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.
When angling, bonefish should be brought in quickly with extremely limited handling. Faster release yields better outcomes for bonefish that are captured by anglers. Flats with high densities of sharks should be scrutinized by anglers before fishing.