If you’ve spent any time on the water, you’ve probably met the tax man. No, not the guy from the IRS—but his toothier, more relentless cousin: the shark. Whether you’re bottom fishing, trolling, or dropping deep for reef species, the tax man has a knack for showing up uninvited, often right when you’re reeling in your best catch of the day.

Here’s how you can keep more of your fish and less in the jaws of the tax man.

1. Know When the Tax Man Works Overtime

Sharks are creatures of habit. In many areas, they’re more active during certain tides, moon phases, and times of day. If you consistently lose fish at a particular tide or hour, that’s the tax man clocking in. Adjust your fishing schedule to beat his shift—sunrise and sunset are often better times to avoid shark traffic.

2. Fish Fast, Not Fancy

If you’re bottom fishing or jigging and getting sharked, it might be time to change your approach. Get your fish up quick. Light gear may make for a fun fight, but it’s also an open invitation to the tax man. Upgrade your tackle to get the fish in the boat faster and reduce your losses.

3. Stay on the Move

If you’re getting taxed too often in one spot, it’s time to relocate. Sharks are opportunistic and will hang around boats that feed them regularly. Don’t be that boat. Hit a few spots and rotate often to avoid turning your fishing hole into the tax man’s favorite buffet.

4. Cut Your Losses (Literally)

If a hooked fish gets taken, don’t let the tax man tow you around for 10 minutes with half a carcass. Cut the line, save your gear, and reset. Trying to fight a shark only wastes your time, risks injury, and loses you tackle in the end.

5. Consider Shark Deterrents

There are a few high-tech gadgets on the market now that claim to repel sharks using magnetic or electric fields. Results vary, but in heavily taxed waters, they might be worth trying. A small investment could save a lot of meat (and money) in the long run.

6. Respect the Tax Man

As frustrating as it is to lose your fish, remember: sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems. They’re not out to ruin your day—they’re just doing what they do best. Fish smart, stay calm, and always prioritize safety when the tax man shows up.

Final Thoughts

You can’t always avoid the tax man, but you can outsmart him. Fish faster, stay mobile, and be prepared to switch it up. At the end of the day, the best anglers aren’t just the ones who know how to catch fish—they’re the ones who know how to bring them all the way back to the boat.