Mature Tiger
 
Tiger Shark
Galeocerdo Cuvieri
 
Other common names: Leopard Shark

Maximum weight: 820kg (1800lb)

Current all time I.G.F.A. record:    807kg (1780lb) - South Carolina, USA - 14 June, 1964

Identifying features: Upper body gray with black stripes and/or mottled markings. Lower body white. Bunt head with black eye that has a nictitating membrane. Five short gill slits.

Expected temperature range: 59° F to 86° F (15° C to 30° C)

Migration and breeding: COMING SOON!!!

Immature Tiger
Note the more predominate stripes than on an adult
Typical location: Open ocean along and at the bottom of the continental shelf. Current lines, ocean mountains and canyons are likely haunts of this species. Around schools of bait such as ballyhoo, pilchards and squid. Larger species will follow migrating whales. Will come close to shore if warm currents and bait are present. Can be found in bays and estuaries which present a danger to man, as this species has taken human life.

Fighting characteristics: When hooked this shark may go berserk and take deep dives or fast surface runs. Then again, it may just move slowly side to side and give no real excitement. Anglers have accidentally run over these shark while the shark suns itself on the surface. If you are lucky enough to find a dead whale at sea these sharks will almost certainly be there in large numbers. In these circumstances the larger species will have right of way with the small sharks keeping a safe distance from them. When hooked, a Tiger Shark that has been gorging itself on whale meat for several days will not fight and will just be a fish that bends the rod. In all other circumstances this species will test the fitness of angler and tackle.
 

 Distribution map and anatomy graphic coming soon!!!
Fishing Methods

Trolling Lures:

Trolling Live Bait:

Trolling Dead Bait:

Other Methods:
 
 

Remember to experiment and change tactics if you find that you are unsuccessful when targeting a particular fish species, as it could turn a good day into a great day!
 
If you wish to write an article about angling for this particular species please email Mark the Shark and we'll publish it here.