Love them or hate them, mako sharks have gained the respect of fishermen around the world for their physical prowess, but it is perhaps their intelligence that makes them such a remarkable fish.
The makos’ ability to learn has been well documented by marine biologists around the World. I have been fortunate enough to witness the makos learning ability first hand whilst fishing at the Three Kings for broadbill.
It is no secret that makos are ferocious feeders; just ask anyone who has seen a mako attack a marlin lure.
Many have also seen makos’ attack large prey, most commonly, broadbill.
These attacks usually take place during the day on the surface, in plain view of anybody who is fortunate enough to be in the vicinity. Broadbill usually spend the days 100’s of metres below the surface, but they occasionally come to the surface to bask in the sun.
It is believed that they do this in order to warm up their blood, because it is very cold in the depths of the ocean.
While on the surface the broadbill is in a sleep like state, in the past harpooning was the most common way of catching broadbill.
The fisherman would simply row up to the broadbill and plant a harpoon into the fish.
While on the surface in such a docile state the broadbill becomes an easy meal for a mako.
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Keep en tight
