Recreational angling for shortjaw bonefish is popular in Hawaii, Cook Islands, Christmas Island, and French Polynesia. Anglers must be cautious when angling in some Pacific destinations because of the high rates of post-release predation that released bonefish can experience by sharks. Reef sharks on sandy flats are highly capable predators that can detect injured or stressed bonefish and research has shown that high numbers of bonefish can be eaten very soon after release.
Recreational angling for shortjaw bonefish is prevalent in Hawaii, Cook Islands, Christmas Island, and French Polynesia. Anglers should be wary of sharks in these Pacific regions as they pose a risk to released bonefish. Reef sharks on sandy areas are powerful predators that can identify injured or stressed bonefish, and studies have shown that many bonefish can be consumed shortly after release.