Shortfin Mako Shark

Mako Shark

Isurus oxyrinchus

Size:
to 12 ft

Habitat:
open ocean, coastal

Notes: dangerous

A smaller cousin of the Great White, Mako sharks are renowned for their speed, and their powerful and aerobatic fight when hooked. They are also thought by some researchers to possess greater intelligence than other species. As a result of over-exploitation by long-liners and sport fishermen, the local population has collapsed, and large trophy-sized individuals have not been caught off New Jersey for many years, although small ones are still common.

Shortfin Mako Sharks are generally considered to be excellent table fare. Not so for Longfin Makos, which are found in the deep ocean, out beyond the Gulf Stream.

Mako Shark
The Mako has a snow-white belly much like its larger cousin the Great White.
Mako Shark
Large Makos are said to be capable of leaping more than 20 feet out of the water.
Mako Shark
A hooked Mako near the surface, showing the distinct white patch around the mouth.
Promotional video for Shark Shield electronic shark repeller
It seems to be pretty effective

fish anatomy

Fins come in a bewildering assortment of designs. Options include long, short, vented, solid, soft, hard, open-heel, full-foot, and a wide range of specious do-dads, most of which solve problems that I cannot confirm even exist. One manufacturer has even come out with fins that are left and right, something that I think must be truly bothersome while gearing up.

The fact is, most fin designs simply miss the mark for New Jersey divers. What is needed here is a solid, tough fin with a generous foot pocket that will hold not just your foot, but also whatever bulky thing your foot is in. This will be at least a 6mm booty, if not a drysuit boot with perhaps several pairs of socks underneath. Simple solid buckles with quick releases are essential. You will be amazed at how strongly your fins may stick onto your feet at the end of a dive. Small vents in the toe of the foot pocket help here, to break the vacuum.

Printed from njscuba.net