Porbeagle Shark
Lamna nasus - Lamna ditropus

Other common names: Mackerel Shark, Salmon Shark, Blue Dog, Bonito Shark, Herring Shark

Maximum weight: 265kg (550lb)

Current I.G.F.A. all time record: 230kg (507lb) - Caithness, Scotland - 9 March, 1993

Identifying features: Five long gill slits and large eye without nictitating membrane. Upper body is a dusky blue and lower body is white. Upper lobe noticeably longer than the lower lobe of tail, unlike the Mako. Large, predominate caudal keel, with a much smaller caudal keel below. Lamna nasus has a white patch at the base and to the rear of the dorsal fin. Lamna ditropis has dark blotches on the belly.

Expected temperature range: 50° F to 66° F (10° C to 20° C)

Migration and breeding: COMING SOON!!!

Typical location: Open ocean along the continental shelf and current lines, ocean mountains and canyons. Only when bait is present and water temperature is comfortable will the Porbeagle come close to shore. Can be found following migrating tuna, herring and salmon. Also found around concentrations of squid.

Fighting characteristics: An obstinate midwater fighter that can mix deep runs with a rapid increase in speed as it approaches the surface.
 

NOTE: BTS thanks David Power for addition information.

Distribution map and anatomy graphic coming soon!!!
Fishing Methods
Trolling Lures: Not targeted with lures although given the right situation will attack a well presented lure.

Trolling Live Bait: Yet again, the Porbeagle is not targeted using this method. It may prove successful trolling dead slow around schools of Herring or Salmon.

Troll Dead Bait: Using a well rigged bait, trolling around schools of Salmon, Bonito or Herring may prove successful.

Other Methods: As with all sharks, the proven and most successful method is using berley (chum) and drifting dead baits in the berley trail.
 

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.