Hi James,
As to your question “if he is not breaking any game laws I don't have a problem with what he is doing, assuming he is not wasting the fish.”
If you go back and take a look at Mr. Knuckle Dragger’s website, you will see a picture of a 142-pound tarpon he shot.
In Florida, you need a purchase Tarpon Tag to kill a tarpon. Other than to show it off at the dock there is no reason to kill one. Taxidermist only need to the fish’s length and girth measurements to make a mount. And the fish itself is as edible (taste wise) as a bar of soap.
I am certain neither the sandtigers or the big garfish are any more viable as a dinner fare.
Furthermore NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries have sand tiger’s listed as a “species of concern.” Under current Conservation Actions, the “sand tiger shark is managed by the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Under this FMP, it has been illegal to land (both commercially and recreationally) this species or any parts (fins, meat, jaws, etc) on the Atlantic coast of the U.S. since 1997. Several states adopted similar regulations, though Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut have not.”
The 260-pound jewfish (goliath grouper) pictured on his site, last count, that fish is still a Federally protected species.
This guy gives all sportsman (including spearfisherman who truly respect game laws) a bad name.
Walt Stearns
Editor-in-Chief
Underwaterjournal