Tiger Shark Image from Albert kok
Sharks are one of the most predatory beasts on the planet. They have the reputation for being the most fierce predator in the ocean, and are responsible for a number of human deaths every year. Nevertheless, the challenge of catching a shark has significantly increased in popularity over the past two decades with recreational fishermen all around the coastal United States.
The challenge posed to fishermen to be able to catch one of the deadliest animals on earth– the shark, has resulted in shark fishing becoming one of the most popular salt-water fishing activities. Sharks can be caught at sea, or from the shore depending on the location that you choose to go fishing. There are a number of types of sharks that are popular with anglers who want to take on the challenge of not only catching a shark, but bringing it home to be filleted for a barbeque where the story of the catch can be re-lived by the fisherman (or group of fishermen).
Popular sharks that anglers pursue include makos, tigers, blues, hammerheads, and bull sharks, with the blue shark being the most predominantly pursued shark in North America. No matter what type of shark you choose to pursue, they are dangerous beasts to deal with…the shark can deliver a deadly or harmful bite even on the pier about to pass away! As a result, many fishermen who choose to pursue sharks use some of the popular shark fishing guides in the coastal United States and Hawaii. Not only does using an experienced guide help your fishing group have a better chance of coming home with a shark, but they also ensure that newbies to the sport do not inadvertently get harmed by any sharks that are brought in by the group (as much as they can).
Popular Sharks for Anglers
Blue Sharks
The blue shark is one of the most commonly pursued sharks off of the United States. They have a range that goes from Alaska in the Pacific to off of the New England coast in the summer months. Unlike other types of shark, the blue commonly seeks smaller prey, but can be one of the most aggressive types of shark found by anglers and have been known to attack humans.
Tiger Sharks
Tiger sharks are found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, southern California, and Hawaii. They will range up the west and east coats in the summer months when the waters are warmer, and are known to be one of the most vicious sharks in the wild. They will attack anything, and are one of the most difficult sharks for anglers to catch. They are considered to be a true test of a fisherman’s ability to catch big game and are considered to be one of the most dangerous sharks to humans due to their preference for shallow water habitats. When a tiger shark is caught, they will need to be killed before bringing on deck if you plan on keeping or eating the shark due to their ferociousness.
Mako Shark
The Mako (or Makko) shark is one of the most difficult sharks to land after you hook it. Many an inexperienced fishermen have been injured trying to land a Mako shark. There are two types of Mako shark found in the wild, the long and short fin and they are found in tropical and warm waters in both the Atlantic and Pacific. The shortfin Mako, however is found inshore and has been known to attack surfers, swimmers, and surf fishermen. The longfin mako prefers the open water, and is not seen as much on the east coast of the United States. Mako sharks have been known to make more than 20 foot leaps when hooked, and anglers have had them leap into their boats and bite. Similar to the Tiger shark, the Mako should be dead or out of energy before being brought into a boat when caught.