Blue Shark - Prionace Glauca

Other common names: Blue Whaler, Great Blue Shark, Bluedog

Maximum weight: 230kg (500lb)

Current I.G.F.A. all tackle record:    205.93 kg (454lb) Massachusetts, USA - 19 July 1996

Identifying features: Extremely long pectoral fins. Upper body cobalt blue with a white underbelly. Five short gill slits. No keel at the junction of body and tail. Very long and slender body. This species retains it's slender look even in the largest specimens unlike most sharks that "bulk up" as the reach a certain length. Species has a large eye with a nictitating membrane.

Expected temperature range: 50° F to 72° F (10° C to 22° C). Inhabits the cooler oceans currents where it spends most of the time near the surface. When encountered in warmer water (72° F - 22° C plus) it descends to 100+ fathoms due to the increase in surface temperature. Will come to the surface if given the right situation, such as bait schools or chum.

Migration:    Highly migratory and are solitary. When Blue Sharks are found in numbers this can be contributed to a concentration of a particular food source. MORE COMING SOON!!!

Breeding:    Blue Sharks are viviparous, which means they give birth to live and fully formed young. They can give birth to 50 or more young at one time. They mature at approximately 2.0 to 2.3 meters (7 - 8 feet).

Typical location: Open ocean along the continental shelf and current lines, ocean mountains and canyons. Around schools of bait such as ballyhoo, pilchards and squid.

Fighting characteristics: NONE!!!!.......not entirely true. Some Blue Sharks can fight like a normal fish would but only on rare occasions. Most will be happy to take a bait and then circle the boat despite what pressure the angler may apply. Some more daring anglers even place the rod in the rod holder and handline these fish to the boat. Once the leader is gripped you can lift the Blue Sharks head out of the water for a nice camera shot!  This may cause the shark to expended some energy and actually take some line from the reel.  Be aware that these sharks may suddenly dive for the bottom of the ocean so ensure you wear gloves and wrap the leader properly.
 
 

 Distribution map and anatomy graphic coming soon!!!
Fishing Methods

Trolling Lures:

Trolling Live Bait:

Trolling Dead Bait:

Other Methods:
 
 

Remember to experiment and change tactics if you find that you are unsuccessful when targeting a particular fish species, as it could turn a good day into a great day!
 
 
If you wish to write an article about angling for this particular species please email Mark the Shark and we'll publish it here.