Mako Shark

The Shortfin Mako, shown here, is known to offshore anglers as, simply, “Mako.” The Longfin Mako, Isurus paucus, is less often caught. Both have a huge mouthful of bulging teeth that are long and pointed.The Makos are blue above and white below.

SIZE

Range is 200-600 pounds, but both species can weigh more than 1,000 pounds.World record 1,221 pounds; Florida record 911 pounds, 12 ounces

FOOD VALUE

Excellent; comparable to Swordfish.

GAME QUALITIES

Considered by many big-game anglers as deserving of rank among the big Billfishes.

TACKLE AND BAITS

Ocean trolling tackle, in at least the 30-pound line class. Usually will strike rigged baits, such as Mullet and Mackerel, or a live Bonito.

FISHING SYSTEMS

Trolling; Drift Fishing.

OTHER NAMES

Bonito Shark Blue Pointer 

RANGE

All Florida coasts; most often seen in Southeast Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

HABITAT

The open sea. Shortfin Makos frequently cruise, and strike at, the surface, whereas the Longfin is almost entirely a deep dweller. 

---