Thresher Shark| Fish Species Guide | Angling Direct

Thresher Shark

Thresher Shark

aka Alopias vulpinus

Thresher sharks are known for is the long upper tail fin that can be as long as the shark's entire body and they will use this tail to swipe out at small fish. With a preference for tropical, sub-tropical and temperate waters, it is found in the UK and European waters in the summer months and thresher sharks generally stay far offshore, into deeper water. This predatory shark can be identified by its classic torpedo-shaped body that tends to be grey on its back and flanks but can be slightly blue or purple, with a white belly.

FactThresher sharks use their long, whip-like tail to lash out at fish, stunning them and making it easier to catch. It will also use its tail to defend itself against humans.

Stats

Habitat

Habitat

Found in deep waters during the day and at the surface at night.

Bait

Bait

Whole bait, strip bait or live bait.

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Tackle

Native or Invasive

Native or Invasive

Native

Where

Where

Highly migratory, they are found in tropical and temperate waters of the UK and Europe, by coasts and in the open ocean.

Catch Experience Catch Experience

At the time of writing, the Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus) is rated as "Vulnerable", so anglers need to take this into consideration and, ideally, avoid targeting them until numbers recover. Make use of heavy tackles and harnesses to minimize fighting time. You should also use circle hooks in order to increase the probability of hooking the shark's mouth, which is safer for them. Anglers will often see their bait slapped out of the water first by thresher sharks, before they actually bite. It is for that reason that thresher sharks are often hooked on the tail. When hooked, expect it to put up a fight, sometimes even leaping out of the water. Catching a Thresher Shark is arguably easiest by trolling a hookless dead mackerel slowly. You should stop the boat and start to pull your bait out of the water as the Thresher Shark moves in to attack your offering. When possible, manoeuvre the boat behind the shark and then gain line without putting too much pressure on the shark. It is advisable not to take Thresher sharks onboard but to release them alongside the boat. It is best to release the shark after it has fully recovered.

Video

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