Observer Program Training Dates Set

The date for the USC Certified Observer Training has been scheduled for April 9th, 2011 from 9am to 1pm at the Laishley Park Meeting Room located at Laishly Marina in downtown Punta Gorda.

For anyone interested in learning more about what this important and exciting role in the Ultimate Shark Challenge requires or if you're ready to apply, the observer application can be viewed, downloaded and submitted here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

For those who have already applied, we appreciate you doing so. As we draw closer to the training date, we'll be providing additional information about what to expect and how to prepare for the session.

2011 USC Observer Program Underway

The Certified GH-USC Observer Program is one of the critical components that distinguish this Next Generation Shark-Release Tournament as the innovative leader and credible standout of the industry. Our mission to combine the goals of sport, science and conservation would not be met without it, and the bottom line is you won't find another hands-on program like this anywhere in the sporting world. Along with our partners and volunteers, we're proud to be the ones keeping this important leading edge in responsible competitive angling sharp and effective.

That brings us to the matter at hand. We'd like to thank all those who stepped up to be trained and certified as our first graduating class of USC Observers in 2010. We've already heard from many of you that we'll see you again in 2011. With the tournament expanding this year, we're happy to have you back, along with those of you interested in joining us for the first time.

We're also pleased to have Dr. Bob Hueter and the Mote Center for Shark Research staff on board again as our chief science and research partners. Among the many important contributions made by them is the expert training they assist us in providing to all our observer applicants. Without a doubt, the training is world class and second to none.

For anyone interested in learning more about what this important and exciting role requires or if you're ready to apply, the observer application can be viewed, downloaded and submitted here. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

In the meantime, all the best. We look forward to seeing you soon ...
GH-USC Creators & Directors: Sean Paxton, Brooks Paxton II, Captain Robert Moore

GH-USC Miami Herald Article

SARASOTA - Theater-goers at this southwest Florida marine attraction and research laboratory (Mote) were attending a rare event: an all catch-and-release, big-money, science-centered shark fishing tournament broadcast from the water.

 Photo: Sue Cocking / Miami Herald Staff

The scientists on the big screen -- Robert Hueter, director of Mote's Center for Shark Research, and colleagues Jack Morris and John Tyminski -- were busy fitting the shark with a satellite tracking tag the size of a large cigar. After they finished drilling and secured the tag, they removed a lasso from around the shark's tail and set it free. It hovered disoriented on the surface for a few seconds, then swam away.

"Outstanding,'' Hueter said later.

Read Full Article ...

GH-USC Washington Post

We were joined on the water, during the qualifying round, by Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post Staff Writer. We'd like to thank her for making the trip down from Washington to cover the tournament and share this story with the many Washington Post readers around the world.

L-R: Brooks Paxton II, Sean Paxton, Juliet Eilperin, Bob Hueter

PUNTA GORDA, FLA. -- Most shark tournaments follow a similar ritual: Contestants haul up sharks and bring them back to the dock, where the by now dead animals are weighed and measured so judges can declare a winner. But in the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge, which had a qualifying competition earlier this month and will culminate in a final round of fishing this weekend, the sharks get away with their lives.

The idea of catching sharks and freeing them for entertainment is a new twist on the old sport -- the latest effort by conservationists and scientists to protect dwindling shark populations.

Read Entire Article ...

Grand Championship Winner Announced!

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge wrapped up Sunday at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium with the presentation of a $10,000 grand prize check to team Pole Dancer.

But the real winners in this all-release shark fishing tournament were the sharks, said the organizers, scientists, anglers and conservationists who came together to create a successful event.

The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge was designed to be a "next generation" model for shark fishing competitions that supported shark protection while still providing spectators and anglers a thrilling event. Read Full Press Release ...