Model of Record Catch to be Unveiled at Yarmouth Shark Scramble
A life-sized replica of the record setting mako shark caught during the 2004 Yarmouth Shark Scramble will soon be on display at Rudder’s Wharf on the Yarmouth waterfront.
“We just ordered it yesterday,” said Bob Gavel, co-founder of the Yarmouth Shark Scramble.
The short-fin mako shark, caught by Jamie Doucette, weighed in at 1,084.28 pounds, was 11’4” in length, 7’ around and 21 years old, setting the Canadian record for the largest Mako ever landed.
The fibreglass, life-sized replica is being made in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Plans are to mount and display it at Rudder’s Wharf in time for this year’s Yarmouth Shark Scramble, slated for Aug. 14 to 17.
“It will probably be on display eight months of the year and stored in the winter months,” said Gavel.
This year marks the 21st year for the Yarmouth Shark Scramble. Gavel said he expects another good turn out. “I already have the same amount of boats committed now as I did last year and I’m actually expecting a higher number of participants in the boats.”
Last year, 15 vessels carrying 138 participants competed in the Scramble, landing 45 blue sharks, with 77 sharks tagged and released. Only three blue sharks can be landed per vessel with a minimum length of eight feet. Teams compete to catch the largest shark or largest weight of a single shark. Fishing is done by rod and reel. First, second and third place prizes will be given out for the largest sharks.
Tag and release will be done again this year. All catch information is reported to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for scientific research and all sharks that are caught and released are tagged to help with future science. During the weigh-in, scientists are present on the wharf taking samples.
The boats will set sail at Noon on Aug. 14 for the fishing grounds, returning to port by midnight on Aug. 16 for the noon-time weigh-in on Aug. 17 on the Yarmouth waterfront behind Rudders Restaurant and Brew Pub at 96 Water Street.
The fun begins at 9 a.m. with numerous children’s activities on tap in the Rudder’s tent. Last year’s weigh-in attracted upwards of 700 spectators. All are welcome to attend.
The scramble wraps up with the awards presentations and a dance that evening. Almost $15,000 in trophies, awards and prizes were given out last year, said Gavel, adding that once again a Honda ATV donated by Leonard C. Comeau Honda in Saulnierville will be the grand prize.
Gavel said the Shark Scramble gets a lot of support from the community, which in turn is given back to local charities by the Yarmouth Shark Scramble Committee. “Whatever money we have left, we put it back into the community. Last year we gave out a lot of funds,” he said.
Registration to participate in the scramble will be taken up until the tournament and can be done by emailing cadfitz2@gmail.com or calling or visiting TriNav Marine Brokers on Starrs Road in Yarmouth (902-742-1922), a major sponsor of the event.
Thistle Hyundai, Yarmouth Nissan, West Nova Fuels, Vernon d’Eon Fishing Supplies and Rudders Seafood Restaurant and Brew Pub are also major, long-term sponsors of the event.
