Massive Mako Shark Caught In PCB, Weighs 600 Pounds
By Space Coast Daily // March 11, 2015
'Crappie fishing is not going to be the same'
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA – On March 6, the Gulf gave Matt Pemberton, his crew and customers the fight of their life when a a mako shark weighing more than 600 pounds caught hold of their line.
The rare beach catch, involving an incredibly powerful shark species was made after a 90-minute battle involving seven men who took turns at the rod and reel.
Mako sharks are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world and can reach about 14 feet, and weigh more than 1,000 pounds.
The fastest of all sharks, makos are capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph while hunting.
Often killed for sport and because of their aggressive nature, makos are considered a vulnerable species, though they have shown a remarkable ability to adapt.
Because they’re typically found far offshore, they’re not regarded as a serious threat to swimmers and surfers.
“The fight was a long fight,” Pemberton told WMBB-TV. “Wore us all out, really.”
“Crappie fishing is not going to be the same back in Indiana, but I will do what I can. I enjoy fishing, but I will definitely be back down here trying to catch a bigger fish.”
Though great white sharks are protected and must be released, mako sharks are not.
The anglers elected to keep the fish. Unlike many shark species, makos make great table fare.
The largest mako ever brought to scales in Florida was a 911-pounder caught in 1962 by Audrey Cohen.
“You catch fish in a river and you catch fish in a lake, but you come out to the ocean and it’s a whole different story,” Pemberton said.
“I was raised on a river. I was raised catching catfish. I come out here and you catch a shark, and you can’t stop it. You’ve got a drag for a reason because if you ain’t got a drag, that whole thing will pull you in the water.”
