One of the most common sharks in Texas waters. The Blacktip shark is most easily reconized
by the telltale black marking on the tip of his fins, hence the name. May be confused with
his closely resemble cousin the spinner shark. But the Blacktip gill slits are smaller,
eyes are larger, and teeth are more finely serrated..Though I would not choose the latter
for distiquishing between the two species. This is one perticular game fish you don't want
to lip when hauling on the boat. Best to stay away from those choppers on the Blacktip and
for that matter all the other species of Gulf coast sharks we will be discussing in this
chapter. One quick look at what damage they can ifflict on a trout or snapper one the way
to the boat. Should give any sober angler a good indication how fast one of them fingers
would disappear if he got it inside one of those Mike Tyson dentures..
A favorite among Texas Gulf Coast Sharkeys for their fighting abilities and their table
abilities. Growing to substantual size in the 4 to 6 foot range, blacktip have been known
to do a little acrobatics when they get hooked. And combined with their line stripping
abilities, especially on lighter tackle. They give a lucky angler just about all he can
handle during a fight out on the open water. Found throughout the Texas Gulf coast, from
offshore water where they tend to hunt in schools. To inland bays and around piers and
jetties, where they go to breed. Texas fishermen who finally get ones of these bad boys to
the edge of the boat are in for a real treat. Since they are edible, an angler can go a
long way to have a nice fish fry for the whole family with the steaks that one of these
will supply. Just as in most larger game fish the rule of thumb is to bleed the fish as
soon as possible to give the meat a better taste one he is fillet.. And as is the case of
anything else that one catches out on the waters, just keep what you need, and release the
rest for another day.. Also another good rule of thumb when releasing big sharks or little
one for that matter. When fighting the shark tend to build up lots of lactic acids and
loose alot of energy while making their way to the boat. So after hooking it's best to
move the fish back and forth through the water to let water move across his gill plates to
get a fresh supply of oxygen.. When he is full revived he will let you know it. Just
remeber to stay clear of those teeth, they are suprisenly quick for their size.. And one
fish story for a day is all we are looking for in this case....
.
State Records: 179 pounds
Gulf of Mexico May 20, 1989
Gary Rooth
World Record: 270 lbs and 9ozs
Malindi Bay Kenya, September 21, 1984 Jurgen Oeder