Fisherman Nearly Knocked Off Kayak By Ramming Shark

“Never let a shark get between you and a good fish or should i say i got myself between a shark and a good fish. I survived and even got the dorado in the hatch without paying any shark taxes apart from the bite marks on the ski!” -Jos Kemp

Wild run in between a kayak fisherman and blacktip shark that nearly resulted in a man overboard. Jos Kemp had fish on and was making headway on landing it when blacktip shark came outta nowhere in pursuit of his fish and ended up ramming the side of his boat with enough force to nearly send him into the drink. Thankfully for Jos, he was able to maintain his balance, stay in the boat and land the fish. In the comment section he was asked how he kept his composure during the ordeal and he had this to say:

“They don’t eat fibreglass. If i did not stay on I would have been worried.”

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The blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) is a fascinating species known for its distinctive black markings on the tips of its fins. Here are some notable facts about blacktip sharks:

Physical Characteristics: Blacktip sharks are medium-sized sharks, typically reaching lengths of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) and weighing around 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms). They have slender bodies with a gray or bluish-gray coloration on the upper side and a white underside.
Distribution: They are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean. They are particularly common in the coastal waters of Florida, USA.
Feeding Habits: Blacktip sharks are opportunistic predators and primarily feed on small bony fish like mullet and sardines. They are known for their spectacular feeding behavior called “breaching,” where they leap out of the water to catch prey.
Social Behavior: Blacktip sharks are social animals and often form small groups or schools. They are known to exhibit a hierarchical structure within their groups.
Reproduction: They are viviparous, which means they give birth to live young. The gestation period lasts for about 10 to 12 months, and a female can give birth to 4 to 10 pups at a time.
Conservation Status: The blacktip shark is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Overfishing and habitat destruction are the primary threats to their populations.
Human Interaction: Blacktip sharks are known for their acrobatic displays and are a popular attraction for ecotourism. However, they can be potentially dangerous if provoked or cornered, like most shark species.
Ecological Importance: As predators, blacktip sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by regulating the populations of their prey species.

Blacktip sharks are fascinating creatures with their striking appearance and behavior. Understanding and conserving these sharks is essential for the health of our oceans.