Mako Shark

mako shark
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit1

 

possession limit2

 

boat limit2

Bag and possession limits apply to mako and blue shark combined. Overall boat limit of 5 sharks and rays of which not more than 2 can be mako and blue sharks.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring
Measure shark species either from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail, or for headed and tailed shark, from the back gill slit to the base of the tail. More information.

Other names

mako shark, mako, blue pointer, mackerel shark, snapper shark


Scientific name

Isurus oxyrinchus

Grows to


Up to

4.5 metres and 500 kg

Identifying features


​The mako’s scientific name means ‘sharp nose’ and this is its most important identifying feature, along with the steely blue colour on the dorsal side with white underneath.  A large shark with black eyes, they have a high first dorsal fin and small second dorsal and anal fins.  The tail is crescent shaped.  Makos have long, narrow teeth that protrude from the mouth.

​​Area restrictions

Do not take in shark refuge areas. Research suggests that gummy sharks are being heavily fished, so area restrictions to protect this species and school shark are extremely important.

Rules

The dorsal and pectoral fins must remain attached to all shark until they are landed.​

Habitat 

Makos are a pelagic species found from surface waters down to 500 metres right around Tasmania, particularly during the late spring and summer months.

Fishing Information

These sharks are highly sought after as a game species and for their good eating qualities.  They can be attracted to boats that use a berley trail and then presented with baits.  An impressive shark that will come close to a boat, eyeing off the occupants.  They follow schools of bait fish such as jack mackerel, pilchards and squid which they attack from beneath using their speed as an element of surprise.  They are the fastest of all sharks, reaching speeds of around 70 km/h in short bursts.

Handling

Makos have powerful jaws full of razor sharp teeth.  They are capable of leaping clear of the water when hooked with the possibility of landing in a boat if care is not taken.  They may also ‘play dead’ when hooked on a longline or dropline, only to spring to life once landed in a boat.

Cooking

Fillets are pale pink to white, firm flesh and can be prepared similar to flake.​

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au