Bluffton Fisherman Discovers the Dangers of Shark Fishing After Toe-Biting Incident

Bluffton: The Fisherman Who Danced with Sharks!

Ah, Bluffton! This charming little town is not just known for its picturesque views and delicious Lowcountry cuisine but also for its vibrant fishing community. While chatting with fellow fishermen, one name that often rises to the surface is that of Craig Everett. Though I haven’t met him face to face, I’ve heard enough jaw-dropping tales to know he’s someone with an endless supply of fishing stories – and let me tell you, I struck gold with the latest one!

The Shark Tale Begins

Picture this: It’s the early 2000s, a lively Saturday night at the Boathouse on Hilton Head. Craig, out celebrating with his buddies, overhears a group of tourist girls chatting animatedly about wanting to catch a shark. Naturally, Craig, being the adventurous spirit he is, offers to take them out on his boat, The Boss Hogg, the very next morning.

The moment dawn breaks, Craig meets the co-eds at the dock, cooler in tow, ready for some serious fishing. He sets off into Port Royal Sound, steering towards a secret spot where he knows they’ll likely hook a shark.

The Excitement Unfolds

When fishing, there’s a thrilling moment every angler waits for, and it didn’t take long for Craig to shout, “Fish on!” Giddy with excitement, the girls eagerly take turns battling with the shark as Craig skillfully lands a stunning 45-50 lb. blacktip aboard. Craig is proud as a peacock as he prepares for the photo op with the fish and the eager girls.

As he holds the shark up for the perfect shot, however, even the most careful of fishermen can have their failings. With the fish getting heavier by the moment, Craig needed a short breather and set it down for just a second. Big mistake! The shark suddenly came alive with a flurry of flapping, and not one but a chorus of screams erupted from the girls!

A Fishing Mishap

Chaos ensued as Craig looked down and saw blood pooling on the deck. One of the girls shrieked, “It bit your toe off!” Sure enough, Craig’s big toe was barely hanging on by a thin flap of skin. Without missing a beat, a quick-thinking girl ripped off her white tank top and wrapped up his injured foot as he radioed back to the Boathouse. “I’m coming in hot!” he chuckled.

As they approached the dock, a crowd of curious onlookers awaited their return. Word had spread fast; it seemed the coconut telegraph had been working overtime, reporting that a shark had taken a chunk out of Craig!

Hospital Tales and the Aftermath

After a wild ride back, Craig found himself in the hospital being treated. The doctor, with a casual demeanor, flipped Craig’s toe back into place like it was a cap of a soda bottle. “No problem!” the doc assured him as he prepped to stitch him up. Although Craig can’t recall the exact number of stitches, he’s glad to say that his feet still fit perfectly into his trusty flip flops – an important accessory for any respectable fisherman.

This was just one of many of Craig’s thrilling fishing encounters. He recounted similar tales of winding up in the hospital for fishhooks embedded in his body. Yet, with each mishap, he laughed it off as if to say, “Hey, no biggie!” His nonchalant attitude is what makes him a favorite among fellow anglers in Bluffton.

Final Thoughts

So, the next time you find yourself enjoying the serene waters of Bluffton or Hilton Head, remember that you might just be sharing the waves with a legend like Craig Everett. With stories that spark not just laughter but awe, fishing becomes more than just a hobby – it becomes an adventure filled with unforgettable experiences!