UnderwaterTimes | Again: Florida Fisherman Bucky Dennis Reels In 'Record' 1,000-Pound Hammerhead Shark

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Reader Comments

57 people have commented so far.

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What a dumb redneck. Unfortunately, this state is full of em.
- Bush · captiva fl · May 7, 2009 @ 12:25pm

Stop catching hammerheads. Especially the big, older sharks who are irreplaceable. Shark numbers are dropping precipitously and it is hurting the reef overall. Stop!!!
- Lady Diver · Falls Church, VA · May 7, 2009 @ 5:36pm

The human race at its best. All for someone to say that they caught the "record breaker". Is it correct that you are not going to even use any part of that shark? What a waste in so many ways. This is pathetic...
- Vergy · Hobe Sound, FL · May 8, 2009 @ 4:46am

What an less than intelligent person! Shame on you for pulling these creatures out of the sea! You disgust me! The fact that this is newsworthy and is being publicised is even more shocking!
- Gabby · JHB South Africa · May 8, 2009 @ 4:49am

I don't know what to say - perhaps sickened is the right word. It must be time to legally protect sharks? Surely this is just plain wrong?
- Blue Planet Society · London · May 8, 2009 @ 5:25am

you guys are ALL HYPOCRITES - this guy has donated so many things to Mote Marine for further studies, the last I heard hammerheads are NO WHERE NEAR being extinct - you should worry more about all of the world's other problems & not bash a guy that does this as a living (fishing guide) & admit it guys, you are just jealous this was not YOUR catch to tell about. Get the facts straight before you throw your opinions out there!!!!
- Nancy · Port Charlotte, Florida · May 8, 2009 @ 5:48am

I think this was amazing & show what is out here swimming. Why is this fisherman cathcing such flack?? We have far worse problems in this world.
- Ken · Boca Grande, Florida · May 8, 2009 @ 5:51am

Stop catching and killing sharks period. What a waste of a perfectly good life. So sad to find that some people get satisfaction out of this type of thing. Now you have your fame for destroying life, what are you going to do with the fish, dump it back in the sea; dead?
- Kurt · Sterling, Va. · May 8, 2009 @ 6:21am

awesome catch!!!!!!!!!! The rest are all jealous!!
- Jim Kershaw · Port Charlotte - Florida · May 8, 2009 @ 7:28am

Well done Bucky,i'm heading to Boca Grande in a few weeks hope i catch one just as big
- steve · united kingdom · May 8, 2009 @ 7:53am

you go dennis! only good shark is a dead shark - can't tell you how many times my old boat has broken down so i just jump in the water with a line tied around my belly and start a swimmin' back to shore - i've even had to take a break from a swimmin' to beat them back to the depths they came from - dennis is the man!
- bubba · sarasota · May 8, 2009 @ 7:56am

How many pups were in this one Mr. Dennis? This is likely a 40+-year-old female, which can have as many as 50 or more pups inside of her. She looks obviously pregnant in all the photos. These females are the most important individuals in the population, especially when populations are so depleted as they are now. I hope you retire your rod and reel soon for the sake of our gamefish populations. If you had released this fish, you would have the memory of it alive and swimming away; that would have been a much nicer trophy and your friends would probably admire you a lot more.
- Mercy · Olympia, WA · May 8, 2009 @ 8:03am

What a piece of crap. I wish you'd stop giving this guy any attention at all. He is no better than the indiscriminate buffalo hunters of the 19th century. Trophy hunting/fishing needs to be extinct.
- Jason · Louisville, KY · May 8, 2009 @ 9:22am

Great, what a hero. Wish the fish won. Now that's at least two (that we know of) magnificent fish this less than intelligent person has killed.
- Bill · Tampa · May 8, 2009 @ 9:51am

Nice one Dennis you really are a big man aren't you. How about a tiger shoot next or perhaps a rhino rumble ? Good god people on this planet really sicken me at times.
- Paul · Reading, UK · May 8, 2009 @ 2:34pm

What a waste life.too bad the shark eat Dennis .that would be an interesting story .all you people who think this a positive thing need to check out the movie SHARKWATER.educate yourselves
- paul s · toronto canada · May 8, 2009 @ 7:27pm

You in the media that give this guy any attention are just as bad as the redneck himself. Shark populations have fallen 90% in the past couple decades, and you are glorifying it by putting it all over the news. Hope your real proud of yourselves.
- Dan · US Army · May 9, 2009 @ 2:52am

Nancy...maybe YOU should get the facts straight!! You're the classic example of an less than intelligent person who doesn't know what she's talking about....our sharks are being destroyed which in turn is going to upset the ecosystem and completely ruin the oceans. Try doing a little research yourself before you throw YOUR opinions out there. Nothing irritates me more than someone like you who only THINKS you know what is right and what is wrong. This is TOTALLY Wrong!!! Try a little education woman!!
- Laney · Spring Hill, USA · May 9, 2009 @ 5:14am

