The Athletic Mako Shark
The shortfin mako sharks are the athletes of the shark world and one of the top gamefish in the world. They are known to be very lively and quite aggressive when hooked, typically launching themselves into the air providing spectacular aerial displays. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that they feature in so many videos and photographs. The area of the Pacific Ocean around San Diego is an important nursery zone for juvenile mako sharks. This species has a metallic blue or deep purple coloring and can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 1,250 pounds but the individual in this vid was around 600 pounds. Despite their impressive size, they are very agile and can travel at speeds of over 43 mph. They are one of the more aggressive species of shark and can leap 20 feet out of the water when hunting. In part because their meat is sold commercially (it tastes like sword fish and is served in stews and tacos) they are endangered. Also, because they live off fish like tuna, over-fishing is a threat to their survival. There are accounts of fishermen being injured as a mako struggles free of a line – these guys do not give up without a fight!
Spectacular Display
Despite being attached to a long fishing line, this shark gives us an astonishing display. Accompanied by the shouts and hollers of some very excited fishermen, the shark leaps six feet out of the water and does a back flip before crashing back down beneath the surface. But what is so incredible about this particular scene is that the shark does nine times in a row whilst moving gradually closer to the boat which prompts one of the fishermen to exclaim “Don’t let that thing on the boat!” He didn’t need to be concerned! The Flying Mako tournament has a strict ‘catch-and-release’ policy and only barbless hooks can be used. Also, participants are not allowed to lift sharks out of the water. But for this particularly energetic shark, that would not have been easy anyway!
Is This Normal Behavior for a Mako Shark?
Mako sharks are ferocious fighters that intimidate many fishermen. With bodies built for maximum speed, they can reach speeds of 40 mph swimming, and have the ability to leap 30 feet out of the water in pursuit of prey. But why these giant leaps when hooked, as in this video? Mako sharks are highly intelligent creatures. They are known to circle boats where fishermen have dropped lines, surveying the area and planning how to attack the bait. Once they are hooked, they will make all kinds of attempts to escape. The vertical leap into the air is actually a strategy to free themselves from the hook, as they will purposely land on the line in an effort to break it. They will also at times ram or bite the fishing boat in their intimidating battle for freedom! So the answer is yes, this is normal behavior for a mako shark when hooked. Keep that in mind the next time you decide to go fishing in the deep! Next up: The 8 Best Children’s Books About Sharks Available Today Watch a Bull Shark Surprise This Guy Deep Sea Fishing in His Plastic Kayak Huge Great White Shark Almost Picks Man off Boat Just Off The Coast in Massachusetts
