Fishing for Sharks in Maine
Witnessing the sheer power and beauty of sharks first hand is a truly breathtaking experience which is hard to match. The adrenaline and excitement that comes with landing a big shark attracts thousands of anglers to Maine each year, all in search of that trophy catch. Whether you are looking to land your first blue, or have your eye on something bigger, the waters off the coast of Maine have a lot to offer.
There are a number of shark species present in Maine, with the most popular undoubtedly the blue shark. With their distinctive dark blue top, light blue sides and white underbelly, the blue shark is found in relative abundance off the coast of Maine. The majority of this species are around 6 to 8 feet in length, weighing in at anywhere between 50 and 200 pounds. Larger blue sharks are found occasionally, with some growing up to 12 feet in length and hitting the 400 pound mark.
Porbeagle sharks are less common, and can be recognized by their dark blue-grey top and white underbelly. They also have two caudal keels on their crescent-shaped tail fin, distinguishing them from mako and white sharks. Porbeagle sharks are known as strong swimmers, making them more of a challenge than the smaller blue shark. Many of these species reach 10 feet in length and weigh in at an impressive 450 pounds.
Another of Maine’s highly prized shark species is the mako. With a distinctive cobalt-blue top, white underbelly and streamlined body, the mako shark is known as a strong swimmer with a ferocious fighting ability. They are also one of the largest species found off the coast of Maine, with many shortfin makos reaching 12 feet in length and tipping the scales at over a thousand pounds. Threshers are also found off the coast of Maine, and are again considered an excellent catch with many weighing in at over 350 pounds.
The most popular time for shark fishing in Maine is between July and October, though many guides and seasoned veterans consider August to October as being the best period for big sharks. In terms of equipment, harnessed rods with 30 reels are favored by many experienced shark anglers. Occasionally a 50 reel may be necessary should a large porbeagle or mako bite.
Chumming is the preferred method for attracting sharks, with popular mixtures including ground up mackerel, herring, menhaden and other small baitfish. Creating a chum slick behind your boat using a perforated bucket or similar contraption is the most common method and is known to work well. Some boats also have a bait box with a tap open to the water behind the boat from which chum can be dispensed. Though it may take up to an hour or two for sharks to locate your trail, once they find the scent they more often than not follow it all the way to the source.
Shark fishing is possible in many regions off the coast of Maine, though many organized trips focus on areas around 10-15 miles offshore in the Gulf of Maine. Here there is a relative abundance of blue shark, with the occasional mako, porbeagle or thresher to make things more challenging for the adventurous or experienced shark angler.
About the Author
Read about neck cysts and upper neck pain at the Neck Problem website.
Shark Fishing – Mako Shark – August 4, 2009
|
|
B-18 SWORDFISH bill SWORD dagger MAKO SHARK WEAPON fish $670.00 |
|
|
Painted Airbrushed Flamed Replica Fish Mount Mako Shark $650.00 |
|
|
(B-31) 26″ SWORDFISH bill SWORD dagger MAKO shark teeth WEAPON fish $539.99 |
|
|
B-25 SWORDFISH bill SWORD MAKO SHARK tooth teeth WEAPON fish $425.00 |
|
|
Fiberglass Fish Mount Mako Shark Beautiful! $299.99 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK Fish Mount, MAKO SHARK HEAD, SHARK FISH MOUNT, FISH MOUNTS, SHARKS, $199.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark boat car fishing stickers decals graphics $185.08 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK Fish Mount, MAKO SHARK HEAD, SHARK FISH MOUNT, FISH MOUNTS, SHARKS, $159.00 |
|
|
2-7/16 ISURUS OXYRHINCUS Mako SHARK TOOTH Fossil Fish Teeth South Carolina USA $99.99 |
|
|
2-9/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $79.99 |
|
|
huge Mako Shark boat stickers fishing graphics decals $76.61 |
|
|
1-3/4 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $49.99 |
|
|
2-3/4 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon SCUBA GA Made In The USA $49.99 |
|
|
2-7/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon SCUBA GA Made In The USA $49.99 |
|
|
1-7/8 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $39.99 |
|
|
1-7/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $39.99 |
|
|
1-7/8+ MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $34.99 |
