SHARK SURE: Heusser
with his security whip. PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
The SHARK SHIELD
SAVIOR OR SECURITY BLANKET?
THE SHARK SHIELD is marketed as portable peace of mind, an electronic deterrent that protects against all preda- tory shark species. The system consists of a head unit housing a waveform generator and rechargeable lithium battery, trailing a whip-like antenna. According to the manu- facturer, the unit’s electrical field irritates an approaching shark’s prey-sensing organs, causing it to veer away. While slow to catch on in the States, over 20,000 Shark Shields have been sold in the Southern Hemisphere according to Dennis Spike, the company’s North American sales representative. In addition to commercial divers and recreationalists, the Shark Shield is used by the South African and Australian militaries, the U.S. Coast Guard and has been issued a NATO stock number, implying credibility. Yet, the Shark Shield has its doubt-
ers. The company itself admits it isn’t fail proof.
“It must be remembered that all sharks are dangerous and unpredictable crea- tures, and therefore a 100 percent guar- antee cannot be given. It is impossible to guarantee that all sharks will be deterred under all circumstances,” a company
representative said when fending off a lawsuit over the death of a young diver. Detractors can’t resist mentioning an infamous incident that occurred during Natal Sharks Board testing, when a 15- foot great white devoured a unit attached to a buoy.
“Great whites can detect vibrations and electrical fields in the water from quite a distance. We commonly have them gnaw on our boat’s outdrive, which gives off a faint field due to electrolysis. Sharks might be initially attracted to the Shark
SHARK TALK
“Uh, Steven, something big is coming up on your six. It’s as long as your boat.” —Kayak Angler editor Paul Lebowitz to Steven C. Heusser off Kona, Hawaii, as a large tiger shark stalked the videographer. Heusser deployed his Shark Shield and the tiger sank out.
Shield output, and then deterred once they are closer. It’s possible for a shark to hang around on the fringe of the field. If the battery runs low or dies sharks might then move in,” says Sean Van Sommeran of the Pelagic Shark Research Founda- tion. Then he softens his stance, saying it “can’t hurt” to employ the Shark Shield even if only for psychological relief. “I wouldn’t recommend anyone buy a Shark Shield and go out to boogie board the Farallones, though.”
www.sharkshield. com; $600 and up.
BULLSEYEon the BEAN
38 …KAYAK ANGLER SPRING 2011
BEAN HOLLOW is a picture perfect cove on the rural coast of southern San Mateo County, California. The white sand state beach drops quickly to rocky depths filled with underwater boulders and drop-offs. Only a half hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area or Santa Cruz, the Bean gets little fishing pressure from power boaters, and features very good, often fantastic fishing for big rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and halibut. When the swell is down, Bean Hollow could be described as the perfect Northern California fishing destination. For local kayak anglers, the Bean is known as the sharkiest spot imaginable. NorCal Kayak Angler members count at least two drive-bys and two documented strikes on fishing kayaks in the past three years. That makes it the black diamond smack in the middle of the famed red triangle. Planning a visit?
www.parks.ca.gov.
PHOTO: BILL PENNINGTON
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