All tropical oceans worldwide — the Oceanic Whitetip is a true open-ocean shark rarely seen nearshore. Found far offshore in deep, warm blue water. Highly pelagic — found in blue water beyond the continental shelf. Extremely common around FADs and tuna aggregations throughout the tropics. Populations dramatically reduced by finning and bycatch.
Water Conditions
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72°F–82°F. Found in deep offshore tropical water beyond the continental shelf.
Tackle & Bait
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Best Lures:
Large skirted trolling lures produce incidental catches offshore.
Best Baits:
Fresh whole fish or large baitfish produce results when targeting this species offshore. Most commonly encountered as incidental bycatch when fishing FADs for Yellowfin Tuna in tropical waters.
Size & Sport
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Oceanic Whitetip typically 5–9 feet and 130–370 lbs. World record: 369 lbs 8 oz. Distinguished by white tips on the rounded dorsal and pectoral fins.