Leslie Massey
Mako sharks are found in Australian waters, though they are less common in the tropics and the Torres Strait. They are highly prized by anglers for their agility, speed, and ability to jump high out of the water. They are also considered a great eating fish, though releasing them after catching is recommended due to their aggressive nature and the potential difficulty in handling larger specimens. To catch a mako shark in Australia, anglers should target oceanic waters near the shore and beyond the continental shelf, with water temperatures above 16 degrees Celsius. Baits such as fresh tuna or large squid rigged on wire traces can be effective in attracting these sharks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperate and tropical oceans worldwide | Waters above 16 degrees Celsius |
| All waters in Australia except | The Torres Strait |
| Water depth | As deep as 600 meters |
| Bait | Fresh fish such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel, scad, or a big squid |
| Fishing gear | Standard 15kg and 24kg shark fishing gear |
| Mako shark length | Up to 4 meters |
| Mako shark weight | 70 kilograms or under, but larger specimens can reach several hundred kilograms |
| Mako shark lifespan | At least 29 years |
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What You'll Learn
Mako shark fishing gear and bait
Mako shark fishing can be challenging, especially given the shortfin mako is one of the fastest fish in the ocean and can fight all day. They are found in tropical and warm temperate seas worldwide, rarely coming close to shore. In Australia, they are found in all waters except for Torres Strait and generally encountered in waters warmer than 16°C and as deep as 600 metres.
When it comes to gear, it's important to stay attached to the mako until it tires. If you're fishing in less than 500 feet of water, use 50-pound standup gear with a minimum of 500 yards of 50-pound test line, an 18-foot double line, a 16-foot wire leader, and set the drag to 15 pounds. If you're a more experienced angler, you may need to use 80-pound gear.
As for bait, bluefish is a popular choice, with a one- to two-pound live Bluefish being hard for a mako to pass up. Bluefish fillets and large squid are also good options. If you're blind fishing, a 12-15 inch long strip of bluefish about 2 1/2 inches wide at the top, tapering to a point, is recommended. Put the single hook at the top of the strip bait and ensure the hook point is exposed for a good hook set in the corner of the jaw.
Other tips to consider:
- Locate schools of baitfish—Mako will likely be in the area feeding.
- Use fresh oily menhaden as chum.
- Keep the Mako away from the boat, especially the stern, and be prepared for it to charge.
- If you plan to gaff the Mako, wait until it has lost all its fight and gaff it through the head.
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Where to find mako sharks in Australia
Mako sharks are found in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide, and Australian anglers frequently encounter them. They are found in all Australian waters except for the Torres Strait. Mako sharks are often targeted in the southern half of Australia, particularly in the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait when the water is warmer than 16°C.
Mako sharks are more commonly found in oceanic waters close to the shore and beyond the continental shelf. They are often found near their food sources, such as arrow squid, oceanic fish like mackerel, scad, and tuna. They can also be found near oceanic current lines, where they hunt for their food at high speeds.
Anglers looking to fish for mako sharks should use standard 15kg or 24kg shark fishing gear with fresh fish or large squid rigged on a wire trace. Baits can include tuna or squid presented at different depths. It is important to minimise the fight time and keep the shark in the water during de-hooking and release to maintain its health.
Mako sharks are highly migratory, and tag and release studies have shown that they can travel vast distances. They are also residential, especially the juveniles. Anglers should be aware of the local patterns and habits of mako sharks in their area, as their behaviour can vary with the seasons and location.
In summary, mako sharks can be found in various locations in Australian waters, and anglers can increase their chances of encountering them by understanding their habits, migration patterns, and preferred food sources.
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How to catch a mako shark
Mako sharks are found in all Australian waters except the Torres Strait. They are generally encountered in waters warmer than 16°C and as deep as 600 metres. They favour oceanic waters close to the shore and on or beyond the continental shelf.
