Tope

Galeorhinus galeus

Tope are the most common medium to large shark native to Welsh waters, in fact Wales is famous for its tope fishing – particularly in West and North Wales.

Tope are a fantastic sporting fish, favouring deeper water with strong flows. As such, most tope fishing in Wales is done afloat, although there are good marks where they can be caught from the shore, with deep water and gullies close by – spots where bait fish are likely to congregate. 

Tope can grow to 100lb in weight and put up a terrific fight, so strong good quality tackle is essential. Tope to 70lb plus are regularly caught in Wales. Tope are more commonly caught in the summer months, when they follow prey fish such as mackerel and herring in-shore.