August 7, 2025 — Sharks seem to be making their way closer and closer to shore nowadays. They’re stripping some fishermen of their livelihoods.
Sharks are snapping up fish before they can even be reeled in. Shark depredation is happening all along the Gulf. Some say this could have a negative impact on Florida’s whole tourism industry, which relies heavily on fishing.
John Pouncey is a Destin charter boat captain. He takes clients out to catch all types of sea life, but now more than ever, he says sharks are ruining the fun.
“And nothing can be any more heartbreaking than having these people come out here with the determination to catch these fish, you get them all the way up to the boat, and then all of a sudden, you know, a 300-pound bull shark just crushes it and rips it in half,” Pouncey said.