2026 /Acousic & Satellite Tagging Trips
Objective:
Attach Acoustic & Satellite transmitters to blacktip and spinner sharks allowing researchers to track their movements.
Shark trips are what we do on the Fish Finder and they're always a blend of fishing, education, and research, so folks who join us on the boat are able to enjoy a fun fishing experience while learning about sharks with the opportunity to assist with shark research including data and sample collection, tagging, equipment testing, and special procedures.
Most of the research work we do is by the request of various scientists working through universities, research institutes, state and federal government agencies. Because our charter trips have us dealing with sharks almost every day of the season, we’re in a good position to assist the researchers with their projects by doing some of the field work for them - they provide us with the necessary tools, training, and permits, and we do our best to get the job done while out on the water.
Sometimes the complexity of the equipment used or the procedures needed to be done require that the scientists actually come out with us on the boat to personally do or direct the at-sea portion of a project. Such was the case in 2025 when we worked with scientists from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center tagging blacktip and spinner sharks with electronic acoustic and satellite tags in an ongoing study to better understand those species migratory patterns and help determine if they are being properly managed.
This season we are again scheduled to run special research trips with scientists from the Smithsonian, but this year the public is invited to join us aboard the Fish Finder as a part of the research team. Besides myself (Capt. Mark), 1st mate Jake, and three scientists, we’ll have room for up to three members of the public who will have an opportunity to not only observe, but also participate as anglers and helpers in the procedures we’ll be doing with the sharks we catch.
This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in marine science to both observe and assist in important research as well as to meet and spend a day on the water with world-class scientists while learning from their wealth of knowledge about sharks and other marine life.
Trip Details:
- Schedule: Depart at 7:00 AM; return approximately 5:00 PM.
- Price: $400 per person.
- Dates: June 25; July 1, 2, 25, 26 (additional dates may be added).
- Requirements: Participants should bring their own food and drinks.
- Note: Adults, seniors, and children are welcome to join us on these trips but please be aware that 10 hours can be too much time on the water for some people to comfortably handle, and while trips could be canceled due to weather, we will not return to the dock early on account of someone being seasick.
If you are interested in joining the team for one of these dates, please contact me via call, text, or email.
Email Us: Mark@Bigsharks.com
Call / Text 410-726-7946
