Where can I learn to catch blue and mako shark on my boat?

Question

I am interested in learning how to find and how to catch blue and mako shark near San Diego, CA. I have a boat that can handle the ocean and I'll be taking it down to San Diego this fall. I've only done bay fishing in the past.

Answer 1

Ok...blues and makos are in totally different classes.  Makos are going to test your tackle like nothing else.  They are powerful, FAST fish that will burn your drag like bad-*** bolts of lightening.  So - careful....

Blue sharks in the pacific can be found trailing shrimp/clam/crab boats as waste and food is toss overboard.  If you so desire, I'd call a few local companies down there and see if you can get some info from them.  If you're nice, maybe they'll let you tag along and try to snag a blue from behind their boat!!  They're super agressive, and will probably take anything you want to toss at 'em.  Since it doesn't seem like you have experience handling/catching/fishing for sharks, it would be advisable that you both read what you can and call a local offshore tackle shop to see if they can recommend anyone to either hire to take, or at least go out once with on their charter to learn a little.  

Makos...well, that's a WHOLE nother fish.  They are violent, harsh predators that like to make a really big mess.  They will be harder to handle, and require more patience and skill when bringing them in.  Typically they hover over reefs and canyon breaks.  Most people, from what I remember, just anchor up and dead drift bait (sometimes live bait).  Current breaks where temperature changes occur are good spots too.  

Again, the EASIEST and most effective way to learn to shark fish is to hire a guide....at least the first time just to beat the learning curve.

Remember....as with any shark, make sure they are pretty tired before you bring them to the boat so that you don't have any "surprises" (like a mako trying to jump in your boat) and you can make a clean, successful release (assuming you're releasing them).  

Answer 2

heres a list of traditinal waters for sharks by genus . . . basically you needs to chum the waters with stinky fish guts . . . if you can obtain some animal blood it works well too . . . rumor has it that they are atracted to dye markers from survival vests if none of the traditional methods work

Answer 3

Check out this month's issue of "Sport Fishing", they had a whole article about shark fishing. I read it, and it was pretty informative.