Sunshine State Fishing

Sharks are a fascinating group of fish that strike fear into the minds of humans. However, that fear is really a fear of the unknown, some marine biologists say, because there?s so much more to learn about these misunderstood fish. In the past 300 years only 17 shark attacks against humans have been recorded in the waters off New Jersey, 5 of which were fatal.

Unlike bony fish, sharks have a soft skeleton made of cartilage and very thick skin. Their bodies are heavier than water and because they have no swim bladder to keep them buoyant, sharks sink when not swimming.

Sharks are often referred to as ?eating machines,? and they follow their food source, and when bluefish begin to appear off the Mid Atlantic States in Spring, you can be sure that sharks are not far behind. Typically, the first species of shark to appear off the coast is the Blue shark. The Blue can get fairly big, and If you?ve never had the opportunity to snag a big one, it is quite an experience. Although they?re not very aggressive, some anglers say that Blue sharks still put up a pretty good fight.

Macho Mako

But it?s the Atlantic Mako shark that most sportsfishermen want tugging at the end of their line. The Mako is one of the largest commonly seen sharks in the Western Atlantic off the East coast -- and it?s one of the best to eat. The fish is deep blue above and white below, with a conical head and sharply pointed snout. It is a member of the mackerel shark family, which also includes the great white shark. And like the great white, Makos have a reputation for being aggressive ? like attacking the side of your boat.

One of the most active and swiftest-swimming of all sharks, the Mako has the amazing habit of leaping out of the water when hooked. It?s this awesome fighting ability that makes it a superb game fish. And they?re big. One of the largest Makos ever recorded was over 12 feet and weighed in at half a ton. On average, though, they are hooked at 5-6 feet.

Once you?ve nabbed the Mako? what do you do? Wait to bring it aboard! According to Angler?s Addiction Magazine ?No shark should be brought boat-side or onto the deck until it is completely exhausted.? A wounded Mako, like all other large sharks, can bite with strength until drawing its very last breath.

Once onboard, there?s a very important step you must take that isn?t common to all forms of deep sea fishing. The Sea Grant at the University of Delaware says that ?Sharks must be bled and iced immediately upon capture.? Why? Well, the shark's blood contains urea, a compound that helps maintain the animal's body fluids. After the shark dies, bacteria break the urea down into ammonia, which can impart an off-taste to the meat. The UD warns ?Do not use shark meat that smells strongly of ammonia.?

For those of you who have dined on shark meat, it is similar in color, taste, and texture to swordfish. Typically, it is prepared in steak form by grilling, broiling, or pan-saut?ing (frying). Some chefs suggest marinating the shark in an Italian-type dressing for 15-30 minutes as a quick and easy step to a moist, tender, and flavorful meal.

Booking The Trip

There was a time when hooking a shark was considered a real pain. But shark sportfishing has exploded, with tens of thousands of anglers heading out to the canyons to play the game. Make sure you book your trip early, because not all Captains choose to fish for shark. After you?ve chosen a date and captain, be sure NOT to rent Jaws. Watching scary fish movies may be dangerous to your health.

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