Catching 12-foot hammerhead shark provides spring-break highlight for Munster boy

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BY NATE ULRICH
nate.ulrich@nwitimes.com
219.933.3374 | Thursday, April 10, 2008 | (40 comment(s))

It will be tough for any of Kyle Wilkinson's classmates at Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster to top his spring-break story.

Kyle, 12, won a battle between man and beast when he and his mother Helen went deep sea fishing March 26 in Florida. Wilkinson's opponent was a massive, 12-foot-long hammerhead shark.

"He wanted to try deep sea fishing, so we did a shared charter out of Fort Lauderdale," Helen Wilkinson said. "In about the first 10 minutes, we could see the fin. They maneuvered the boat, and the shark took the bait. They put Kyle in the chair to reel it in, and it took him about 1 1/2 hours with help from the crew."

Kyle said the struggle to capture the mammoth shark was physically draining. He said he wore down the tips of his sandals while trying to gain leverage and prevent the shark from escaping.

"I was kind of scared at first because I thought I was going to fly in after it," Kyle said. "But after a while I got used to it and got the hang of it. I'd reel it in, and there was a certain point when you couldn't reel it in any more. It would fight and swim away and take all the line away, and we'd have to reel it in again."

Kyle wasn't the only who was worried.

"I spent the whole time holding Kyle in the chair because I was afraid it was going to pull him in," Helen Wilkinson said. "It was very exhausting, but it was fun."

When Kyle and the crew finally gained control of the shark, it took five men to pull it out of the water. Helen Wilkinson said the crew members didn't have a scale large enough for the shark, but they estimated it weighed between 500 and 550 pounds.

Kyle said the hard work was worth making a once-in-a-lifetime catch. And it was quite a step up in his fishing career.

"The biggest fish I caught before that was probably a 4-inch bluegill," he said.

So what happened to Kyle's big catch?

"It's at the taxidermist down in Florida," Helen Wilkinson said. "Kyle's gonna get it."

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Julie wrote on May 10, 2009 10:55 PM:

" I used to hate sharks after i saw Jaws. But im doing a 5 page paper on Hammerhead Sharks and im learning that sharks aren't mean. That shark didn't do anything to deserve that. I definitely think you should rethink killing the friendliest shark of the shark family. "

dramaqueen wrote on Jan 7, 2009 8:28 PM:

" I think that his catch waz awesome!! Vanessa, get a life! He didn't know that he was going to catch a shark. I know him personally, and I think he did a great job! He's not stupid. "

Re: Re: Pathetic wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:50 PM:

" The taxi should have made the boy eat the meat until it was gone....you kill it, you eat it. "

Mesh wrote on Apr 16, 2008 1:00 PM:

" Hey .. Great catch !!

I also caught a Shark over spring break. 4 footer up by Panama City. We took the Shark, Grouper, Amber Jack and Black Snapper back to the place we rented and had a big fish fry. Googled a recipe and the Shark meat was awesome.

Once again .. Great Catch !! "

Eric wrote on Apr 16, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Ever hear of putting it back? Why kill it.. Take a picture "

to: Pathetic wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:17 AM:

" How do you know the meat wasn't used? Maybe the taxidermist used the meat? Or donated it? "

G Davis wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:13 AM:

" Sting Rays,Hammerhead Sharks.No way do I get in the water anymore,After the time a few years ago when a Stingray swam right next to me and my wife that was it!Well at least they didn't just cut off the fins and throw him back in the water.Alot of that is going on nowdays.the Asian market is really pushing the fin dishes now days. "

Pathetic wrote on Apr 16, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Ok that kid probably isn't even reading this paper, so what is said on here probably isn't even going to reach him. One other thing...he caught the shark just to kill it and have it stuffed? That seems like a waste to me. "

Don't teach your child to hunt wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:05 AM:

" We wouldn't want anyone doing that either! It's cruelty to deer and other wild animals! Give me a break! One kid catching a shark is not going to destroy the shark population!
These are the same people who condemn hunters. "Don't kill the deer, they're innocent!" Lets see how things turn out when we stop all fishing and hunting and over-population occurs. There will be no crops left for your vegan lifestyles because the deer will be unbearable. You'd have a hard time driving anywhere without hitting one. The lakes and ponds will eventually be overcrowded and most likely not survive. Which pretty much all will be left are mud pits everywhere.
Really should I go on?

The earth doesn't have the predators that it once did to keep these populations under control. Especially the Midwest. Although we could bring in some more coyotes, wolves and mountain lions into the area. That may help, I'm sure that they were indigenous to this region at one point in time.

Whad'ya think? Sound like a good idea? How safe would you and your children feel? "

insecure wrote on Apr 16, 2008 6:37 AM:

" I feel very insecure about my 22 inch bass mount now. That shark considers my fish "bait". Stinkin' little kid. That's it, I'm going whale hunting now!!!! How much does it cost to mount a whale?? Crap, I need a bigger house too!!! Boy, the problems that come along with fishing!! "

Andrew P. Keilman wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:51 PM:

" I am hard pressed to believe that a little boy who just so happens to catch a shark is morally responsible for the decline of the hammerhead shark. responsible parenting and responsible journalism were both practiced here, much to vanessa's dismay. The kid caught a marvelous catch, and at the end of the day, I don't see him going out and catching another, so let him have his moment. Instead of finding shame in a 12 year olds accomplishment, find something else better to complain about....if that is possible.