|
|
2 Inch MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-13/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-3/8 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-1/2 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-3/4+ MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-9/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-3/8+ MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
1-9/16 MAKO SHARK TOOTH FOSSIL Fish Teeth Megalodon $29.99 |
|
|
SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK TOOTH 925 SILVER DIVING FISHING CHARM WHOLESALE PRICE s-sg14 $29.57 |
|
|
BIG PRIMARY SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK TOOTH LEATHER CORD FISH BONE nl FASTEST SHARK $24.64 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK TOOTH BLACK LEATHER CORD SPORT FISH CLEANER $24.64 |
|
|
new SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK TOOTH 925 SILVER DIVING FISHING $24.64 |
|
|
Microfiber Fishing T-Shirt – Shark Fishing Shirt Mako $20.00 |
|
|
Microfiber Fishing T-Shirt – Shark Fishing Shirt Mako $20.00 |
|
|
Microfiber Fishing T-Shirt – Shark Fishing Shirt Mako $20.00 |
|
|
Microfiber Fishing T-Shirt – Shark Fishing Shirt Mako $20.00 |
|
|
SHARK Wall Clock JAWS Great White Mako Selachimorph Hammerhead Predator Fish NEW $19.95 |
|
|
SHARK Wall Clock JAWS Great White Mako Selachimorph Hammerhead Predator Fish NEW $19.95 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $17.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $17.99 |
|
|
Real genuine mako shark tooth big fang with fish bone beads necklace N3 $16.49 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S w/pkt 162 $15.99 |
|
|
Shark Hammerhead Mako Parking Sign Wall Plaque Skull Gifts Fishing Salty Bones $15.95 |
|
|
Real genuine mako shark tooth big fang with fish bone beads necklace N3 $14.99 |
|
|
Fishing Catch flag MAKO Boat FLAG NEW 12×18 VINTAGE SHARK $14.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $14.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $14.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing T-shirt S/S 162 $13.00 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK FLAG 12X18″ FLAG FISHING NEW BOAT OCEAN $12.95 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing Sticker Fish Hunter Decal $11.99 |
|
|
Leaping Mako Shark Cross Stitch Pattern Game Fish TBB $11.00 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK Street Sign ~ Fishing ~ Great Fish Sign for $10.99 |
|
|
SIDE MAKO SHARK TOOTH WOOD BEAD NECKLACE FISHING ROD $9.86 |
|
|
NEW NAutical Shark FISH Mako Fishing FLAG 28×40 ocean $9.99 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK FISH STIX STICKER DECAL BUMPER/WINDOW/BOAT/AUTO/CAR/GLASS FISHING FIN $9.88 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing Necklace Hand Carved Bone $9.72 |
|
|
USA FL VENICE 1970 POSTCARD 21325 SHARK TEETH FISHING MAKO HAMMERHEAD BARRACUDA $9.09 |
|
|
Epic Mako Shark Ocean Fish Coral Reef Iron on Patch $8.00 |
|
|
10″ Mako Shark Fish Plush Stuffed Animal Toy $7.59 |
|
|
Black Marlin, Mako & Tiger Shark Ocean Marine Fish 1995 Australia Block 8 MNH $7.52 |
|
|
SHARK DECAL,HAMMERHEAD, WINDOW STICKER,GREAT WHITE,FISH,OCEAN SHARKS,MAKO,WHITE $6.95 |
|
|
STICKA FISH SPECIES MAKO SHARK $5.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark pewter badge, game fishing $5.53 |
|
|
mako SHARK sticker BOATING DEEP SEA fishing decal penn $5.00 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing Sticker Fish Hunter Decal $4.99 |
|
|
Genuine mako coastal shark tooth with brown coconut beads and fish bone spine N3 $4.39 |
|
|
Real shark tooth from coastal mako shark with coconut beads and fish bone N3 $4.39 |
|
|
game part DeepSea Opoly deep sea fishing property trading cards replacement $4.24 |
|
|
Genuine mako coastal shark tooth with brown coconut beads and fish bone spine N3 $3.99 |
|
|
Real shark tooth from coastal mako shark with coconut beads and fish bone N3 $3.99 |
|
|
Magnet Fridge 3D Fi04 Mako Shark Sea fish resin New $3.99 |
|
|
Magnet Fridge 3D Fi10 Mako Shark Sea Mammal Fish Resin $3.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fish Sticker Hook Decal $3.99 |
|
|
Mako Shark Fishing Sticker Fish Hunter Decal $3.99 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK FISH DECAL STICKER DON RAY $3.95 |
|
|
Korea DPR 3194 MNH Fish, Mako Shark $3.85 |
|
|
MAKO SHARK silhouette fishing cut vinyl decal up to 8″ $3.50 |
|
|
Mako Shark Sea Mammal fish refrigerator 3D Car Magnet $3.41 |
|
|
GRENADA BIG GAME FISHING 1975 Mako Shark Pink MNH Miniature Souvenir Mini Sheet $1.56 |
|
|
GRENADA BIG GAME FISHING 1975 Mako Shark orange MNH Miniature Souvenir Sheet $1.56 |