(Prionace glauca)

The blue shark is one of the two most common around UK coastlines, the other being the porbeagle. Blue sharks are generally found in the warmer waters of the southern coast of Britain. It takes its name from its distinctive dark-blue back and light-blue flanks. The blue shark is a voracious predator and has been known to attack swimmers off beaches. It can grow to over 12 ft in length and the British record stands at over 200 lb. A fish of this size can be a very testing target for the novice fisherman. Like other species of shark, the blue has what is known as a spiracle or an opening behind the eye. This is connected to the gill system, which controls respiration. They have no swim bladder and regulate their buoyancy by controlling the amount of water within the body cavity.

Where To Find Them

Blue Sharks can be found around most of the British coastline but more commonly around the souther coast and particularly off south-west Cornwall. They can also be found off the southern and western shores of Ireland. The blue shark is a nomadic species and prefer deep-water areas off rocky, cliff-lined shores. Where there is a good supply of food. In warmer weather sharks will venture close to the shore in pursuit of food

When To Find Them

May through to October.

Natural Food and Best Baits

Most smaller species of fish. The mackerel and herring are two examples and both make excellent baits.

Tips and Tactics

When sharking, don't stop other activities such as mackerel fishing. The activity in the water will draw sharks closer to the boat.

UK Records

Shore: 40lb

Boat: 218lb