Haul back can take 4-8 hours depending on the number of sharks captured. After the haul back, the crew is free to relax, bottom fish, and prepare for the next set. Much consideration is given to the length of a trip. Sometimes trips can be cut short when there are mechanical problems, not enough ice to keep the fish fresh, or a severe weather system moves into the area. Other limiting factors for a trip include fuel or groceries.
Most trips are from two to eight days with an average of two sets per day.
One of the benefits of spending the night at sea. Many times I have been asked what it is like to be a shark observer. Besides the fun and excitement of living at sea and fishing for large sharks, being an observer has given me the unique opportunity to be involved in both the scientific and commercial sides of the shark fishery. The main goal of both sides is a sustainable fishery that supports the fishers and at the same time ensures a healthy shark population. I can only hope that this goal is met without the extinction of either the shark or fisherman.