Bluffton: The Fisherman Who Danced with Sharks!
Ah, Bluffton! This charming little town is not just known for its picturesque views and delicious Lowcountry cuisine but also for its vibrant fishing community. While chatting with fellow fishermen, one name that often rises to the surface is that of Craig Everett. Though I haven’t met him face to face, I’ve heard enough jaw-dropping tales to know he’s someone with an endless supply of fishing stories – and let me tell you, I struck gold with the latest one!
The Shark Tale Begins
Picture this: It’s the early 2000s, a lively Saturday night at the Boathouse on Hilton Head. Craig, out celebrating with his buddies, overhears a group of tourist girls chatting animatedly about wanting to catch a shark. Naturally, Craig, being the adventurous spirit he is, offers to take them out on his boat, The Boss Hogg, the very next morning.
The moment dawn breaks, Craig meets the co-eds at the dock, cooler in tow, ready for some serious fishing. He sets off into Port Royal Sound, steering towards a secret spot where he knows they’ll likely hook a shark.
The Excitement Unfolds
When fishing, there’s a thrilling moment every angler waits for, and it didn’t take long for Craig to shout, “Fish on!” Giddy with excitement, the girls eagerly take turns battling with the shark as Craig skillfully lands a stunning 45-50 lb. blacktip aboard. Craig is proud as a peacock as he prepares for the photo op with the fish and the eager girls.
As he holds the shark up for the perfect shot, however, even the most careful of fishermen can have their failings. With the fish getting heavier by the moment, Craig needed a short breather and set it down for just a second. Big mistake! The shark suddenly came alive with a flurry of flapping, and not one but a chorus of screams erupted from the girls!
A Fishing Mishap
Chaos ensued as Craig looked down and saw blood pooling on the deck. One of the girls shrieked, “It bit your toe off!” Sure enough, Craig’s big toe was barely hanging on by a thin flap of skin. Without missing a beat, a quick-thinking girl ripped off her white tank top and wrapped up his injured foot as he radioed back to the Boathouse. “I’m coming in hot!” he chuckled.
As they approached the dock, a crowd of curious onlookers awaited their return. Word had spread fast; it seemed the coconut telegraph had been working overtime, reporting that a shark had taken a chunk out of Craig!
Hospital Tales and the Aftermath
After a wild ride back, Craig found himself in the hospital being treated. The doctor, with a casual demeanor, flipped Craig’s toe back into place like it was a cap of a soda bottle. “No problem!” the doc assured him as he prepped to stitch him up. Although Craig can’t recall the exact number of stitches, he’s glad to say that his feet still fit perfectly into his trusty flip flops – an important accessory for any respectable fisherman.
This was just one of many of Craig’s thrilling fishing encounters. He recounted similar tales of winding up in the hospital for fishhooks embedded in his body. Yet, with each mishap, he laughed it off as if to say, “Hey, no biggie!” His nonchalant attitude is what makes him a favorite among fellow anglers in Bluffton.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you find yourself enjoying the serene waters of Bluffton or Hilton Head, remember that you might just be sharing the waves with a legend like Craig Everett. With stories that spark not just laughter but awe, fishing becomes more than just a hobby – it becomes an adventure filled with unforgettable experiences!
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
