Bull Shark

Usually gray to light brown above, white below. Similar to the Sandbar Shark but has a shorter, wider snout. The large first dorsal fin starts above the middle of the pectoral fin, whereas in the Sandbar it starts above the front portion of the pectoral.

SIZE

Commonly runs 6-8 feet and 100-300 pounds, but can exceed 10 feet and 400 pounds.World record 697 pounds, 12 ounces; Florida record 517 pounds.

FOOD VALUE

Good.

GAME QUALITIES

A rugged fighter; usually has heft and strength on its side.

TACKLE AND BAITS

Although more appropriately matched to medium ocean outfits, the Bull is one of the pet targets of adventurous spin, plug and fly cast- ers, especially in the lower Florida Keys. Will take a variety of dead fish as bait, and especially likes fresh- cut Barracuda. Also can be chummed into a mood for hitting artificials—large flies and topwater plugs being preferred.

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FISHING SYSTEMS

Still Fishing; Drifting.

OTHER NAMES

Ground Shark Cub Shark 

RANGE

More common on all Florida coasts, but also occurs in the Bahamas and around larger islands of the Caribbean.

HABITAT

Primarily coastal. It also ventures into completely fresh water, and has been taken in several Florida rivers, and even in Lake Okeechobee.