Spinner Shark

Spinner Shark

Carcharhinus brevipinna

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The anal, first and second dorsal, pectoral and lower caudal fins are black-tipped (look as if they were dipped in jet black paint). The first dorsal fin is fairly small, originating over or just behind the free tips of the pectoral fins and the apex is rounded. The snout is pointed and is as long as or longer than the width of the mouth. It is gray or bronze above with a light conspicuous wedge-shaped band or Z-shaped line on the sides beginning near the pectoral fins and gradually widening rearward to the pelvic fins to merge with the white on the belly. It has no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Up to around 9 feet

Age at Maturity: Female spinner sharks mature at 5.6-6.6 feet (TL) and males mature at 5.2-6.7 feet (TL).

Range: Virginia to Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico and possibly into the Caribbean.

Habitat: Coastal waters and offshore, common in shallow waters less than 100 feet.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live baitfish such as Pilchards, fresh cut baits. Light ocean gear and medium to heavy spinning tackle.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, casting, drifting

Food Value: Very good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Marine Fishes of Georgia Posters

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