kevin "Shark Bait" Blanco, vividly described the massive gray figure that haunts his nightmares - a bull shark measuring around nine to ten feet and weighing approximately 500 pounds.
Shark bites:
While shark bites are as rare as finding a a shark hosting a cooking show specializing in vegan cuisine, Florida has a peculiar talent for attracting them. In fact, according to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, around 39% of shark bites in the United States occurred in the Sunshine State last year. Move aside, Disney World! Florida's real thrill lies beneath the waves!
So, if you seek an adrenaline rush that will make your heart race, head down to the Florida Keys. Forget roller coasters; here, sharks provide the excitement. Just remember to pack extra band-aids and shark repellent. Happy shark biting, everyone!
Sharks Are Swarming Florida Gulf Coast Beaches
Here's some video that'll make you think twice before swimming to far off in the Gulf. Sharks swarming off this Clearwater Florida beach.
Helicopter footage from the Pasco County Sheriff shows the sharks off Anclote Key, which is a nature preserve in the Tampa / Clearwater area. Each year tarpon show up in huge numbers between Boca Grande and Tampa Bay as they’ve migrated here all the way from Africa and through the Caribbean. The sharks follow behind them. Because to sharks, tarpon are delicious. I've never had tarpon. Is it good? I do love grouper. Do sharks eat grouper, too? I think the sharks in Florida eat everything.
The Pasco County Sheriff helicopter was flying over Anclote Key State Park and took this video. Make sure you share this with your northern friends. We all know the gulf is full of sharks. They don't.
