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