---
title: "Tethered To Death"
date: "2004-08-01"
modified: "2021-02-01"
authors:
  - name: "Robert F. Slatzer/Hollywood, CA"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/robert-f-slatzer-hollywood-ca/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/fishing/node-1006026398/"
categories:
  - "Fishing"
---

# Tethered To Death

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/22/T3PLYRWLG2AT2C5INOVPIIMKTI.jpg>)
*Default Photo*

I was casually wading off the coast of Malibu, Calif., casting my line and towing a stringer of sea perch behind me. Suddenly, a hard jerk from behind froze me in my tracks.

Despite the heavy pull, I managed to keep my footing. I turned around to see a lemon shark attacking my day's catch.

Terrified but holding my own, I fumbled for my knife, even as more sharks moved in for a piece of the action.

I slashed the heavy nylon cord and made my way to shore as quickly as I could without drawing attention to myself.

From the safety of the beach, I watched in awe as the feeding frenzy roiled the now crimson water where I had fished just moments before.

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