The biggest fish I've ever caught on a hand line was a tarpon. However, I've caught many bonefish on hand line, and I find that they routinely fight harder (pound for pound) than any tarpon, mutton snapper, stingray, barracuda, or shark I've ever had on a hand line. I grew up hand lining, and still think of it as an art form much like fly fishing.

357, bull sharks in particular secrete uric acid through their skin. It is rumored to make the meat taste like urine. I have had thresher and it was fine, but word on the beach says not to eat bulls.

Nurse shark, however, tastes like lobster meat. It is one of the tastiest fish in the ocean (if you're a fan of the taste/flavor of shellfish).

When I was first learning how to properly cast a hand line, I caught myself a few times. Also caught the stroller of my sleeping baby... didnt wake him up though.

I carry a handline like the kid has in the pic in my carryon bag every time I fly. Always have it handy, as it is quite fun to throw around new waterways. Even though I love fly fishing, its always fun to throw a big piece of bait out and see what lurks below.

Incidentally, Bull Sharks produce urea in their liver and the amount is directly related to the salinity of the water it is in. They can swim far up river (in the US going as far as Minnesota!) and so are comfortable in fresh water.

It may be that the canal environment is such that the sharks don't produce as much urea and that killing and cleaning them quickly further reduces the amount of urea getting in contact with the meat.