The mako sharks of Bass Strait by Lee Rayner

Each summer as the offshore waters of Bass Strait begin to warm, the baitfish population increases. The baitfish are followed by the smaller predators such as barracouta and arrow squid. Right behind these are the big predators, such as bronze whalers, blues, threshers and my own favourite, the mako shark.

While most Bass Strait makos are around 20-50kg and provide good sport and great eating, a smattering of bigger fish ranging from 80-300kg are hooked each year. These are the sharks that get your blood pumping with excitement, and trepidation, as you try to anticipate the next move of a fish with a very bad attitude.

THE PERFECT BODY

Designed as a fast-moving hunting machine, the mako has a lot of things going for it aside from sleek good looks. The thickset body is all muscle and is pushed along by a broad tail that creates massive power and propulsion. The mako's pointy nose and narrow head cut through the water with little resistance. The whole outfit is stabilised by the huge caudal keels at the base of the tail.

The mako's jet black eyes make it look especially mean, and this is topped off by a set of evil looking teeth. They are one of the few sharks in the world that always have teeth showing, even when their mouth is shut.

The mako's dental work is made up of several rows of long dagger-like teeth that are designed for grabbing and holding prey, rather than cutting. This is because a mako's diet is consists of fast-moving but soft-fleshed food such as fish and squid...