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 ...

Grand Championship This Weekend!

The weekend has a full slate of activities for the public including a line-up of internationally recognized speakers on Friday, May 21, a day full of sharky activities for children and adults in Mote Aquarium on Saturday, May 22, and, of course, the final round of the all-catch and release Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge taking place Saturday and finishing up on Sunday, May 23.

During the competition Saturday and Sunday, video of the fishing and tagging action will be shown throughout each day in Mote Aquarium's Immersion Cinema. The Friday afternoon program will be open to the public with limited seating available, and the Saturday and Sunday activities are free for all Mote Aquarium visitors. Read Full Press Release ...

Press Release & Bull Tagging Video

We've all been busy this past couple of weeks since the Qualifying Round in preparation for the Championship, and this press release from Mote clearly demonstrates the true scope of this tournament, and especially the Grand Championship.

We've heard AND seen some very productive reports from teams pre-fishing the event. There have been some impressive bull sharks and numerous great hammers caught and released so we're looking forward to playing with the sharks one more time before it's all over. Be sure and tell your friends about the Championship Weekend. There's going to be a lot to do and see while we're out on the water.

One thing before the press release. We were able to capture some great footage during the Qualifier, and this quick video sequence was initially prepared for the media. However! We wanted to share it with all of you here. Check it out and be sure to pass it along.

Catch-and-Release Shark Tournament Series finale will include fun and informative events for adults and kids

For Immediate Release: 5-17-10 (please read to end for details)

Sharks and more sharks are on tap at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota this Friday through Sunday where the final round of the Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge kicks off on Friday.

The weekend has a full slate of activities for the public including a line-up of internationally recognized speakers on Friday, May 21, a day full of sharky activities for children and adults in Mote Aquarium on Saturday, May 22, and, of course, the final round of the all-catch and release Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge taking place Saturday and finishing up on Sunday, May 23.

Read Entire Press Release

Gaff Magazine - The GH-USC

This is a digital version of the magazine. Please advance to page 44 when you arrive at the issue.

Gaff Magazine / The Guy Harvey Ultimate Shark Challenge