Thanks all and thanks Malcolm, this is information is helpful. One of the fishermen I see now and then on the King's Harbor launch float mentioned a recurrent relationship with a thresher shark that he's hooked several times. I'll mention the tackle you've identified--he might remember it.

I don't think that thresher is much bothered by the gear. Maybe I'll give YouTube another go at some point.
What's interesting about shark tales is that every third guy has a closer encounter with a larger or more aggressive (or both!) shark.

(I just watched Jaws 2 (fun!) and Jaws 3 (don't waste your time) on NetFlix. I guess I should watch the original Jaws again, Robert Shaw recounting the USS Indianapolis is terrific.

duh-dah . . . . duh-dah . . . . . .duh duh duh DUH DUH DUH DUN......
There should be a CSI: Miami episode where someone rubs down a guy's kayak with blood.......

: Okay, I figured out the link. Wow- that's amazing. I wonder if he
: was trying to get the tackle unstuck from his mouth. Looked like
: a stainless leader with maybe an "exciter" that they
: use for Marlin.