About Florida Shark Rodeo
U.S.-Caught Sharks Are a Sustainable Food Choice
Featured Artist
Florida Shark Rodeo
Welcome to the Florida Shark Rodeo, an annual event that celebrates the rich marine heritage of the Sunshine State while showcasing the unique relationship between sharks and fishermen. Held against the backdrop of Florida's pristine coastal waters, this tournament stands as a testament to the responsible stewardship of
Florida Shark Rodeo
Welcome to the Florida Shark Rodeo, an annual event that celebrates the rich marine heritage of the Sunshine State while showcasing the unique relationship between sharks and fishermen. Held against the backdrop of Florida's pristine coastal waters, this tournament stands as a testament to the responsible stewardship of our oceans and the flourishing ecosystem that thrives beneath the waves.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the delicate balance between sharks and humans, fueled by concerns about declining shark populations worldwide. However, here in the United States, particularly in Florida, a different narrative unfolds. Thanks to stringent conservation efforts and sustainable fishing practices, the biomass of sharks in U.S. waters has reached a healthy level, offering a glimmer of hope amidst global challenges.
The Florida Shark Rodeo serves as a platform to highlight this success story, bringing together anglers, scientists, and conservationists to celebrate the resurgence of shark populations in our coastal waters. With a focus on education and awareness, the tournament seeks to foster a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures and their vital role in maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems.
Participants from across the state converge on the tournament grounds, eager to test their skills against some of the ocean's most formidable predators. From seasoned veterans to eager newcomers, anglers of all levels come together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie.
But amidst the thrill of the chase, there is a profound respect for the creatures they pursue. Strict guidelines ensure that all sharks caught during the tournament are handled with care, with a strong emphasis on catch-and-release practices. Each shark is carefully measured, tagged, and returned to the water, allowing future generations to continue the legacy of this iconic species.
As the sun sets on another successful Florida Shark Rodeo, participants depart with memories of thrilling battles and newfound appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. But beyond the trophies and accolades, the true legacy of the tournament lies in its commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the ongoing conservation efforts that ensure the continued prosperity of sharks in our waters.
Featured Artist
U.S.-Caught Sharks Are a Sustainable Food Choice
Featured Artist
Steph Stinch
Steph Stinch's artistic prowess has garnered recognition once again, as she has been chosen as the featured artist for the prestigious Florida Shark Rodeo in 2024. This honor underscores her standing in the artistic community and her unique ability to capture the essence of Florida's coastal life. As the designated artis
Steph Stinch
Steph Stinch's artistic prowess has garnered recognition once again, as she has been chosen as the featured artist for the prestigious Florida Shark Rodeo in 2024. This honor underscores her standing in the artistic community and her unique ability to capture the essence of Florida's coastal life. As the designated artist for this event, Steph Stich will undoubtedly bring her distinctive style and passion for marine themes to the forefront, enriching the Florida Shark Rodeo with her talent and creativity.
Steph Stinch, born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, has a deep-rooted connection to the Atlantic ocean, having spent her formative years fishing, boating, diving, surfing, and beachcombing. This affinity for tropical environments ignited her artistic journey, initially leading her down the path of photography. She pursued her passion further, earning a BFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography.
Her academic pursuits eventually guided her towards becoming an Art teacher, where her love for drawing and painting blossomed. Around 2018, she delved into her own artistic endeavors, honing her style primarily in alcohol ink, acrylics, and wood burning techniques.
Since then, Steph Stinch has made her mark in numerous shows and projects, showcasing her talents in various venues and exhibitions. Some notable highlights include:
- The Box Gallery
- The Lake Worth Street Painting Festival (participation for the past 7 years)
- FDOT traffic box wrap
- Howleys
- Art Wars
- The Lake Worth Unity Wall Mural
- Art Exhibitions at PBAU (Palm Beach Atlantic University)
- The Marina Event Center
- Hatch 1121
- BRK wine bar
- The Boynton Beach Cultural Center
- Participation in the South Florida Fair
- Various exhibitions with both the Lake Worth Art League and the Artists of Palm Beach County
Additionally, Steph has left her artistic imprint through multiple interior and exterior murals, further solidifying her presence in the local art scene.
My art can currently be seen and purchased online at
Http://Www.instagram.com/stephstinchart
And on Facebook at @stephstinchart
U.S.-Caught Sharks Are a Sustainable Food Choice
U.S.-Caught Sharks Are a Sustainable Food Choice
U.S.-Caught Sharks Are a Sustainable Food Choice
October 22, 2019
While overfishing has greatly depleted some shark populations overseas, U.S. shark fisheries are some of the most sustainable in the world.
As you scan the seafood counter in search of new foods, keep a look out for U.S.-caught shark. That’s right—seafood consumers concerned about the environmental impact of eating shark
October 22, 2019
While overfishing has greatly depleted some shark populations overseas, U.S. shark fisheries are some of the most sustainable in the world.
As you scan the seafood counter in search of new foods, keep a look out for U.S.-caught shark. That’s right—seafood consumers concerned about the environmental impact of eating shark can rest assured. Finding sustainable products is as simple as asking where it was harvested.
“U.S. shark fishermen work under some of the most robust environmental standards in the world,” said Randy Blankinship, a fisheries management specialist who leads the group in charge of safeguarding shark populations in the Atlantic. “Their decades of stewardship should be recognized at the market.”
It’s a common misconception that all sharks are endangered. It’s true that overfishing, habitat loss, and other practices have greatly depleted some shark populations overseas. But that’s not the case in the United States. In fact, none of the 43 Atlantic shark species managed by NOAA Fisheries are listed as endangered in U.S. waters under the Endangered Species Act. Oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead—which fishermen are either prohibited from harvesting or allowed to keep only in limited situations—are listed as threatened.
