Gummy Shark

The gummy shark, also known as the flake shark, is a highly sought-after species among Australian anglers due to its excellent eating quality, hard-fighting nature, and abundance in inshore waters. Found primarily along the southern coastline of Australia, these smooth-skinned, bottom-dwelling sharks inhabit sandy seabeds, reefs, and estuaries, providing an exciting and rewarding fishing experience for both boat and shore-based fishers.

Identification & Characteristics

• Size: Gummy sharks typically grow between 90 cm to 1.5 meters (3 to 5 feet), though larger specimens, known as "school sharks," can exceed 1.8 meters (6 feet) and weigh over 20 kg (44 lbs).
• Appearance: They have a slender, streamlined body with no visible teeth, instead featuring flat grinding plates used for crushing crustaceans and shellfish. Their smooth, greyish-brown skin is free of rough dermal denticles, which distinguishes them from other sharks.
• Habitat: Gummy sharks prefer sandy and muddy seabeds, often found in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters at depths ranging from 5 to 80 meters (16 to 260 feet).

Where to Catch Gummy Sharks

Gummy sharks are widespread along southern Australia, from southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Key fishing locations include:

Port Phillip Bay & Western Port, VIC – Prime spots for land-based and boat anglers.
South Australia’s Spencer Gulf & Gulf St Vincent – Known for producing trophy-sized gummies.
Tasmania’s coastal waters – Productive inshore areas for night fishing.
Western Australia’s south coast (Esperance & Albany) – Rich feeding grounds for big gummies.

Gummy sharks are most active at night and during strong tidal movements, making dusk and dawn ideal times to fish.

Best Fishing Techniques for Gummy Shark

1. Bait Fishing (Most Effective Method)

Gummy sharks are bottom feeders, relying on their keen sense of smell to locate food. The best baits include:

• Fresh squid (one of the top baits)
• Octopus
• Fresh or salted fish fillets (salmon, mullet, trevally)
• Crabs & prawns

Rigging Tips:

• Use a running sinker rig with a strong leader (30-60lb fluorocarbon) to prevent bite-offs.
• A circle or snelled hook (4/0 - 8/0) works best for a clean hook-up in the corner of the mouth.
• Keep baits near the seabed, where gummies actively search for food.

2. Surf & Beach Fishing

• Gummies are commonly caught from the surf along deep gutters and sandy stretches.
• Long casts with a paternoster rig and fresh bait can produce great results.

3. Boat Fishing

• Drifting over sandbanks, estuary mouths, and inshore reefs is highly effective.
• Use depth sounders to locate bait schools, as gummies often feed near them.

4. Artificial Lures & Soft Plastics

While gummies are primarily caught on bait, some anglers have success with soft plastics or slow-pitched jigs worked along the bottom, imitating squid or fish.

Best Time to Catch Gummy Shark

Gummy sharks can be caught year-round, but the warmer months (spring to autumn) provide the best fishing opportunities. Peak activity occurs during dusk, night, and dawn, especially around strong tidal movements.

Why Fish for Gummy Shark?

Hard-Fighting & Fun to Catch – Gummies put up a strong battle, making them a rewarding catch.
Excellent Eating Quality – Known as "flake" in fish and chip shops, their flesh is mild, boneless, and firm, making them one of the best table fish.
Accessible to All Anglers – Gummies can be caught from boats, beaches, and piers, making them an easy target for both beginners and experienced fishermen.

Whether you're fishing from the surf, a boat, or an estuary, targeting gummy sharks is an exciting, rewarding, and delicious experience for any angler! 🎣