New Smyrna Beach is known to be The Shark Attack capital of the world. This is because our waters are an abundant food source for the sharks.
We are truly a mouthwatering shark buffet when it comes to the plethora of fish that inhabit our water. We are situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River. Our river is part of the 3000 mile Intracoastal Waterway system. On the north end of the island is Ponce Inlet providing deep-water access, literally to the rest of the world.
South of the Ponce Inlet rough granite rock jetty is New Smyrna Beach proper. North, the deep channel attracts migratory and predatory fish.
You can find Pompano, Redfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Grouper, Triggerfish, Pompano, whiting, Red Snapper, Turtles, Gator Trout, Snook, Reds, Flounder, Black Drum, Tarpon and pretty much everything a shark likes to eat.
The reason they attack is mainly because they confuse us with one of it’s tasty prospective meals or just plain curiosity. Shiny jewelry in the water looks like fish scales reflecting in the water. Swimming at dusk or dawn also enhances your chances of getting bitten. Sharks have no hands like us to feel and touch an item it is interested in so they use their teeth unfortunately. You do not want to be bitten for mistaken identity so please be careful and cautious when swimming in Florida.
Keep in mind we are sharing this space with sharks and typically if you don’t bother them they will not bother you.