Learn about blue sharks

Blue sharks are common throughout the world and are targeted as a sport fish. Read on to learn more about these sharks.

Appearance

• Blue sharks can get up to 13 feet in length but generally are closer to 10 feet long. They have a deep blue color dorsally, which fades to light blue on the sides and white on the belly. They have slender bodies with large eyes and a cone shaped snout. 

Blue shark facts

• Species name: Prionace glauca
• Blue sharks are part of the Requiem shark family.
• They prey on many things including:
  • Herring
  • Squid
  • Cuttlefish
  • Smaller sharks
  • Sea birds
  • Carrion
  • Garbage
• Young blue sharks are preyed upon by larger pelagic predators.
• White sharks and shortfin mako sharks are a few of the animals that prey on adult blue sharks.
• Blue sharks birth live young that hatch internally. The gestation period is 9–12 months. 
• Average blue shark litters are 25–50 pups, but can get up to 135 pups. The health and size of the female are what determine the litter size.
• Blue shark pups are 16–20 inches long at birth, and are born in central and eastern areas of the North Atlantic ocean.
• Commercial fisheries don't target blue sharks in the United States.
• Blue sharks cover most of the ocean except for the Arctic and southern oceans. 

Additional Resources

Find Massachusetts saltwater game fish records

IGFA International All-Tackle World Record

Angling tips

• Sport fishermen often target blue sharks as they are easy to catch and spend time swimming around boats. You should use a sturdy rod and a traditional larger reel. Herring or bluefish are good bait fish.
• You will have an easier time reeling in a shark if you use a fighting belt and a back harness.
• Blue sharks may roll when hooked, so you should keep the line tense to prevent rolling. However, if a shark rolls, guide it to roll in the opposite direction by pulling the wire up using thick leather gloves.