544-Pound Mako Shark Landed In Southern California

After a hooked shark collided with a swimmer in Manhattan Beach early this month, another shark made the rounds in Southern California, namely a 544-pound mako shark caught near Catalina Island by Wisconsin-based outfitter Patrick Egerk, who used a bow to take this massive fish.

From the Wausau Daily Herald:

Patrick Eger, host of Big E TV and owner of Big E Outfitters in the Cedar Creek Mall, said the record-breaking shark was taken on June 15 off of Catalina Island and the adventure will be featured on an upcoming television show.

The 47-year-old Eger said that when the 10 1/2-foot shark arrived on scene, it immediately made its presence known.

“The mako is a very aggressive shark,” Eger said. “They are not afraid of anything. He came in to where the chum is coming from and starts hitting the boat, ramming the boat, sizing up the boat.”

With cameras rolling from several angles, Eger drew and released a single arrow from his bow, sending a broadhead into the shark swimming below him. That broadhead was attached to a steel leader, which was connected to a 200-pound monofilament line, which ran to a rod and reel wielded by Eger, who battled the big fish for more than two hours.

Since Eger caught the fish with a bow, it’s believed to be a new world record landing a mako in that manner.

We’ll have more from Eger’s catch in the September issue of California Sportsman.