My Name is Jesus, They Call Me The “Shark Wrangler”
Visibility: 40 ft | Water Temp.: 82F | Current: None
Owen
Master Scuba Diver Trainer
Divemaster Extradonaire “Jesus”, has added a new title to his resume. Considered by many to be the best Divemaster in the Keys (I am aware that as his co-worker my opinion is biased) he shall now be known as “Shark Wragler”. I had located a Nurse Shark lying under a small ledge and pointed him out to Jesus so he could show a large group of divers he was guiding at Woody’s on French Reef. I had observed the long string of fishing line on the shark, but as I have no experience in “shark wrangling”, I was reluctant to attempt removal of the line. However, when Jesus observed the line wrapped around the shark he immediately pounced into action. He immediately grabbed the line as the shark attempted to swim away. The shark had pulled Jesus approximately 25 yards, as it swayed back and forth trying to get free, when Jesus was finally able to cut the line with a knife a fellow diver had handed to him during his struggle with the shark. The entire encounter lasted about 10 seconds, which is 2 seconds longer than is required at a rodeo for bull riding. Yes, I did hear the bango music playing in the background as the epic battle unfolded! Upon inspection of the line we found Jesus had removed 10 feet of fishing line. That is 10 feet of line that can no longer get snagged on reefs, rocks, a wreck, or any number of items. Nice job Jesus. Additionally, the two dives on French Reef produced “Stubby” the turtle, a couple of large Green Moray Eels, and one large Eagle Ray, as well as many of the smaller characters we are accomstomed to seeing here in Key Largo. We also managed to get some instruction completed as Rainbow Reef Course Director TOM WITMER was teaching Rainbow Reef’s Instructor Development course. It was an exciting day of diving, and an impressive display of skill by the “Shark Wragler”!
