Thresher Shark Fishing Guide

The common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) is one of the most visually distinctive fish in the ocean, with a caudal (tail) fin that equals the length of the rest of its body — a unique adaptation used as a weapon to stun prey. Threshers are among the premier big-game sharks targeted off Southern California, where they come close enough to shore in summer to be targeted from private boats. Though rarely exceeding 500 pounds, threshers are endothermic like mako and tuna, capable of bursts of speed and acrobatic jumps that make them spectacular adversaries on light to medium offshore tackle. Their flesh is among the finest of any shark — firm, mild, and meaty — and thresher shark is widely available at Southern California fish markets and restaurants. Three species of thresher exist worldwide (common, bigeye, and pelagic), but the common thresher is the primary sport fishery target.

Thresher Shark is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Common thresher sharks are found in temperate and subtropical waters worldwide, with an important sport fishery off Southern California and Baja California. They prefer cooler water than most open-ocean sharks, often found in temperatures of 55–72°F. In SoCal, they are commonly targeted from Point Conception south to San Diego, appearing near kelp beds and offshore banks from spring through fall.

Diet

Thresher sharks feed primarily on schooling fish — mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies — which they stun with powerful lateral whips of their elongated tail before circling back to consume. This hunting strategy has been documented on video and is unique among sharks. They also consume squid and will feed throughout the water column.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 200 lbs. World record: 767.4 lbs (Tutukaka, New Zealand (1983)).