| Sharks are a fascinating group of fish that | | | | superb game fish. And they're big. One of the |
| strike fear into the minds of humans. | | | | largest Makos ever recorded was over 12 feet |
| However, that fear is really a fear of the | | | | and weighed in at half a ton. On average, |
| unknown, some marine biologists say, because | | | | though, they are hooked at 5-6 feet. |
| there's so much more to learn about these | | | | |
| misunderstood fish. In the past 300 years | | | | Once you've nabbed the Mako- what do you do? |
| only 17 shark attacks against humans have | | | | Wait to bring it aboard! According to |
| been recorded in the waters off New Jersey, 5 | | | | Angler's Addiction Magazine "No shark should |
| of which were fatal. | | | | be brought boat-side or onto the deck until |
| | | | it is completely exhausted." A wounded Mako, |
| Unlike bony fish, sharks have a soft skeleton | | | | like all other large sharks, can bite with |
| made of cartilage and very thick skin. Their | | | | strength until drawing its very last breath. |
| bodies are heavier than water and because | | | | |
| they have no swim bladder to keep them | | | | Once onboard, there's a very important step |
| buoyant, sharks sink when not swimming. | | | | you must take that isn't common to all forms |
| | | | of deep sea fishing. The Sea Grant at the |
| Sharks are often referred to as "eating | | | | University of Delaware says that "Sharks must |
| machines," and they follow their food source, | | | | be bled and iced immediately upon capture." |
| and when bluefish begin to appear off the Mid | | | | Why? Well, the shark's blood contains urea, a |
| Atlantic States in Spring, you can be sure | | | | compound that helps maintain the animal's |
| that sharks are not far behind. Typically, | | | | body fluids. After the shark dies, bacteria |
| the first species of shark to appear off the | | | | break the urea down into ammonia, which can |
| coast is the Blue shark. The Blue can get | | | | impart an off-taste to the meat. The UD warns |
| fairly big, and If you've never had the | | | | "Do not use shark meat that smells strongly |
| opportunity to snag a big one, it is quite an | | | | of ammonia." |
| experience. Although they're not very | | | | |
| aggressive, some anglers say that Blue sharks | | | | For those of you who have dined on shark |
| still put up a pretty good fight. | | | | meat, it is similar in color, taste, and |
| | | | texture to swordfish. Typically, it is |
| Macho Mako | | | | prepared in steak form by grilling, broiling, |
| | | | or pan-sautéing (frying). Some chefs |
| But it's the Atlantic Mako shark that most | | | | suggest marinating the shark in an |
| sportsfishermen want tugging at the end of | | | | Italian-type dressing for 15-30 minutes as a |
| their line. The Mako is one of the largest | | | | quick and easy step to a moist, tender, and |
| commonly seen sharks in the Western Atlantic | | | | flavorful meal. |
| off the East coast -- and it's one of the | | | | |
| best to eat. The fish is deep blue above and | | | | Booking The Trip |
| white below, with a conical head and sharply | | | | |
| pointed snout. It is a member of the mackerel | | | | There was a time when hooking a shark was |
| shark family, which also includes the great | | | | considered a real pain. But shark |
| white shark. And like the great white, Makos | | | | sportfishing has exploded, with tens of |
| have a reputation for being aggressive - like | | | | thousands of anglers heading out to the |
| attacking the side of your boat. | | | | canyons to play the game. Make sure you book |
| | | | your trip early, because not all Captains |
| One of the most active and swiftest-swimming | | | | choose to fish for shark. After you've |
| of all sharks, the Mako has the amazing habit | | | | chosen a date and captain, be sure NOT to |
| of leaping out of the water when hooked. It's | | | | rent Jaws. Watching scary fish movies may be |
| this awesome fighting ability that makes it a | | | | dangerous to your health. |