Why does everyone in florida becomes a DUMB REDNECK just because he catches a big fish. This man is a fishing guide it's how he makes his living and you know nothing about him.. Yet you people from across this country can insult & ridicule this man for it. What happen to "Those without sin cast the first stone". Does anybody know what they're going to catch whenever they drop a line in the water? I'm seeing comments by people who's only contact with sharks or the ocean is what they see on the Discovery channel. This man probable has more knowledge & understanding of these animals that any of you possible could. I'm sure that his intention was not to go out a kill it but it happened. At least he didn't CUT IT'S FINS OFF FOR SOUP then throw the rest away. Those are the people that you should be focusing your anger at, not this guy! Get off your Causes and give the man a break. PS: How many of you are the same people that come down here in the winter and Hire this guy for charter just so you can "Catch The Big One"
- Tom · Port Charlotte, Florida · May 9, 2009 @ 7:48am

Awesome catch Bucky. It is a shame all these people are crying about someone catching a shark. All the bad things going on in the world and these people are worried about a shark. People have fished since the beginning of time and we still have sharks, only an less than intelligent person would be upset about this.
- Philip S · Sweetwater TN · May 9, 2009 @ 10:41am

You guys have no clue what is swiming in Boca Grande Pass. A couple of sharks cought there will never make a difference, there are to many. And anyone calling this guy a redneck really have no clue. The Yankees that have moved down to Boca Grande have done more harm than bring in a few sharks.
- Rubie · Madisonville, TN · May 9, 2009 @ 10:59am

congrats to underwatertimes.com for providing this forum for readers to express their feelings towards this catch. Its a good read to try and understand both points of view. Only this can bring about real change in this industry..one way or another.
- davey mitchell · madoc.ont canada · May 9, 2009 @ 1:42pm

I am just curious, since we have a number of people who are in favor of killing the shark. Could you say why exactly?
- Tony · Jacksonville, FL USA · May 10, 2009 @ 1:41am

Yeah, I can see it now; All the pissers and moaners post angrily then go to Publix for seafood.
- Paige · Punta Gorda · May 10, 2009 @ 5:06am

Well, I thought his name was familiar. I think he is the one who caught a PREGNANT female. He donated it to Mote, but... Being a man means more than all this. His name says it all.
- Jennifer Sunday · Saint Pete · May 10, 2009 @ 7:46am

All the bad things going on in the world and these people are worried about a shark. - Philip S · Sweetwater TN Yes I am worried, Great Hammerheads are very rare creatures and even pulling one breeding specimen out will have a huge impact on the area for years to come. This was a creature that had survived unmolested for over 40 years. Personally I don't give a f*** about swine flu, Somalia or the war in Iraq but I do care passionately about over fishing and especially the killing of sharks. I travel all over the world trying to dive with these creatures and they are getting rarer and rarer, once they are gone they are gone. All in the name of sport, disgusting ! Catch & release is the only way forward.
- Paul · Reading, UK · May 11, 2009 @ 7:19am

To all those great white hunters out there who made comments to the effect of 'great catch, BBQ it with the rest, catching one fish like this will not bring the shark population to it's knees, we have been killing sharks for centuries" etc You are sadly ignorant. It is exactly this type of fishing that contributes to putting an end to shark populations world wide by setting a terrible example to our children, that and the unabashed shark finning that goes on around the world. 100 million sharks finned each year! Go see the movie 'Sharkwater'. By catching and killing the largest of any species you are denegrating the gene pool. The eventual effect of consistantly killing the largest of any species is called Darwinian degredation, you are taking out of the gene pool the healthiest and strongest of the species. Grow up guys you don't need to kill the largest of anything to prove that we are the top dog species. It is not intelligent to kill anything for 'fun' it is pathetic, wasteful and ignorant as well as bad karma. We are not hunter gatherers anymore.
- nereus · Taiwan · May 11, 2009 @ 10:22am

I will say this, not only am i disgusted with Mr. Dennis and his actions, but the media coverage of this event (and this moron) are equally disturbing. The coverage that was given to this event only went to inflate the ego of Mr. Dennis and perpetuiate this type of behavior. It was not enough for this man to have killed a large (record setting) specimen a few years ago along with 55 of its unborn pups, but he had to go and do it again. In my opinion Mr. Dennis is a murderer, and something should be done about him. But the media, should also be ashamed. How can any real news outlet publish a report on this event and not give at least the same amount of space to educate people on the real nature of these animals. Teach people that they are not big, evil monsters, luking offshore waiting for them and their children to enter the water. But that they are shy, timid creatures that would rather run from us than interact. Maybe, there would be no more Bucky's. (Shock over Substance)
- Chris Bradnam · Ontario, Canada · May 11, 2009 @ 11:34am

