Blue Shark Fishing off North Devon: What to Expect This Summer

Something changes in the Bristol Channel and the waters to the west of North Devon from late June onwards. The mackerel have been moving inshore for weeks, the sea temperature has climbed, and following them from the deeper Atlantic come blue sharks. Fast, curious, and capable of exceeding 100kg, they represent one of the most extraordinary encounters available to any UK angler.

At Wild Frontier Charters, blue shark trips are among the most requested bookings of the season. Here is everything you need to know about what is involved.

When Do Blue Sharks Arrive?

Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) are migratory, following warm water and prey fish northward through summer. Off the North Devon and Cornish coasts, reliable encounters begin from late June and peak through July, August, and into September. Water temperature and bait availability drive the timing each year, and recent seasons have seen sharks present earlier and further inshore than was historically typical.

How Is Blue Shark Fishing Done?

Blue shark fishing is one of the most distinctive techniques in UK sea angling. The approach centres on creating a scent trail, known as a chum slick or rubby dubby, by releasing minced fish oil and particles downwind of a drifting boat. Blue sharks follow this trail upwind to the source, where baits are suspended at various depths.

The experience on the drift is unlike any other kind of sea fishing. You are watching your float lines carefully in clear blue water, often in good visibility, when a fin appears at the surface and begins to investigate. Blue sharks are inquisitive animals and will often circle the boat before taking a bait.

What Size Sharks Can We Expect?

Blue sharks visiting UK waters typically range from 20kg juveniles up to fish exceeding 100kg. A 50 to 80kg blue shark on balanced tackle provides a powerful, sustained fight. The British record stands at over 100kg and was caught from a UK charter boat.

Female blue sharks tend to run larger than males. Pregnant females are particularly large and must be handled with extra care to avoid stress.

Catch and Release: Why It Matters

All blue sharks caught on Wild Frontier Charters trips are returned to the water. This is not a legal requirement but our firm policy, and it reflects both the conservation status of blue sharks and our responsibility to the fishery we operate in. Blue sharks are listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, primarily due to pressure from bycatch in commercial longline fisheries.

We handle every shark with care, minimising time out of water and using appropriate equipment for a safe, fast release. Many of our clients tell us watching a large shark slide back into the Atlantic having not left a mark on it is one of the most satisfying fishing experiences they have had.

What Equipment Do You Need?

All tackle is provided on our blue shark trips. You do not need to bring anything other than appropriate clothing, food and drinks, and any personal medications including seasickness tablets. We will brief you on the technique before we reach the fishing grounds.

Booking a Blue Shark Charter

Blue shark trips run from late June through September. These are dedicated full-day offshore charters with a maximum of eight anglers. Demand is high in peak season and dates book early.

Contact Wild Frontier Charters to check availability and book your blue shark trip.