Gummy Shark Fishing Spots in Australia

Overview: about gummy shark

Southern Australian shark of bays, estuaries and inshore reef from southern WA across to NSW. Targeted with squid, salmon or trevally baits on the bottom, often at night around tide changes. The 'flake' of fish-and-chip shops — clean, mild flesh.

Quick facts

Size: 80–140 cm (max 185 cm)
Weight: 3–10 kg (max 25 kg)
Depth: 5–350 m
Habitat: Inshore, Offshore

Regulations (per state)

State	Size	Bag
VIC	—	1
TAS	—	1

Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.

Safety & handling

Bleed and gut immediately; flesh ammonia-taints if not iced fast.

Conservation

IUCN: Least Concern

Marketed widely as 'flake'; AFMA quota-managed commercial fishery healthy.

Biology: Gummy Shark size, diet & habitat

Habitat: Inshore, Offshore
Typical size: 80–140 cm (max 185 cm)
Weight: 3–10 kg (max 25 kg)
Depth range: 5–350 m
Diet: octopus, squid, crabs, small fish
Most active: crepuscular
Global range: Southern Australia

How to target: Gummy Shark angling strategies

Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.

fresh squid, salmon fillet or eel on a running sinker rig over sand or mud bottom
running paternoster rig at anchor in Western Port and Port Phillip channels
berleyed pilchards drifted at dusk through Bass Strait shallows

Best season: when to catch gummy shark in Australia

VIC: Nov-May (Western Port)
TAS: year-round

Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.

Where to catch: gummy shark fishing spots in Australia

41 mapped fishing spots, marks and waypoints for gummy shark across Australia, covering land-based fishing, rock fishing, beach fishing, surf fishing, estuary fishing, jetty and wharf fishing and offshore and bluewater fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.

Victoria21

Tasmania18

South Australia2

Gummy Shark

Recently caught

Range & spots