As the summer sun causes a rise in water temperatures, the time has come when fishermen start to get ready for the offshore season. Will it be tuna or Mako shark, a species that has grown steadily in popularity over the past few years.

The fertile tuna grounds located close to Boston and Gloucester allow boats in the twenty foot range to participate in the ever growing offshore big game fishery. Gear can be a simple as a hand line or as elaborate as a custom rod equipped with a Penn International or Fin-Nor reel spooled with 130 lb. test line. Over the past couple of years, fishermen have switched from cable leaders to monofilament leaders. The current trend is towards the newly developed, high strength, nearly invisible fluorocarbon leaders. Many anglers feel that this development has been responsible for the increase in hook-up of leader-shy tuna.

WHERE TO START?

Stellwagen Bank with it’s varied currents holds an incredible amount of bait and fish. Because of it’s distinctive combination of currents and structure, the up swells disorients the bait and makes them easy prey for all predators. By the time the big game season starts, the Northwest corner of Stellwagen Bank is a virtual floating city of fishing vessels looking for an opportunity to fight a giant tuna. Salem anglers only have to run to 13891.4 X 25668.0 to reach the Northwest corner while fishermen from the Cape fish the Southeast corner of Stellwagen at 13770.0 X 25520.0. Jefferies Ledge is an under water mountain range that runs from Gloucester to the Gulf of Maine. Some fishermen drift bait while others troll daisy chains and squid bars along a hill at 13725.0 X 44336.0. You might also troll along the sharp drop-offs around 13670.1 X 44332.9. The same up swell features that draw huge schools of bait along Stellwagen are also in effect along Jefferies Ledge. Massachusetts anglers might also try their luck in Ipswich Bay. Ipswich Bay seems to be most active during the latter part of summer into the fall period. More than one bluefish angler has been more than a little surprised at being spooled by an 800 lb. tuna rather than an 8 lb. Chopper. When the tuna season closes, some fishermen enjoy catch and release fishing for "football" tuna in close to shore from Halfway Rock to Egg Rock. The potential is there and if conditions are right, small;; boat anglers can find themselves in a tussle of their lives.

Most of the mistakes made after a hookup are usually due to a fisherman not being able to keep his cool. This is commonly called "equipment failure" back on the dock. But the most successful tuna fishermen are those that pick themselves up and head back out to hopefully learn from their mistakes. There is no avoiding this kind of frustration or hardship to become a successful tuna fisherman. You might get lucky once, but not year in and year out.

MEANDERING MAKOS:

Another part of the offshore fishing scene that is becoming more and more popular is searching for sharks, particularly makos. This gamester shows up in our waters when temperatures rise to between 60 and 65 degrees. The Massachusetts record for this sleek and graceful predator is over 600 lbs. And caught off Nomans Island in 1987. Most of the makos we see off our shores range from pups to about 300 lbs., though larger fish are there. These sharks are attracted to this area by huge schools of herring, though at times and places, bluefish can make up most or all of the mako’s diet.

The use of tuna type gear is not necessary. Most local fishermen use combinations capable of handling 30 to 50 lb. Line on 6/0 Special Senator reels though some anglers continue to use the Penn "black beauties".

A strong wire leader is necessary to avoid cutoffs by the sharks teeth or it’s sandpaper skin. Some anglers prefer stainless steel while others opt for cable or piano wire leaders, tied to 8/0 to 14/0 hooks.Pete's Bait & Tackle

To attract the sharks to your baited hooks, many fishermen bang on the side of the boat, splash buckets in the water and otherwise create noise and disturbances in the water. In addition to the noise that is created, fishermen will also chum the water with ground up fish and sea water that is systematically ladled over the side. Once a slick is started, it is sweetened with chunks of bait including mackerel or herring.

After the shark has taken your bait, let the fish run and then strike the fish with three or four sharp jabs with the rod. Be ready for the powerful first rush and often times spectacular leaps. Be very sure that your catch is completely worn out before bringing it to the side of the boat either for tagging or capture. If you have never wired a mako before, it would be best to have an experienced shark angler on board for your firs couple of trips.

Mako steaks are a top quality product and to insure freshness, bled the fish and ice it down immediately. Any delay in preparing the fish will leave a distinct and strong ammonia odor in the flesh and curtail it’s flavor.

The mako steaks can be soaked in brine before cooking. One popular way to prepare shark steaks is to marinate them in citrus juice for a couple of hours before firing up the grill. After the steaks have been marinated, lightly rub oil on the steaks and season them with fresh ground pepper and place on a hot grill or under the broiler. Generally, four or five minutes on each side will be sufficient for a one-inch-thick steak. Serve with vegetables and your favorite wine and you will think you are in heaven.