"

Rev. Randall wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:23 AM:

" vanessa is a hammerhead... boy catches a nice fish... boy stuffs nice fish... boy hangs great catch on wall... i think vanessa is jealous cause she sucks at fishing... "

reverend randall wrote on Apr 14, 2008 5:06 AM:

" nice catch brother! yeah, you?! "

c. kates wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:55 PM:

" The death of this shark is not something to celebrate. Does this newspaper and this boy's family know that shark populations (especially hammerheads) are plummeting worldwide, and because of this decrease, the health of the oceans is at risk? This discussion is not meant to rain on the boy's parade or take away from his excitement. However, he and this paper's readers should be taught that sharks are vital to the sea; they remove the sick and diseased, and their actions keep the ocean healthy. This boy has demonstrated courage and perserverance. However, these admirable qualities should not be utilized to kill these necessary and beautiful creatures. Where is this newspaper's article on the cruelty of shark finning (where the animal's fins are removed while the shark is alive, with the shark then thrown back to the sea to drown)? The story and picture of a smiling Father, his happy son, and a dead hammerhead is clearly appealing to readers, but responsible journalism mandates that the newpaper address the catastrophic decline in shark populations that is, sooner rather than later, going to irreparably harm this world's oceans. "

Hey Jack.. wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:48 PM:

" Obviously you don't know what you're talking about. People do eat shark. Heck, even look online for "shark receipes". You'll find quite a few of them. As far as your comment "No one in the FL Keys kills a shark"... GIVE ME A BREAK, YES THEY DO! Give me a break people... leave the poor kid alone! "

vanessastop wrote on Apr 10, 2008 8:55 PM:

" kyle man this is a really cool picture, im sure that it was probably one of the best feelings of your life to just feel the line tighten up and just go. I think you should celebrate this with all the joy you have and dont listen to what all these negative people are saying. NICE ONE MAN!KEEP IT UP!

"

jack wrote on Apr 10, 2008 6:08 PM:

" HEY IDOIT EVER HEAR OF PLASTIC "

jack wrote on Apr 10, 2008 6:06 PM:

" STUPID TO KILL A SHARK > WHY > WHY ??
I LIVE HERE IN THE FLORIDA KEYS AND NO ONE EVER KILLS A SHARK THAT LIVES HERE> THE FATHER SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF HIMSELF FOR ALLOWING IT > WE ONLY KILL WHAT WE EAT AND SHARKS AREN'T FOR EATING "

jgl wrote on Apr 10, 2008 5:22 PM:

" Vanessa & Cynthia

Daily you do more to ruin the global world environment with your daily garbage. Unless you are a uncompromising organic vegetarian you by your own definition are destroying the ecosystem of the earth.

By the way at IUNC web site I did a search of Hammerheads,all species,north Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans results are hammerhead sub-species endangered in the European section of the Atlantic and not North America in the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. "

Cathy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 4:33 PM:

" kyle great catch and u made me proud on bringing that home and the hammerhead shark is not an endangered species and im proud to be ur cuz and i think that wut u did was not against the environment and people destroy the environment more with wut u throw away in ur garbage everyday than wut kyle caught
ur awesome "

To Jay: wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:53 PM:

" That is too funny, man. Made my day! "

BMack wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:42 PM:

" Little does Kyle know that the 4" bluegill was a Lake Lottowanna, MO record. So don't be ashamed of that little fella. It was a catch and release so no need to persecute Kyle any further. Congratulations Kyle! "

To Vanessa wrote on Apr 10, 2008 2:01 PM:

" I agree with you! We scuba dive with these magnificent creatures. They are so full of grace, curiosity and so infrequently seen. I hate to see this happen to them. "

goodjobbuddy wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:56 PM:

" Vanessa...do you drive a car? heaven forbid you are doing something bad for the environment, SHAME ON YOU! Do you eat any form of meat? HMMM...kill an animal for food? Do you wear clothes or have anything leather in you home? Skin an animal for your coverage and/or protection? Seems like you are a hypocrit here cus I am sure you can answer YES to at least one of the above...unless you are a nudist and dont leave the compound. Be real...dont be bitter cus Kyle had a once in a lifetime experience that you can only dreaming of having one of that magnitude. Good Job Buddy, it this is something you can be proud of and I cant wait to see it! "

to Vanessa wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:40 PM:

" Vanessa, I am a wife of a fisherman/hunter. I appreciate your concern regarding out environment. However, there are a few points I'd like to make. 1) This is a wonderful story of a child, who was able to do something he and several other people, dream of doing one day. Let the poor child enjoy his day without having an adult push their beliefs onto him. 2) IF the rest of the world agreed with your beliefs, do you realize that if there was never another shark, deer, bear, etc captured/caught, there would be an overpopulation of these animals. Where then would our world be at? You may not like it. Whether it is for food, or for a souvenir for a child to cherish for the rest of his life. Hunting & fishing need to happen. "

Jim wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:32 PM:

" Cynthia & Vannessa

Per National Geographic

Hammerhead populations are not accurately known, but appear stable worldwide, and they are not considered threatened.

