Mako Shark
|
Scientific
Name |
Isurus
oxyrinchus |
| |
| Other
Names |
blue
pointer, bonito shark |
| |
| World
Record |
1115
lbs |
| |
Description
The Mako has a very streamlined
body. Its back is cobalt blue and
its belly is white. The dorsal fin
starts just behind the base of the
pectoral fin. The short fin’s
teeth differ from other sharks; they
are curved and slender, lacking serations
and cusps.
Habitat
The Mako is oceanic and is
distributed in the western Atlantic
from Cape Cod to Argentina. The species
is very common in the Caribbean, but
is rarely caught off Bermuda.
Feeding Habits
Mako's feed on squids and
pelagic fishes such as mackerels and
herrings.
Prey of the Mako is known to include
a variety of pelagic fishes including
mackerels, bonito, anchovies, herrings,
grunts, cod, salmon, small sharks
and squid
Age and Growth
Exceeding 1,000 pounds in
weight and 13 feet in length, the
Mako is a very large predator. There
is very little information available
on this species' life patterns. Scientists
believe that Mako's must be at least
600 pounds before they are sexually
mature.
Tackle and Methods
The Mako is one of the most
active and strongest swimming sharks.
It has tremendous stamina and often
makes spectacular leaps when it is
hooked. Most recreational anglers
prefer to fish for Mako's from an open
cockpit boat and to fight the fish
from a standing position with the
aid of a gimbals belt. The standard
gear is 50- to 130-pound monofilament
line on a 4/0 to 6/0 reel with a single-piece
fiber glass rod. The terminal tackle
may consist of a 15-foot single-strand
wire leader with an 8/0 to 10/0 hook
baited with live or dead whole mackerel,
bluefish, menhaden, herring or shad.
An oily bait fish is best.
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