In a lead up to this years’ Yarmouth Shark Scramble, a life-size replica of the record-setting mako shark caught during the 2004 Yarmouth Shark Scramble has been installed at Rudder’s Wharf on the Yarmouth waterfront.
The shortfin mako shark was caught on rod and reel on Aug 21, 2004, by Jamie Doucette aboard the Pembroke Princess, captained by Bernard Tedford. The crew consisted of Tedford’s wife Rosemary, his daughter Delores Doucette, son-in-law Jamie Doucette, Donovan Cunningham and Terry Bullerwell.
The shark weighed in at 1,084.28 pounds (491.92 kg), had a dressed weight of 838.86 pounds (380.5 kg), was 11.2 feet in length (342 cm), seven-feet around and 21 years old, setting the Canadian record for the largest mako ever landed.
The fibreglass life-size replica was made by Brown’s Taxidermy in Florida.
“It’s been a long time in the works, getting this shark ready,” said Bob Gavel, co-founder of the Scramble, at the unveiling of the replica on June 18. Members of the Shark Scramble committee from over the years and some of the Pembroke Princess crew were in attendance at the unveiling.
This year’s Scramble, scheduled for Aug. 17 to 20, will mark the 24th year since the Scramble was started and the 23rd year it’s been held. It was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Gavel said organizers are encouraging registrations for the Scramble “as soon as possible so we know what we’re dealing with so we know what we need on the waterfront for crew and volunteers.”
An average of 15 boats have participated in the last few tournaments, said Gavel. “We can take as many as we can get,” he said.
This year’s Scramble will be more like the pre-pandemic years said Gavel with “a lot of waterfront activities, science will be here, education for the children and adults, fish ponds, touch tanks hopefully.”
Gavel said there has been a tremendous turnout for sponsorship of this year’s Scramble.
“It’s always been a blessing for us. It’s really supported by this community,” he said.
Only three blue sharks at a minimum of eight feet in length are allowed to be landed per vessel during the scramble. Other shark caught are tagged and released with shark tagging kits provided by DFO Science. A maximum of four fishing rods can be used per vessel at any one time. Maximum line strength cannot exceed 200-pound test.
For further information or to register, visit www.yarmouthsharkscramble.com