Why are you destroying a 12 year old moment?

Please get your fact correct. "

Jim wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:29 PM:

" So your fish story is true Kyle. It's a story we'll hear forever! And glad to hear.

I have 2 questions...
Where are you going to put it? and
Will the 4 inch Bluegill be next to it? "

Rick wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:13 PM:

" Ladies, with alll due respect, unless you are a Vegan then every bite of meat, fish, poultry, or dairy product you eat is a result of the so called "torture" & killing you seem to deplore.

We are humans, have canine teeth, and as such are members of the food chain. Getting our food from the grocery store doesn't remove or absolve us from that.

I guess my point originally was that here is a kid - has a great experience & memory of a lifetime - gets in the newspaper (big deal for anyone especially a kid) and the first thing out of the gate is he did something wrong? The fact of the matter (opinions aside) is he didn't. He went fishing. He followed the rules & did something most of us will never come close to doing in our life.

I do agree with the comment to Mom though - where in the heck are you going to put that thing!!!

Congrats again Kyle!

"

biggie123 wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:12 PM:

" I for one would like to thank Kyle for capturing such a dangerous animal, this shark was leading an undersea revolt against humans and had to be stopped.

Good Job Kyle. "

Poor shark. wrote on Apr 10, 2008 1:02 PM:

" I wonder how this will impact Kyle in the future. It is a shame that a child of 12 is in the position to overtake a creature of nature and win. I am frightened by the psychological effect this will have on the chap. "

Jason Austra wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:12 PM:

" that is sweet so did I "

jason austra wrote on Apr 10, 2008 12:09 PM:

" wow sweet dude "

Jay wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:57 AM:

" To Vanessa & Cynthia, I just threw away my mouse traps. Heaven forbid that my elimination of mice might lead to these creatures being placed on the endangered species list. I also decided to get rid of my fly swatter.
Get a life, Girls "

Vanessa Bartsch wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Rick, sorry, but I do have issues with people who torture and kill animals for no valid reason. And - in my eyes - Kyle did something wrong. I do not blame him though but the people who made him think that what he did was noble and who failed to teach him respect for our environment.

Although I would love to see stricter regulations, I think that everyone has a personal obligation to safeguard our environment and we should not (and should not have to!)rely on other people to make this decision for us.
"

Kyle wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Let the kid enjoy his well deserved catch! Okay mom, where you going to put this catch? Congratulations Kyle. I loved the story! "

wow wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:20 AM:

" seems like some people are jealous. this kid is catching sharks in sunny florida while you are here, complaining. what has your kid accomplished? there is a governing body that decides what it is ok to catch and keep. if they say it is ok, then it is. try enjoying your life insted of getting mad at people for enjoying theirs. good job kid-that is a whale of a sea creature you got there! "

Great Catch!!! wrote on Apr 10, 2008 10:51 AM:

" You struggled long and hard to pull in the catch of a lifetime!! Congratulations!!! Rick is correct, there are rules and regulations set in place for the hunters and fisherman. If they were THAT endangered then they would be a protected species and that is not the case here. Once again GREAT JOB!!! "

Rick W wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Vanessa, I can understand and appreciate your concern for the environment. But your issue should be with the folks who set the regulations, not the boy.

He caught what would be for anyone the fish of a lifetime. He did it legally and should not in any way be made to feel like he did anything wrong.

Many fishermen practice CPR (catch-photo-release), others keep fish for food, and yes some keep the occasional fish as a trophy. These are simply a matter of personal preference - no right or wrong involed. Thats why regulations such as size & creel limits are set b y fishery biologists. Depending on the situation many of us practice all 3 at different times.

Also important to note that a large percentage of revenues from fishing & hunting licences go directly to protecting the exact environment you are concerned with. In fact fishermen, hunters, and trappers are generally the most fervent advocates of the environment you'll find.

Congratulations Kyle! Thats a heck of a catch. Something you'll never forget I'm sure. I for one am jealous. "

cynthia england wrote on Apr 10, 2008 9:24 AM:

" It's unfortunate, no, rather it's extremely sad that young people still like to catch magnificent sharks only to put them in the hands of taxidermatists. It's nothing but wanton killing for the sake of it. This shark deserved to live its life in the ocean and not be caught for the amusement of a kid. "

Vanessa Bartsch wrote on Apr 10, 2008 3:48 AM:

" Hammerhead sharks are highly endangered (listed on the IUCN red list as globaly endagered!). They have a very slow reproduction rate and produce only 20-40 youngs after a gestiation period of 12 months. And even their natural survival rate is fairly poor. They also reach maturity very late.

It really is a shame rather than an accomphlishment to kill an animal like the 12 foot hammerhead mentioned in the article.

In the long run, behavior like this will have a very negative effect on the ocean's health. We should really know better than this since 70% of the world's oxygen comes from the oceans. Disrupting the fragile marine ecostystem will eventually kill us and without apex predators like sharks, the oceans are doomed. "

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