Do you know your catch?

From the Department of Marine Resources

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Common names: porbeagle, mackerel shark

Description: Porbeagle sharks are dark blue gray above with white on their lower sides and underbelly. A distinctive patch of white can be found at the trailing edge of their first dorsal fin. These sharks have a pointed snout, a stout torpedo shaped body and a crescent shaped tall fin. Porbeagle sharks can be distinguished from white and mako sharks by their teeth, which are smooth edged and have a little cusp present along each side of the base of each tooth, and by the presence of two caudal keels on their tail fin. These sharks can grow to 10 feet and weigh over 450 pounds.

Where found: inshore and offshore

Similar Gulf of Maine species: white shark, mako shark

Remarks: Porbeagle sharks are strong, fast swimmers that are capable of rapid acceleration. A good sportfish, they can put up a determined fight when hooked. Fishing methods include trolling or bait fishing while chumming. Favorite baits are mackerel, herring and squid. The meat of the porbeagle is of good eating quality.

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