[captainlarry84]

Does any have comments on why the shape of makos are so different in the spring and fall. Most of the big one we catch to the west are males. In the spring nice and thick and in the fall, they are long and lean? I have my thoughts. If you look at the mako shot posted. This fall fish was 318 pounds. With its length in the spring it probably would have gone over 400. Any theorys?

 

[Capthookem]

Good Question

Captain Larry,
IMHO, I think it has to do with the fish migrating at that time of year. As you know, makos are not the only fish that appear this way. Once they settle into their summer grounds, I believe they go on the feed. Thats why it is so difficult to hook those early season tuna. Those fish are on a mission, and they don't have the feed bags on yet. If you catch an early season giant, the fat content in the meat is generally low, and the fish may not be worth as much as it might be in the fall. Well, I think makos are migrating as well. We definitely see this with bluefish. If a would be mako of 800 is only 750 in the spring, I'll take him anyway. LOL
Also, I think that the males are generally leaner than the females anyway.

Capt. H

(This post edited by Capthookem on 03/02/2003)

 

[maestro]

the males are leaner because of their desire to spread their genes,they are constantly looking for receptive females.once a female is impregnated,the male will move on.survival of the fittest

 

[Capthookem]

Interesting concept

maestro,
Why is it then that at certain times of the year, mature males can be found in one area, and females in another?? I don't believe that makos are continually mating. What do you think ??

Capt. H

 

[maestro]

constant food source and water temp ps. if anyone has a question regarding the bayshore mako or babylon tournament,i have access to the answers

 

[Makoman16]

Is it true......

Is it true that the first mako of the year ~ typically of good size ~ is a female because females "scout" the area first, before the males and pups show up?

I have read this numerous times in fishing publications.

 

[captainlarry84]

My theory

Here is my theory. I believe that in the spring the large males and females come into our area and are loaded with body fat as the slowly migrate up the coast. At this time of the year the females stay futher offshore and give birth to the pups in the canyons. Some on occasion come inshore but not a lot. The males not on the prowler to mate come inshore for the easy bluefish feed and really bulk up. We are now in mid June. As the waters warm the big makos venture back into the deep canyon waters for a cooler environment and also to go back on their primary feed on the Swordfish. The smaller makos only enemy in the deep, is really a larger mako. So the little guys come inshore, where they are the kings. Who on the 20 fathom curve is going to mess with a mako from 30 to 150 pounds? Nobody I know.
July and August the little makos work the inshore curves as the big ones stay in the deep.
When fall rolls around the makos start to mate in the deep water. The males now exhausted of body fat from the mating ritual move inshore for easier feeding on bottom fish, blues and small tuna.
That is my theory based on nothing but me and all of this stupid SNOW, give a man a lot of time to come up with theories.........LOL Think about it. I will post the big spring male again so we can compare the two on this chat.

(This post edited by captainlarry84 on 03/02/2003)

 

[Capthookem]

Captain Larry,
Do you have any data to support your hypothesis ??

Capt. H

 

[Capthookem]

Another one on the Kristen

Capt. H

 

[MakoMike]

Larry,
FWIW, The data from the apex predator program indicates that the primary forage fish for Makos is bluefish, which typically make up 70% of their diet.
I'll swear that they pup inshore of the canyons off eastern LI. I've seen and caught pups that couldn't have been more that a couple of days old. Weighed about 3 pounds.

 

[MakoMatt]

MakoMike, I am aware, and agree with the data compiled by the NMFS Amex Predator Program concerning a Mako?s diet being made up of 70% Bluefish.

Keep in mind that information given from data collected can often be skewed. As an example, and this is just an example, let?s say 90% of all Mako?s are under a certain size, smaller fish, these Mako?s diets may very well be made up of Bluefish, 70% or more, however, larger Mako?s, the remaining 10%, may have a diet that consists more of the tunas and swordfish. I am just guessing, but I think this is probably the case with the information given out by NMFS. Large predators generally feed on larger fish, just the way it is in nature.

We also get the little guys to the West, I have had Mako?s about 24? or less.

MakoMatt

(This post edited by MakoMatt on 03/03/2003)

 

[captainlarry84]

Great info

M/M I wasn't aware of the information about the bluefish as 70% of their diet. I have to get that report for my collection.
Your thought on the females giving birth inshore is also interesting. Once the pups are delivered in safe water, the females return to the deep, which could then explain the occasional 600 to 800 pounders that are caught.
There is so little good intell info onn this great fish.

 

[togmaster]

My theroy

Larry I believe they are fatter in the beginging of the season for they eat more to keep there body fat up for the waters are colder. as the season goes on the waters get warmer and they eat less. As they migate they move south and the follow the warmer waters. seems to me they get fat on there northward migration and spwaing. they follow the chain Mack,s blues and then the sharks,
Then its just the oppiste on the southward migration.

 

[MakoMike]

Tog,
Again, according to the research at the apex predator program, makos do not migrate much up and down the coast, like the macks and blue fish. Rather they migrate from the coast out to the mid atlantic ridge and then back again.