Conway Bowman is a fly fishing guide and mako shark specialist who has pioneered techniques for catching one of the ocean's most dangerous predators on fly tackle. In this conversation, Conway reveals the counterintuitive strategies that make mako sharks hittable on fly, the critical difference between mako and blue marlin behavior when they come up on a teaser, and why the biggest sharks aren't always the ones that eat. He shares stories from decades of offshore fly fishing, including close calls, equipment failures, and the moment he realized makos require a completely different approach than any other billfish. If you've ever wondered what it takes to stand on a casting platform with a fly rod while a 300-pound mako charges the boat, this episode will give you a front-row seat.
What makes mako sharks different from marlin when fly fishing?
Mako sharks exhibit fundamentally different feeding behavior than billfish. While blue marlin will follow and eat a teaser repeatedly, makos typically get one legitimate shot at the fly. Conway Bowman explains that makos come up hot and aggressive but often won't return for a second attempt, making timing and presentation absolutely critical for fly anglers targeting these apex predators.
Who is Conway Bowman?
Conway Bowman is a fly fishing guide and mako shark specialist who has spent decades developing techniques for catching makos on fly tackle. He guides anglers targeting mako sharks and other pelagic species, with extensive experience in Southern California waters and international destinations where makos are found.
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Visit Star brite →Why Mako Sharks Only Give You One Shot
Conway drops a piece of knowledge that changes everything about how you approach mako sharks on fly: they don't come back. Unlike blue marlin, which will follow a teaser up and down the spread, eating it multiple times while you get your angler ready, makos come up once with full commitment. If you miss that window, the fish is gone. Conway describes the difference in behavior, explaining that a marlin might eat your teaser five or six times, giving you opportunities to make the switch, but a mako's aggression is a one-time event. This isn't a fish you can tease and play with—it's a predator that makes a decision and either eats or disappears. The conversation reveals why this behavioral difference makes mako sharks one of the most challenging species in offshore fly fishing. The behavioral breakdown starts at 00:15:23.
The Biggest Sharks Aren't Always the Ones That Eat
Conway shares a pattern that every mako angler needs to understand: the largest sharks often show the least interest in eating. He explains that when you're chumming and multiple makos appear, the biggest fish in the group will frequently circle and investigate without committing to the fly. Meanwhile, the smaller, more aggressive sharks—still substantial fish in the 150 to 250-pound range—are the ones that charge the teaser with reckless abandon. Conway discusses why this happens and what it means for targeting strategy, including how water temperature, feeding patterns, and shark behavior intersect. The insight challenges the assumption that bigger is always better and reveals why understanding mako psychology is just as important as having the right tackle. Conway explains this pattern at 00:28:14.
Hear Conway describe what happens when a 300-pound mako comes up hot on the teaser
Equipment Failures at the Worst Possible Moment
Conway tells a story that will make every fly angler's stomach drop: having a mako eat the fly perfectly, setting the hook, and then watching your reel explode. He describes the moment when a critical piece of equipment failed during a legitimate hookup with a big mako, and the helpless feeling of knowing you did everything right but still lost the fish. The conversation goes deep into the mechanical demands that mako fishing places on fly reels, why certain models can't handle the heat and pressure, and what Conway learned about equipment selection the hard way. Tom and Conway discuss the importance of drag systems, reel construction, and why cutting corners on gear is a recipe for heartbreak when you finally get that perfect shot at a big shark. The equipment failure story unfolds at 00:42:37.
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SubscribeWhy Fly Selection Matters More Than You Think
Conway reveals his approach to fly design for makos, and it's not what most anglers expect. While many assume you need massive, flashy patterns, Conway explains that makos are surprisingly selective about what they'll eat. He discusses color choices, fly size relative to the chum you're using, and why matching the profile of what the sharks are seeing in the slick makes all the difference. The conversation includes specific patterns that have produced for Conway over the years, modifications he's made based on trial and error, and the subtle details that separate flies that get eaten from flies that get ignored. Tom and Conway also talk about leader construction, bite tippet materials, and the brutal reality of what a mako's teeth do to even the strongest connections. Conway's fly selection philosophy starts at 00:56:18.
