Blacktip Shark

^{We would never kill a shark on purpose. This Blacktip shark jumped clear out of the water, spinning as they often do. It got tail wrapped and came to the boat backwards, drowned. Looks alive though. We ate this one. The meat was excellent.  Ate it all up in just a few days.} 

^{The fins are worth $500 each to Chinese.}

 ^{Boil the fins for a dozen hours and you get grey sand in the bottom of the pot and a bunch of translucent little noodles floating around, that look like sperms.  Little heads and tails. The sand at the bottom of the pot is all tiny shark teeth, dental dermal skin. The little sperms are cartelage and have no flavor at all.}

^{The only unique aspect of these tiny cartilaginous noodles is, they have a little snap to them when you bite one. And they have a rainbow hue in the translucent little sperm like fideo noodle. No taste, does nothing We catch and release big Blacktip Shark and other large Sharks often in the evening with heavy tackle, trolling live bonitos same as marlin fishing. They are all powerful. Little ones like this one are common catch trolling small rapallas. Little Blacktip Sharks jump and fight hard same as the big ones.}

Blacktip Sharks are a great catch and release sportfish

Blacktip Shark in Panama: Acrobatic Coastal Predators

Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), with fin-tip markings and gray streamlined bodies, grow to 8 feet and 200 lbs. Nearly as common as bull sharks in Panama’s Pacific, they’re speedy fighters around Isla Coiba—curious, bold, and built for thrills.

Migration, Territory, and Habits

• Pelagic Migration: Seasonal shifts (50-300 miles) along warm currents; inshore dry season (December-April), offshore rainy (May-November).
• Territory: Patrol 1-5 mile coastal ranges; females guard nurseries.
• Breeding: Live births of 4-12 pups March-July in shallow bays; maturity at 4-5 feet.
• Water Temp and Depths: Best 72-84°F (optimal 75-82°F); surface to 300 feet, often 10-100 feet.

Biology and Fun Facts

These 25 mph sprinters hunt fish (mullet, sardines, small jacks), squid, and crustaceans over reefs and drop-offs. In Coiba zones, they stick closer inshore near the islands, frequenting subsea rocks and bays for ambush hunts. Fun fact: Their acrobatic spins earn them the “spinner” nickname—pure energy when hooked!

Fishing Tips for Panama Anglers

• Techniques: Live bait or lures on 50-80 lb gear—they explode with jumps and rapid runs, spooling line fast (20-40 minute fights). Near subsea rocks (their favorite haunts), they dive for structure—captains must keep them surfaced and boat to deeper water to avoid breaks.
• Hotspots: Coiba’s inshore reefs, bays, or island edges in 10-100 feet; closer coastal zones yield the best action.
• Why Chase Them?: Explosive fights that test your setup—practice catch-and-release per regs to sustain these common coastal predators.  The battles are unforgettable.

Blacktip Sharks deliver inshore adrenaline in Panama—book a charter and hook your jumper!

Contact  Coiba Adventure marlinpanama.com  800-800-0907 for guided trips.