To catch a mako shark, you'll need to find oceanic current lines and set up a berley trail. Use standard 15kg or 24kg shark fishing gear with a decent-sized fresh fish like tuna or a big squid rigged on a wire trace. Set up one outfit with a whole fish bait at 20 metres and another with a squid bait at 60 metres. Keep a third outfit ready in case a mako appears on the berley trail. Be careful, as makos are aggressive and can jump to great heights. If you plan to release the shark, minimise the fight time and keep it in the water during de-hooking. Move the vessel slowly forward during retrieval to aid gill ventilation and reduce the shark's erratic movements.
If you intend to keep the mako, wait until it's no longer fighting and gaff it through the head. Try to get a tail rope around it and keep it out of the boat until it's dead. Anything over 6ft should be released, as larger makos are harder to handle and less tasty.
Mako sharks are more commonly targeted in the southern half of Australia, especially in the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait when the water is above 16-17°C. On the east coast, bigger fish are more reliable in winter, while smaller fish are more abundant in warmer months. Keep in mind that mako sharks travel vast distances, so local knowledge about their patterns is essential.
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The best times of year to catch mako sharks
Mako sharks are generally found in waters that are warmer than 16 degrees Celsius, and as deep as 600 metres. They are found in all Australian waters except for the Torres Strait.
In Sydney, the best time to catch Mako sharks is between November and May, with the peak months being February and March when the water temperature is at its highest.
On the east coast of Australia, bigger Mako sharks are more common in the winter, while smaller Mako sharks are more prevalent in the warmer months. In the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait, Mako sharks are less common during the cooler months and more common when the water temperature rises above 16 or 17 degrees Celsius.
Mako sharks are highly migratory and unpredictable, constantly moving and following the patterns of their prey. They can be found in a variety of environments, from close to shore to depths of 150 to 600 metres. They are known to travel vast distances, with some individuals travelling almost 38,000 kilometres in under three years.
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What to do after catching a mako shark
Mako sharks are an aggressive species that can be very dangerous to humans. They are known to attack boats and humans and have caused serious injuries and damage to property. Therefore, it is important to take certain precautions when handling a mako shark after it has been caught. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do after catching one:
- Keep your distance: Mako sharks are unpredictable and can become aggressive when hooked. Maintain a safe distance of at least 75 yards from the shark if possible.
- Use a boat to your advantage: If the shark charges your boat, use the prop blast to confuse and deflect it. Move the boat to create distance and keep the shark off the stern quarter.
- Be cautious with the gaff: If you intend to keep the shark, wait until it has exhausted its fight before attempting to gaff it. Never handle a mako shark while it is still kicking. Gaff it through the head and secure it with a tail rope, keeping it out of the boat until it is dead.
- Release considerations: If you choose to release the mako shark, ensure you have the proper tools on board. Stay calm, and use a quality tool to quickly cut the trace and release the shark back into the water. Do not let your hand get ahead of the mako's snout when cutting it loose.
- Conservation and sustainability: Tag and release studies have provided valuable insights into mako shark behaviour and migration patterns. Consider participating in such programs to contribute to the sustainability of mako shark populations.
- Food safety: Mako sharks are considered a great eating fish. However, it is recommended to release sharks over 6 feet long as they may be tougher and less palatable.
- Local regulations: Be mindful of local fishing regulations and policies. In the past, there have been bans on targeting mako sharks in Australia due to the Conservation of Migratory Species Treaty. Always stay informed about any restrictions or requirements related to mako shark fishing in your area.
Remember to prioritize your safety and the well-being of the shark during the handling and release process. These instructions will help ensure a responsible and respectful approach to interacting with mako sharks after they have been caught.
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Frequently asked questions
Mako sharks can be found in all Australian waters except for the Torres Strait. They are more commonly found in oceanic waters close to the shore, beyond the continental shelf, and where the water is warmer than 16 degrees Celsius.
Mako sharks are known to follow tuna migrations, so look out for oceanic current lines. You can also set up a berley trail and keep a watchful eye for any sharks that follow the trail.
Mako sharks eat swordfish, tuna, mackerel, scad, and squid. You can use any of these as bait, but make sure it's fresh and rigged on a wire trace.
If you plan to release the Mako shark, make sure you have a quality tool to quickly cut the trace and set it free. If you plan to keep it, only do so if it's under 6ft long, and gaff it through the head.
