This slim bodied shark is one of the most prolific and exciting sport fishes available to catch in the UK. Mainly present during July and August around Scapa Flow, these fish ranging between 20lbs and 45lbs (9kg – 20.4kg). The shelter provided by Scapa Flow ensures that you can fish for Tope in the worst of weather and is an enjoyable alternative for when marks out west are blown off.

Tope are easily recognisable by their long slender shape and the main triangular rounded dorsal fin. Teeth are small and triangular but extremely sharp with serrated edges. They are usually a grey colour but sand feeders can show a brown tinge. The belly is usually dirty grey to white.

Tope usually hunt in packs and it is not uncommon for fish to be hooked one after the other, with multiple hook-ups a real possibility. They hunt in the shallow Scapa Flow bays and around the Island of Cava, off Stanger Head and Scapa Bay. They concentrate their feeding on whiting, codling, pout and flatfish.

It is always best to use sporting tackle for Tope. An uptide rod of between 9ft 6ins and 10-feet is matched to a multiplier reel carrying 300yards (275m) of 15 to 18lb (6.8kg 8.16kg) line. Tope do not go on long line depleting runs but in stead take steady runs of up to 70yards (65m).

A sliding ledger rig with a flowing trace of 6 feet (1.8m) is best. Using 4½ (1.3m) feet of 60 to 80lb (27.2kg – 36.2kg) mono ending in a short 18-inch hook trace of 60lb (27.2kg) wire. Hooks should be sized 4/0 to 6/0 and should be medium wired to effectively set the hook and barbless for easy fish release.

Although Mackerel is effective bait the best baits to use are half bodied whiting and dab. Mackerel should be used as either a fillet or a medium sized tail section.

To increase your chances of catching Tope it is a good idea to set up a smaller “dinking” rod designed to catch whatever species are lying on the ground at the time. This will increase the sea bed activity and the Tope will detect this and home in on the activity. Also periodic dropping of Mackerel pieces from the stern of the boat will increase smell in the surrounding water.

Conservation
The Tope is a sport fish and as such we encourage ALL Tope to be tagged and released.

Scottish Record Tope - 74lbs 11oz (33.8784kg approx)