Quick Take
- Shortfin mako sharks are among the fastest sharks in the ocean and are famous for powerful, acrobatic breaches.
- Hooked makos can be dangerous because they often leap, thrash, and surge unpredictably near boats.
- Their speed, strength, and repeated jumps make them one of the most challenging sharks for anglers to handle safely.
The level of excitement in the video posted above is both infectious and hilarious! A bunch of guys on a boat are trying to land a mako shark. The shark, however, is not cooperating and is giving the most spectacular acrobatic display as it tries to shake off the line. Scroll down to see the full video of the shark’s epic breaching abilities!
Are Mako Sharks Aggressive?
Yes, shortfin makos are large, powerful sharks and can be potentially dangerous, especially when hooked. Anglers consider mako sharks a difficult catch because of their speed, strength, and tendency to leap repeatedly once hooked. They are known for dramatic breaches and can launch themselves high out of the water when hooked or chasing prey. Makos are capable of breaching to impressive heights — sometimes reported at around 20 feet — and their landings can be unpredictable. This is not a problem if they are a long way from your boat as we see in this clip. However, if they are breaching like this very close to your vessel, it can end in disaster.
There have been reports of hooked makos damaging boats and injuring fishers. The species has also been implicated in a small number of attacks on humans, including at least one fatal case. Although anglers differ on the best way to handle a hooked mako, they are widely regarded as potentially dangerous.
Mako sharks are fast, powerful fish and can be dangerous when hooked.
©iStock.com/Alessandro De Maddalena
Are Mako Sharks Hard to Catch?
Because hooked makos can leap and surge unpredictably, anglers generally try to avoid bringing them close to the boat too early. Bringing a hooked mako boatside too quickly can be risky because the shark may surge, thrash, or breach near the vessel. Their speed and power mean anglers rely heavily on careful line control and patience during the fight.
Boat handling during a mako fight varies by crew and conditions, but the goal is generally to reduce risk to the anglers and avoid bringing an active shark into a dangerous position close to the vessel. You just have to sit it out and try to keep the fish attached until it tires out.
