Photo by Al Quattrocchi
Mako Sharks on the Fly!
If sight-casting a fly to large acrobatic game fish is your passion, then there’s no better target than the Shortfin Mako shark. The waters just a few miles off the San Diego coast hold one of the world’s largest seasonal population of Makos. Ranging in size from 40 to 300 pounds, they migrate into these temperate, nutrient-rich waters beginning in April and are present until mid-November.
It’s big game hunting in salt water
Fly fishing for Makos is like big game hunting. We are looking for opportunities to sight-cast a fly to a large predator, which takes time and patience. But the reward is unlike any other in salt water fly fishing. The best way to attract larger Makos is by chumming with fresh tuna, then using the bait-and-switch technique often used when fly fishing for billfish.
Photo by Al Quattrocchi
Wind and water conditions are a key factor when targeting Makos on the fly. Tides, wind, visibility and current all figure into the angler’s success. Mid-days and afternoons typically present the best conditions for finding Makos.
Makos: The ocean’s fastest and most acrobatic gamefish
Imagine a large shark jumping 20 feet into the air after being hooked on a fly, then racing off to the horizon at 40 MPH! That’s what you can expect when fly fishing for San Diego Makos.
There is no other fish in the sea that compares to the Mako shark in jumping ability, strength and speed. They are truly one the ocean’s greatest gamefish!
Join us in pursuit of Makos! (April – November)
Photo by Al Quattrocchi
Find out for yourself why fly fisherman from around the world come to San Diego to catch this great gamefish!
We offer Tide Cycle (6 hrs), Full Day (8 hrs), and Extended Day (10 hrs) trips, for 1 -3 anglers. You can also book 2- or 3- Extended Days in advance.
Beat Cabin Fever with a Winter Blue Shark Trip! (December – April)
If you want to tangle with a big fish on fly in the winter, the blue shark is the salt water fish for you!
In the colder winter months, blue sharks can be found just a few miles off the San Diego coast. Cast a popper to a 200 pound blue shark. Get it to eat, and you’ll understand why they are considered one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. (Note: These trips are dependent on the weather. Winter west swells can be very large.)
These trips run 8 hours for 1-3 anglers.