World Record Mako Shark Fishing

If you like shark fishing then you have to try Mako shark fishing. Mako’s are one of the most exciting sharks to fish for. Known for their aerial acrobatics, and going berserk after being gaffed these sharks are nonstop excitement. They are also known for their tendency to jump into the boat and injuring the angler or crew of the boat, or like some do when hooked, they just turn and attack the boat. This fish is a fighter and if you ever land one while out shark fishing you won’t be disappointed!

An average Mako caught along the east coast of the United States is usually in the 200 to 600 lb. range. With female Mako sharks being heavier, and capable of reaching a maximum weight of around 1,700 lbs. When it comes to length males can reach up to 9 foot fork length and females are capable of reaching a jaw dropping 12 foot fork length.

So now that we know a little bit about the Mako shark, what are some of the Mako shark fishing records?

Shark Fishing With A Rod And Reel

The Largest confirmed Mako ever caught while shark fishing on a rod and reel was taken on July 27, 1999 in Mass. Bay at Stellwagen Bank. In the picture below is Capt. Kevin Scola on the left, and angler Billy Silvia and the 1,324 pound Mako that they brought into their home port of Green Harbor in Marshfield, Mass. When measured this monster had a length of 11 foot 2 inches fork length, and 96 inches in girth. Unfortunately this shark did not qualify as an IGFA record because the fish was fought out of the rod holder.

Current IGFA World Record Mako

The current IGFA World Record Mako was caught it during the July 21, 2001 Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament off of Chatham, Mass. which requires all its participants to follow IGFA rules. This IGFA World Record Mako was caught by Captain Chris Peters, angler Luke Sweeney, and crewmen Doug Abdelnour and Dave Gaffey after a wild 3 hour battle. When this shark was finally brought into port and weighed it was a whopping 1,221 lbs. and broke the record for the heaviest shortfin Mako. Check out the picture below of this monster. If it doesn’t get you motivated to go shark fishing off of the east coast I don’t know what will!