This story originally ran in our Dec./Jan. '05-'06 issue. We're posting it here in slide show format to bring you never-before-seen outtakes from Bill Decker's shoot that we couldn't publish in the magazine. If you'd like to go flyfishing for mako sharks, contact Captains Conway Bowman and David Trimble of Bowman Bluewater, (619) 822-6256.
For the last fifty years or so, adventurers and entrepreneurs have pushed the boundaries of fly fishing far beyond trout and salmon in North America and Europe. First came saltwater fly fishing and bonefish, tarpon and striped bass. Then the waters of Patagonia and New Zealand became hotbeds for adventurous troutists. Billy Pate and a handful of others realized one could tempt billfish with a fly. Soon after, salmon anglers discovered the Kola Peninsula, steelheaders the rich waters of Kamchatka. And a host of new species-from roosterfish to peacock bass to taimen-came to be viewed as legitimate fly rod species. It's safe to say that with a recent trip to Borneo, Ralph Cutter has pushed the boundaries of fly fishing travel to a whole different level. A much lower level. Read through the slide show at right to hear his story. Editor's Note: This story is an excerpt from the book 50 Favorite Fly-fishing Tales by Chris Santella, published by Stewart, Tabori, & Chang. Click here for more information.
Brendan Mason, a software developer from Seattle, Washinton, caught this enormous mako shark while fishing with Capt. David Trimble of Bowman Bluewater off the coast near San Diego, California. Trimble estimated the shark at 11 feet long and well over 600 pounds. Click through the slides at right for the whole story. More Reader Snapshots: August 2006 July 2006 June 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 Check it out ... Salt Water Sportsman magazine also has pics of the shark fight up on their site. SaltWaterSportsman.com