My $12,000 Equipment List (And Why It's Worth It)

Margaret says I have a "problem." I say I have a "comprehensive approach to marine wildlife observation." We agree to disagree. What follows is my complete equipment inventory, with reviews.

Optical Equipment: $3,247

Vortex Viper HD 10x42 Binoculars ($450)
Rating: 5/5
My primary observation device. Exceptional clarity. Waterproof, which has proven essential. Has helped me identify approximately 400 seals, 12 sunfish, and zero sharks. I blame the sharks, not the binoculars.

Celestron 20-60x 80mm Spotting Scope ($380)
Rating: 5/5
For long-range observation when binoculars aren't enough. The 60x magnification can identify individual seal whiskers at 200 yards. Has not yet identified a shark, but when it does, I'll see every detail of every tooth.

Night Vision Monocular ($297)
Rating: 5/5
Purchased for dawn expeditions. Sharks are crepuscular hunters—most active at dawn and dusk. This device allows observation in low-light conditions. Have seen many interesting things. No sharks yet, but several fascinating raccoon encounters.

Polarized Sunglasses, 3 pairs ($120)
Rating: 5/5
Essential for cutting glare on the water. I lose approximately one pair per month. Margaret has started buying them in bulk.

Aerial Equipment: $2,890

DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone ($979)
Rating: 5/5
The workhorse of my operation. Excellent camera quality. 30-minute flight time. Has provided beautiful footage of ocean, beaches, and Reginald. Replaced the one I lost in December.

DJI Air 2S Drone ($1,299)
Rating: 5/5
The backup/upgrade. Better camera, longer range. Purchased after I realized that if the Mini 3 failed during a critical sighting, I'd have no backup. This has not happened, but preparedness is not paranoia.

Extra batteries, propellers, carrying case ($612)
Rating: 5/5
Necessary accessories. I go through batteries quickly in cold weather. Have broken two propellers on "aggressive landing maneuvers" (crashes).

Detection Equipment: $2,156

Garmin Striker Plus 4 Fish Finder ($179)
Rating: 5/5
Technically designed for fishermen, but I've modified the sensitivity settings to detect larger objects. Consistently finds fish. Has never found a shark, but I maintain this is a calibration issue.

Hydrophone System ($847)
Rating: 5/5
Sharks produce infrasound in the 20-40 Hz range. This hydrophone can detect it. I have detected many underwater sounds. None have been confirmed as shark-related, but I'm still learning the sonic signatures.

Thermal Imaging Camera ($1,130)
Rating: 5/5
Sharks, being cold-blooded, should appear differently on thermal imaging than warm-blooded marine mammals. In theory. In practice, the ocean itself creates thermal interference. I'm still developing my technique.

Support Equipment: $1,834

Beach Umbrella, Heavy Duty ($89)
Rating: 5/5
Sun protection during long observation sessions. Rated for 40mph winds. Has survived 35mph. I've learned to retreat before 40.

Folding Beach Chair, Tactical Model ($156)
Rating: 5/5
Higher than standard beach chairs for better sightlines. Cup holder fits thermos. Back pocket holds binoculars. Worth every penny.

Portable Power Station ($299)
Rating: 5/5
Keeps devices charged during all-day expeditions. Can charge drone batteries in the field. Essential for extended operations.

Cooler with wheels ($87)
Rating: 5/5
Contains sandwiches, water, and backup batteries. Wheels allow for easy transport across sand. Margaret's sandwiches remain cold and delicious.

Various thermoses, containers, straps, bags ($203)
Rating: 5/5
The unglamorous necessities. All performing admirably.

Waterproof notebook and pens ($45)
Rating: 5/5
For documentation. Have filled eleven notebooks with observations. None contain shark sightings, but all contain valuable data.

Apparel: $1,087

Various technical layers, hats, gloves, etc.
Rating: 5/5
Keeps me comfortable in all conditions. Shark observation requires physical endurance. Proper apparel enables that endurance.

Total Investment: $12,214

Margaret has noted that this figure represents "a nice vacation" or "several months of savings" or "evidence of something that should concern her."

I have noted that you cannot put a price on passion.

Has It Been Worth It?

I have spent approximately 800 hours conducting shark observations with this equipment. I have documented hundreds of seals, dozens of dolphins, several whales, and one very confused deer that swam past Great Point last July.

I have seen zero confirmed sharks.

But here's the thing: I'm ready. When the shark appears—and it will appear—I will have the equipment to document it perfectly. I will have binoculars, spotting scope, drone, camera, thermal imaging, and hydrophone all ready to capture the moment.

That readiness is worth $12,000. That readiness is worth any price.

Margaret disagrees. But Margaret also thought Reginald was "just a seal." Margaret doesn't always see the bigger picture.

The shark is coming. I'm ready.

Next week for sure.