Don't miss this one.
Conway shares decades of mako knowledge you won't find anywhere else.
Key Takeaways
- • Mako sharks exhibit completely different feeding behavior than billfish—they typically give you one shot at the fly, not multiple opportunities like marlin
- • The biggest makos in the chum slick are often the least aggressive, while smaller sharks in the 150-250 pound range are more likely to charge the teaser
- • Equipment failure during a mako hookup is devastating—Conway shares the story of a reel exploding at the worst possible moment and what he learned about gear selection
- • Fly selection for makos is more nuanced than most anglers realize—matching the profile and color of the chum in your slick is critical
- • Conway reveals specific techniques for chumming, teasing, and making the switch that have been refined over decades of mako fishing
- • Understanding mako psychology—why they come up, what makes them commit, and when they lose interest—is just as important as tackle and technique
Final Thoughts from Tom
This conversation with Conway Bowman is one of the most detailed discussions of mako shark fly fishing I've ever recorded. Conway doesn't hold back—he shares the techniques, the failures, the close calls, and the hard-earned knowledge that comes from spending thousands of hours targeting one of the ocean's most dangerous predators on fly tackle. If you've ever thought about mako fishing or wondered what separates the anglers who consistently hook these fish from those who just hope for the best, this episode will answer your questions.
What struck me most was Conway's honesty about the challenges. This isn't a fish you can figure out in a weekend, and even with decades of experience, there are days when everything goes wrong. The equipment demands are extreme, the windows of opportunity are small, and the stakes are high when you finally get your shot. Conway's willingness to share both his successes and his failures makes this episode valuable for anyone serious about offshore fly fishing.
Whether you're planning your first mako trip or you're a seasoned offshore angler looking to refine your approach, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Don't skip any of it—Conway's stories and technical breakdowns are worth every minute of your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you catch mako sharks on fly?
Catching mako sharks on fly requires chumming to bring sharks to the boat, using teasers to trigger feeding behavior, and making a precise switch to the fly when the shark commits. Unlike billfish, makos typically only give one legitimate shot, so timing and presentation must be perfect. Specialized heavy fly tackle, strong leader systems, and flies that match the chum profile are essential.
What makes mako sharks different from marlin when fly fishing?
Mako sharks come up hot and aggressive but usually won't return for a second attempt if they miss or refuse the fly. Blue marlin will repeatedly eat a teaser, giving anglers multiple opportunities to make the switch. This behavioral difference makes makos more challenging and requires anglers to be ready for a one-time shot.
What size mako sharks are best for fly fishing?
According to Conway Bowman, sharks in the 150 to 250-pound range are often the most aggressive and willing to eat a fly. Larger makos frequently show less interest in feeding and will circle the chum slick without committing. Smaller, more aggressive sharks provide better fly fishing opportunities despite not being the biggest fish present.
What fly rod weight do you need for mako sharks?
Mako shark fly fishing requires heavy saltwater fly tackle capable of handling powerful, fast-running fish in the 150 to 300-pound range. Specialized reels with strong drag systems are critical, as equipment failures during hookups are common with inadequate gear. Conway emphasizes that cutting corners on equipment leads to lost fish and heartbreak.
Where can you catch mako sharks on fly?
Conway Bowman guides for mako sharks in Southern California waters and other international destinations where makos are found. Mako sharks are pelagic species that inhabit offshore waters in temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. Successful mako fly fishing requires finding areas with good shark populations and appropriate water temperatures.
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About this Guest
Conway Bowman
Conway Bowman is a fly fishing guide and mako shark specialist who has pioneered techniques for catching one of the ocean's most dangerous predators on fly tackle. With decades of experience in Southern California waters and international destinations, Conway has refined the approach to mako fly fishing through countless hours on the water. He guides anglers targeting mako sharks and other pelagic species, sharing the hard-earned knowledge that comes from pursuing apex predators with fly rods. Conway's expertise covers every aspect of mako fishing from chumming and teasing to equipment selection and fly design.
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