Salmon Shark

Salmon shark are a member of the mackerel shark family and resemble the Great White. Salmon shark have dark grey backs, with dark blotchy patches on their sides, and white bellies. The average size of these huge sharks is between 6-8 feet and 200-400 pounds. They have been known to reach over 11 feet and over 1,000 pounds, with a life expectancy of at least 25 years.

Named after their diet, huge numbers of salmon shark follow the migration of their favorite fare, pink salmon, giving anglers plenty of opportunity to hunt for schools! Use a heavy-action rod and reel, with at least 80-pound line, and a steel cable leader; 10 to 20 feet of 1/8" braided steel wire is recommended. A salmon carcass hooked on a very large J-hook is the typical bait when seeking this prey.

We highly recommend picking an experienced charter operator for this type of fishing. Salmon sharks are capable of pulling people overboard and reeking havoc with a boat. Be prepared for the fight of your life when hooking into one of these fierce, unpredictable monsters. Do not bring these fish into your boat alive! Use a gaff or harpoon to stabilize and a firearm to subdue the shark. Once the shark is dead it should be bled, gutted, and put on ice immediately for the best care of this tasty meat. Several Valdez charter captains offer salmon shark fishing.

Check local regulations prior to fishing for accurate and up to date information. To learn more about fishing each species in Valdez please visit the following pages: