'We Could Feel The Teeth Scraping The Underside Of Our Kayaks'

Evasive action was called for when two kayak anglers were dragged on a collision course after each hooking 100lb blue sharks, while fishing 30 miles out into the fish-rich Celtic Deeps.

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It was one of the amazing thrills and spills when the duo, along with two anglers fishing on a charter boat, caught 48 sharks – 10 of which hit the magical 100lb mark.

Having previously experienced a successful blue shark trip (featured in Sea Angler issue 536), it was a no-brainer for Mike Burnett and Greg Bowes to book another trip with skipper Rob Rennie, who runs Lady Jue 5.

With the kayaks loaded on the ‘mothership’ for a 7am start from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, Rob fired up the twin 300hp engines and the crew were on their way to the Celtic Deeps.

“We were all on a high with excitement,” said Mike, from Barry. “We set off for a location some 30 miles south-west of Milford Haven. It was a pleasant journey, taking in some of the fantastic wildlife encountered along the way, including bluefin tuna jumping out of the water in the distance.”

At the destination, skipper Rob and Philip Bowes set up their tackle to fish from the boat, while Mike and Greg launched their kayaks. The action was instant.

“As we were baiting our hooks, the cries of excitement could be heard from the boat,” said Greg, from Cardiff. “Phil was into the first fish of the day, a blue shark of about 60lb.”