Blue Shark

Oceans & Range: All temperate and tropical oceans worldwide — one of the most widely distributed sharks on Earth. In the Pacific, found from Alaska to Chile. In the Atlantic, from Newfoundland to Argentina including the Gulf of Mexico. A highly migratory pelagic species that travels thousands of miles seasonally.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–68°F. The most cold-tolerant of the common pelagic sharks — they are more common in cooler blue water than Mako or Thresher Sharks. Concentrate at current edges and temperature breaks offshore.

Size & Weight: Typically 6–9 feet and 130–350 lbs. Maximum size over 12 feet. World record: 454 lbs. Very slender and graceful — the "greyhound of the sea." Highly abundant offshore; frequently encountered by anglers targeting Albacore and other offshore species.

Best Lures: Large skirted trolling lures at trolling speed occasionally attract Blue Sharks. Large surface poppers produce strikes when fish are active near the surface. Large jigging spoons work when fish are concentrated.

Best Baits: Fresh whole mackerel are the top chum bait. Cut squid produces consistent action. Large chunks of any oily fish work in a chum slick. Whole fresh-dead herring are effective. Blue Sharks respond aggressively to blood and oil chum — setting up a chum slick is the standard technique.

All temperate and tropical oceans worldwide — one of the most widely distributed sharks on Earth. In the Pacific, found from Alaska to Chile. In the Atlantic, from Newfoundland to Argentina including the Gulf of Mexico. A highly migratory pelagic species that travels thousands of miles seasonally.

50°F–68°F. The most cold-tolerant of the common pelagic sharks — they are more common in cooler blue water than Mako or Thresher Sharks. Concentrate at current edges and temperature breaks offshore.

Best Lures: Large skirted trolling lures at trolling speed occasionally attract Blue Sharks. Large surface poppers produce strikes when fish are active near the surface. Large jigging spoons work when fish are concentrated. Best Baits: Fresh whole mackerel are the top chum bait. Cut squid produces consistent action. Large chunks of any oily fish work in a chum slick. Whole fresh-dead herring are effective. Blue Sharks respond aggressively to blood and oil chum — setting up a chum slick is the standard technique.

Typically 6–9 feet and 130–350 lbs. Maximum size over 12 feet. World record: 454 lbs. Very slender and graceful — the "greyhound of the sea." Highly abundant offshore; frequently encountered by anglers targeting Albacore and other offshore species.

1 official record on file for Blue Shark