July in Massachusetts Bay waters features mostly small female Blue Sharks in the 3-5 foot range. As the waters warm, the larger males and females push in from the east. The shark fishery, while only a pale reflection of the glory days of yesteryear, offers anglers a chance to catch from five to 25 fish a day with fly rods. While the majority of fish are blue sharks, makos, porbeagles and threshers are seen annually. One of the primary reasons for the strong blue shark fishery is that they have not been a commercially viable target.
Resources can dwindle though, and previously overlooked species be targeted.
In the meantime, anglers can enjoy the opportunity to pit their skills and tackle against a truly worth opponent. Blue sharks will test every knot, line, drag and ferrule you use. Gear will break, fish will be lost, but the sharks keep coming. A good day in mid August can include leadering over 20 fish. Such days are quite common.