Several commercially in-demand species have actually experienced population growth in recent decades as a result of the United States’ science-based management. The number of blacktip sharks in the Gulf of Mexico was on the decline into the 1990s, for example. Their tasty meat made them the target of many shark fishermen.
We established a quota specifically for this population in 2015. That combined with retention limits tied to other commercially valuable species contributed to a higher population today than the target level set by scientists.
Farther north, management measures for spiny dogfish also allowed the population to grow. That stock has been fully rebuilt since 2010.
There are a handful of overfished Atlantic shark stocks, as well as populations that are being fished down faster than they can reproduce. As with Gulf of Mexico blacktip and spiny dogfish, we’ve implemented management measures to end overfishing and rebuild populations for each of these species. Less than 2 percent of commercial landings in 2018 came from overfished stocks largely because of these measures.
Sandbar sharks are a good example of ongoing rebuilding efforts. Known for their appetizing meat and large fins, this moderately-sized shark had been a primary target of Atlantic shark fishermen for decades. That demand contributed to the stock becoming overfished, which was confirmed in a 2006 stock assessment. We responded by significantly lowering the allowable catch. Today, only 5–7 vessels participating in a unique research fishery are allowed to keep a limited number of sandbar sharks each year.
Thanks to these measures, the population of sandbar sharks is on the rise. According to the most recent stock assessment, the population—measured as biomass—increased yearly from 2009 to 2015.
“Balancing the health of fish populations with our nation’s demand for quality seafood and recreational fishing opportunity is at the heart of our management approach,” said Blankinship. “With science-based measures and strong enforcement, we are able to protect and rebuild shark populations while providing commercial and recreational fishermen with as many opportunities to fish as possible.”
More Information
Florida Shark Rodeo Rules
RULES
HMS Permit
All competing boat owners/operators are required to possess a valid HMS Permit, with Shark Endorsement. This permit covers all team members aboard each vessel.
Required HMS Permit, with Shark Endorsement can be obtained at hmspermits.noaa.gov. The process takes approximately 45min, and costs $26.
Fishing License
All participation anglers must possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License, where required.
Divisions
The Florida Shark Rodeo will consist of an individual onshore division, and a team offshore division. Same rules apply to both divisions.
Eligible Fish
All sharks are eligible, Once the shark takes the bait and the reel is engaged only one angler can touch the rod and reel and catch the fish for them to score.
Fishing Regulations
All anglers/captains must comply with state and federal boating and fishing regulations with appropriate licenses and necessary documentation.
Chumming
No chumming/fishing before 7am (Lines in).
Tackle/Gear
Rod and reel only, electric reels are not permitted. Only in-line, non-stainless circle hooks are permitted. Only ONE hook can be used per rig. Any size leader configuration is allowable. There are no restrictions for line tests.
Best Practices
It is suggested that there is video taken on more than one phone or GoPro. It is suggested that a brief video of the hook up, and release are documented in the event there is a protest of any kind to be used as evidence.
Release
Anglers are encouraged to “quick release”, NO handling of the shark is permitted, only the leader may be touched prior to release. Wire leader should be cut close to the hook as possible. The shark’s gills must always remain wet.
Boundaries
Fishing boundaries are to include all waters surrounding the State of Florida, excluding designated swim areas. Captains are expected to stay well clear of any dive boats or known areas where people swim and assume all liability for their decisions.
Weather
There is no weather committee. Fishing is up to the decision of the captains who assume all liability for their decisions.
Disqualification
Any team that purposely kills a shark by any method will be disqualified.
Protest
Any protest concerning the conduct of the angler or team with a rules violation must be filed in writing with the Tournament Committee the day of the alleged violation, no later than 6pm. A refundable fee of $500 is required with proof of said violation.
Scoring & Check-in
Whichever team catches the most Sharks is eligible to place.1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be awarded. Scoring is based off the successful catch and release of any Sharks. Each qualifying catch video uploaded to Florida Shark Rodeo App will count as 100 points.
Catch
A qualifying catch counts ONLY with Video evidence. Video must include entire shark boat side with leader in hand and supplied key identifier. Video MUST then be uploaded to Florida Shark Rodeo immediately after release to qualify.
There are no shark size limitations. Sharks hooked before 3pm and caught afterward count, ONLY with timestamped photo/video evidence prior to lines-out, 3pm. Team results are to be uploaded (with-in cell range) to Florida Shark Rodeo App no later than 8:00pm to qualify.
Video
Each video taken will be individually approved by Tournament Committee, and that the video taken is identifiable as a shark. Tournament Committee can approve or deny any submission for any reason.
Key Identifier
A key identifier will be messaged to you…or write the key identifier word on any teammates hand or piece of paper. The key identifier must be pictured in the video of the shark to be uploaded. Key Identifier will change each fishing day. You will be sent a message via text, and through the App the day of with what the Key Identifier is for that day.
Tie
In the event of a tie, the last shark caught first wins. This timing will be based off when the qualifying photo is uploaded to the app. Honor system expected.
Polygraph
Winning teams will be subject to a polygraph test. Keep in mind, at least one team member must remain alcohol-free/sober to take this test.
Payouts
Taxes & Fees: A 10% administration fee is deducted from all optional jackpots, so the NET prize money payout on all categories is 90% of gross fees. All monies won in the tournament are subject to taxing and you will receive a 1099 form from Fly Zone Fishing, LLC and will be asked to execute a W-9 and wire transfer information. Please expect a 30-day or less from the date of receiving the needed paperwork to processing period to receive any cash winnings. Winners will be paid via wire transfer only; no wire fees apply.