It is incredibly sad and very wasteful to kill it and then not make use of the meat. What was the point? Sharks are so important to the oceans and the food chain was it really becessary to kill it?
- Dominique · UK · May 11, 2009 @ 1:50pm

My team practices tag and release. You get to catch big sharks without killing them. Try it out some time. Anyone can catch a shark and kill it but the real challenge is catching it, getting the hook out (we also tag our sharks) and pushing it off to revive it if necessary. You can say that this “guide” does this for a living so we should stop picking on him, but just because he does it for a living makes it right? Whose morality is screwed up there?
- Jeremy · St. Simons Island, Georgia · May 11, 2009 @ 2:11pm

Every fisherman in Florida should be embarrassed that this is still allowed to happen. Bucky, its not 1974. Shame on you. Again.
- Michael S · Great State of Texas · May 13, 2009 @ 9:40am

"The Yankees that have moved down to Boca Grande have done more harm than bring in a few sharks." That's the truth. Clean up the south, buy a yankee a bus ticket.
- John · Tampa · May 13, 2009 @ 2:59pm

To Loser Laney - my facts & opinions are right; I figure you to be the typical GED (??...well maybe not) high school drop-out that learns all of her "knowledge" from the discovery channel. As for me being less than intelligent,I have a BA in psychology & am married to a marine biologist. So say what you want or think however you may. The last time I checked it is our right to give/THROW our opinions on any matter. Just like you previously & w/o much class did to me. Sounds to me someone needs to get a life...you sound quite near a typical emotional breakdown & I would suggest anger management before you try to save the world & the ecosystem.
- Nancy · Boca GRande, FL · May 17, 2009 @ 10:31am

I'm not one of those people that Mr. Dennis reportedly says, "want to save the world." I would just like to have him appreciate the fact that trophy hunters like him I dismiss as a bunch of ego maniacs who get their kicks killing (pregnant) top predators of the oceans. He doesn't care that their are repurcussions of his actions on the oceasn (or to his livelihood). He is just another selfish miscreant. A buffoon. raping the seas of a pregnant top predator of the ocean.
- Raquelle Alexander, MD · St. Petersburg, Florida · May 18, 2009 @ 6:33am

I agree - you people need to worry more about world & economic issues than some fisherman that catches "the big one" - fishing is a sport & this is so stupid that people are sticking up for some shark that can not even be had as a pet.
- Steve B. · Sarasota, FL · May 18, 2009 @ 7:00am

I knew Bucky Dennis in high school & personally know what a nice guy he was & want to say congrats!! He was an awesome fisherman then as he still is now!! It's refreshing to see someone living out loud & doing something he enjoys. To all you Bucky bashers = YOURE JUST JEALOUS!! Peace out Buck - hope to see you again one of these days!! Ryan M.
- Ryan M. · Fort Myers, FLA · May 18, 2009 @ 7:07am

I need this guy's number to go on a guide. Great catch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Bill Edwards · Punta Gorda, FL · May 18, 2009 @ 7:09am

This is pathetic. I bet you feel like a real man right now... Heck yeah I killed that dumb fish, I am so much smarter than he is.... You DONKEY
- Big Jim · Palmetto, Fl · May 18, 2009 @ 1:06pm

I think you ALL need to get a life & stop worrying about "trophy hunters" & the need to feel like a "real man"" BIG JIM (who most likely is a shortie!) If you call someone a "donkey" then YOU must be the REDNECK!!!!!!!!!!
- Mary · Port Charlotte, FL · May 19, 2009 @ 5:01am

Cut the guy some slack & focus your intents on world hunger, real rape victims (how in the heck would you know a shark is even pregnant...COME ON!) & all the abused children in the world. If you swam w/ this big sucker do you think it would save you? Yeah right. Get a life all you opinionated haters.
- Todd · Sarasota, Fla · May 19, 2009 @ 5:04am

I suppose all of you guys that are "real men" would just catch & release this beast....I'll bet none of you could even pull her in. I'd also bet you guys drive big trucks to make up for what you are lacking-get a life all of you wanna-be world savers & voice off on matters that make a difference. You all make me SICK.
- David · Punta Gorda, FL · May 19, 2009 @ 5:08am

I'd rather Capt. Dennis catch this jaws than it catch any of my kids....shame on all of you that think so twisted & blame a guy that donates these sharks to Mote Marine so we can learn more about them. These comments are a joke & I agree people should worry more about people & each other than animals!! People getting murdered everyday is the real crime.
- Lisa P. · North Port, FLA · May 19, 2009 @ 5:11am

this is my uncle bucky i dont want any buddy talking about him i think it was very nice for him to donate sharks from athena
- athena · Boca GRand · May 19, 2009 @ 5:22am

