Anglers up for the challenge of catching a shark in the Gulf of Mexico can

now register for the June 5 “Are You Man Enough Shark Challenge 5 brought to you by Suzuki Outboards and the Boat Place” tournament.

Captain Jack Donlon said the shark challenge is a two-day fishing

competition that seeks out the top five the first day, so they can come back

the following day for a sudden death finale.

Registration for the tournament, which will be held on June 25 and 26, is

$550 for any team and vessel size. To register visit

www.AreYouManEnoghSharkChallenge.com or call 239-542-9777.

Donlon said the most unique part about the tournament is that the teams

takes a cell phone video of the shark while catching it and send that video

back to the SharkFest, so attendees can watch the catch on a stadium-size

screen that sits more than 40 feet high.

“We have done this in years past and it is unique,” Donlon said. “It’s all

the thrill without all the kill. It is very exciting for the crowd to see

the shark and for us to let the shark go.”

The tournament, he explained, is “fishing like a rockstar” due to audience

that will be watching the excitement of the catch on the jumbo screen at

Cape Harbour Marina.

Seventy sharks were caught last year ranging from 4 feet, which is the

minimum size, to 14 feet. Donlon said the anglers are allowed to fish

everywhere in the Gulf, which typically ranges from 2 feet to 100 feet of

water.

It does not matter how far they go out, he said, as long as they are back at

the marina with one foot on the dock by 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

This time of year, bull sharks, hammerheads and black tips are the most

common sharks caught. The shark, Donlon said, is the single most exciting

fish on the entire planet to catch.

Donlon said the sudden death finale is something that is not done anywhere

else, which makes it unique.

He said the top five teams go out Sunday morning and try to catch a total of

16 feet of shark in any combination of sizes as fast as they can.

One point is awarded to the team for each foot of shark caught. Once a team

reaches that goal, the tournament is complete and they win the grand prize.

As soon as the first team catches a four- foot shark, Donlon said, boom they

are in the tournament and only have to catch enough shark to equal 12 more

feet.

For those who do not fish, the event will include on-shore activities as

well.