Skipper David Edwards was in touch to to report the first blue shark we have heard about this year. Dave was making the most of the glorious conditions on Friday and the fish was hooked shortly before 5 o’clock in the evening. After a couple of photos it was safely released.
It’s been a very special week on Silver Dawn, with valuable research carried out and dreams made a reality for some wonderful people.
Yesterday was a day off and with the superb weather set to continue, I thought a very early attempt to catch and tag a Blue Shark was on the cards.A whole two weeks earlier than any Blue, previously recorded in Irish waters.
Chances were slim to zero but the weather and fabulous offshore wildlife, would make the attempt worthwhile.
A Super Pod of ocean going Dolphins, estimated at 200+ were visible for long spells, not great for shark fishing but good to see.
A Minke Whale came alongside as well as a large Bull Seal and as the day passed by, the fairly slim hope of encountering a Blue Shark, passed with it.
At 5pm, the silence was broken, line tore off and a decent size female Blue was heading for the horizon.
After a surprisingly good fight in only a 13c sea, she was brought onboard for measuring and tagging.
195cm length overall and quickly released.
She was the perfect end to a perfect week.
It’s very early to be getting blue shark in Irish waters and this unusual report wins our Catch of the Week.
David is no stranger to catching sharks early in the season. Last year he caught and released the first porbeagle of the 2024 on January 10th and the first blue shark of 2024 on May 24th.
Go fishing
Silver Dawn