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA I HOPE TO EVERYONE OF YOU PEOPLE BASHING BUCKY GO OUT SWIMMING IN THE OCEAN AND I PRAY TO GOD THAT ONE OF THOSE SHARKS EATS YOU OR YOUR FAMILY. have a nice day.
- Stacey Lock · Port Charlotte, FL · May 19, 2009 @ 6:27am

Pick up a book or magazine if you can read and educate yourself on the depleting shark population in our seas. Congratulations you managed to murder 2 pregnant female Great Hammerhead sharks for your own selfish needs.Ignorence is no excuse. This person should be fined heavily of jailed. You are a cancer of the earth.
- L Shackelford · west palm beach · May 19, 2009 @ 4:54pm

Wow, nice catch...As far as all these panty sniffin bed wetters. Go tell the Japs to stop finning sharks and killing hump backs. Tell the Russians to put limits on their ozone emissions and tell the Turks to quit buying and burying radioactive waste.. My point is let a man catch a damn fish every now and then. He just happened to catch the biggest one in the world (props). As a Diver and Member of Project Aware (reef protection organization) Buck was well within his rights both legally and ethically to haul in this fish. Takes a lot off skill and stamina to pull this aboard. Got video?
- NEIL DEWIS · ATLANTA, GA · May 20, 2009 @ 4:50pm

Do not believe everything you read. Many enviromental groups are dead wrong and create crisis situations for huge donations. Many of our fish population and marine mammal populations are very healthy. Were are some of the most regulated fishemen in the world.
- Chuck · east hampton ny · May 20, 2009 @ 7:02pm

To the person who said that hammerhead sharks are noT endangered, you're right! But they are on the verge of becoming endangered. I am terrified of sharks to the point where I don't even go in the water, but they are still a part of this ecosytem and they deserve to be left alone. After all, they have been around since the dinosaurs. Shouldn't it be our responsibilty to make sure we keep these "prehistoric" creatures ALIVE?
- Karen · Pensacola · May 24, 2009 @ 9:44am

Yes, you call this guy a murderer. Well what about men that kills other real people or children. They are the true murderers; not a fisherman. Some of you sick people value a sharks life over humans - you are all what is wrong in this world - not Capt. Dennis.
- Debbie · U.S.A. · May 24, 2009 @ 2:12pm

I think all you are stupid that are saying how bad this guy is. You must be jealous that this wasn't your catch to tell everyone about. And not everyone who fishes is a redneck. You people are stupid
- Ashley Merola · Cape Coral FL · May 29, 2009 @ 6:09am

You are killer man!!For me is terrible what you make with sharks!! You are so stupid man!!
- Dea · Brazil · Jul 19, 2009 @ 9:14am

You're right Ashley; we're stupid and jealous. Mr. Dennis has caught some great great hammerheads. Maybe he's realized that releasing fish can also be liberating to the angler. Many fisherman have released what would certainly have been IGFA records. I've released a line class record tarpon and an all tackle record ladyfish and am glad that I did. What we do to fish is tough enough on them, at least let them go so they can swim around and make baby fish. They didn't pick the fights, they fight for their lives, let them win.
- Bill · USA · Nov 2, 2009 @ 8:45am

I AM A 3RD GENERATION FLORIDIAN AND AM PROUD OF MY SOUTHERN UPBRINGING. IF YOU WANNA CALL THAT BEING A REDNECK THEN SO BE IT. NOT MY FAULT YOU'RE IGNORANT. AND KUDOS TO THE DUDE. HAD TO HAVE TAKEN SOME MAJOR SKILLS TO REEL THAT SUCKER IN.
- Sarah · Middleburg, FL · Feb 1, 2010 @ 12:33am

I belive the Japaness finning ships & pollution have more to do with the depleation of sharks,than one man and his fishing rod.& I have booked trips with captian Dennis . We caught & released 3 sharks (unharmed) I would like to book a trip the 2nd week of march .perhaps,you save the world types should stop driving you cars or give up bottled water! (plastic kills)
- Don · Hayesville N.Carolina · Feb 9, 2010 @ 10:36am

All you bleeding heart liberals need to move on and worry about something you "can" have some control over. Go worry about passing socialized health care and leave the sharks and other wild game to us rednecks. It's an animal people!!!! Get over it!!! You act like Bucky snuck into your house and took your first born child.
- Trev · Elk River, MN · Feb 17, 2010 @ 7:39pm

He was catching for his plate until the bonus catch came in with a record . Round of aplause GOOD ON YA ''BULA'.Should a been there to fillet it for curry surua 4 our meal.
- Frank Pirie · fiji islands · Mar 3, 2010 @ 11:39am