Mako 1...Irishman 0

[FISH11]

They are absolutely beautiful and dangerous. Last year I had a similar experience and had my camera ready when I got it up close, it started going nuts, but instinctively I pulled up on the Fishing Pole and kept his front slightly out of the water. It took away his leverage and allowed me to take 3 quick pictures of it two feet from the side of my X Factor. When I reached for the leader it broke loose and slowly swam away. The best picture is now my avatar. The memory I will never forget, is those crazy teeth up that close. It just adds to the wonderful La Jolla experience.

[FlyFishinYakr]

I'm not trying to berate you or anything remotely resembling, so please don't take this question wrong or out of context.
After reading many other reports like this, catching a shark as a by catch or targeted always seems to be a possibility...doesn't anyone own/have/use a Dehooking appliance? In preparing for my offshore Kayak fishing I bought an 34" ARC Dehooker just in case (just the right length to keep them toothy critters at a safe distance ). I have a number of types for Fly Fishing Trout & jigging Bass and have had good success with them (not to mention all the hooks I've saved). They are a small enough profile that they don't take up any space and if you're out trying for a trifecta during the restricted fish season you can release a fish at length safely releasing fish without having to bring it aboard or handling and then continue to fish for and 'Butts if your so inclined.
The only reason I ask now is that so many members here practice C&R () and having read so many reports over the years then with the new year upon us with the , and "Butt season just around the corner (or just continuing for those who still continually a couple times a week ) I though this would be a good time to ask.
FFY

[taggermike]

Using a de-hooker on most fish or out of a boat is fine, but a mako shark next to a kayak is not the time or place. And 34" can still be to close to a mako's head. They are so much faster than you think and since their teeth stick side ways out of their mouths they don't have to bite you, just brush against you, to tear you up. I tried to be a nice guy years ago and cut a thresher off with the minimum amount of line attached to the hook. Shark saw the pliers coming toward his head, pivetted on a dime, kicked it's tail over the side of the yak, and gave me a slap that left a welt through a 3 mm wet suit. Happened in an eye blink. Could have gotten me in the face or neck. In the same situation a mako could very well have ended up in my lap, or face/neck. Put your safety first. Mike

[Irishman]

I practice C&R as much as possible, in this case there was absolutely no way I was risking having anything to do with this fish. I did my best at getting as close to the hook as possible. I have to admit seeing it rush at Kevins yak, bite the bow and leave those marks was enough to make me very quickly decide on what to do. I agree with the previous post that even at 34" its still way to close. From a boat there is more protection and a buddy to assist. At water level and dealing with a Mako no thank you.

[Cadillyak]

Great story. Smart move cutting the line. Glad you got to go on a sleigh ride in December.

As far as the de-hooker, as was stated earlier, on a boat sure, but on a kayak, I wouldn't leave anything to chance, knowing the possible outcomes. Cut the line, and let the hook rust out, just my opinion.

[Dannowar]

Mako is the best tasting fish on earth. You my friend, messed up big time

[Cbad Mike]

Nice report.
A decision made in the name of safety is never wrong.

[Deamon]

Awesome experience and story. There are a few of us yakkers in La Mesa, all good looking. Jim