the reality of the situation is that a 19ft great white or tiger shark only has a brain the size of your fist, shoot it any place else and it will just make a mess. your best bet is to try and gaff it in the mouth(or head) and get a tail rope around it. this will let you get some control of it usually long enough to sever the spinal cord( just in front of the dorsal fin) this will put an end to things quick. if you make sure to cut deep it will also cut the main artery that runs right below the spine. also be aware that any fish shot is automaticly diqualified from all record books. bottom line unless you have alot of big shark experience take a picture and cut the line.

How about dynamite or maybe a hand grenade.

concussion/percussion fishing with explosives is highly illegal...it'll kill the shark no doubt, but there'll be a pissed game warden with a pair of handcuffs waitin' for you

ok, thanks for all the advice and feedback. now all we gotta do is get into a mess of sharks. i'm hoping to find some at the end of jetties or if the weather,wind and pressure holds maybe in the surf. i'll tell you how we do. have a great father's day.
thanks