Shortfin Mako
The shortfin mako turns up in UK waters off the south and west coasts — Cornwall, Wales, and occasionally further afield — as an infrequent visitor at the edge of its range. Since April 2021, UK vessels are prohibited from retaining mako in the Atlantic.
Any encounter is now a release-only event, making identification and careful handling the whole point.
Scientific Name: Isurus oxyrinchus
Also known as Bonito shark, Blue pointer, Mako
- Dark blue-grey back fading to bright white belly; snow-white patch around the mouth and under the snout distinguishes it from similar sharks.
- Pointed conical snout, large dark eyes, and a mouth full of slender, curved teeth visible even when closed.
- Slender, torpedo-shaped body with a strong crescent-shaped tail and a single prominent caudal keel — no second keel, which separates it from the porbeagle.
- Reaches up to 13 feet; most UK sightings involve fish in the 6–10 ft range.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- An oceanic and coastal species; in UK waters it is found primarily off south-west England (Cornwall) and the west coast of Wales, rarely off south-east Britain.
- Native to temperate and sub-tropical seas worldwide; UK waters sit at the northern edge of its Atlantic range.
- Roams from the surface down to depths exceeding 700 m, but most encounters in UK waters are in open coastal and offshore surface zones.
- Rising sea temperatures may bring makos into UK waters more regularly than historical records suggest.
Key Locations
- Cornwall and the Western Approaches — the most consistent area for mako sightings and historical angling encounters in UK waters.
- West Wales coast — confirmed sightings and at least one stranding on record; sits within the species' regular south-west UK range.
- Broader south-west England offshore grounds — where warm Atlantic water pushes closest inshore and pelagic prey concentrations attract large sharks.
Specific Spots
- Open water well offshore — mako follow fast-moving pelagic prey like tuna and swordfish rather than holding to bottom structure.
- Surface and mid-water column in warmer months when sea temperatures push higher off the south-west peninsula.
- Areas where baitfish and tuna concentrate, such as temperature breaks and current edges in the Western Approaches.
Shortfin Mako FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Shortfin Mako?
Whole or large cut mackerel, fished as deadbait or trolled, has been the traditional UK approach for large pelagic sharks including mako. Large skirted trolling lures and artificial squid imitations used for tuna and billfish will draw mako attention in the same offshore grounds.
When is the best time to fish for Shortfin Mako?
Summer and early autumn bring the warmest sea temperatures to south-west UK waters and represent the most likely window for mako encounters. The species is rarely reported in UK waters outside the warmer months, though occasional winter strandings have occurred.
How do you catch Shortfin Mako?
Mako cannot be retained by UK vessels, so directed targeting is no longer a legal fishery. Encounters happen incidentally during offshore shark or tuna trips out of south-west England and Welsh ports, typically from charter boats working well offshore. The focus for any angler who hooks one is a safe, quick release.
What do Shortfin Mako eat?
Feeds on fast-moving pelagic fish, tuna, swordfish, mackerel, and squid, as well as other sharks; its speed lets it chase down prey that most sharks cannot catch. Will also take small seals opportunistically.
Where do Shortfin Mako live?
An oceanic and coastal species; in UK waters it is found primarily off south-west England (Cornwall) and the west coast of Wales, rarely off south-east Britain. Native to temperate and sub-tropical seas worldwide; UK waters sit at the northern edge of its Atlantic range.
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