Gamefish on Melbourne’s doorstep: Bass Strait Sharks by John Cahill

Heading out from the Newhaven Boat Ramp into Bass Strait we had just crossed the 65m line when the Lowrance X135 sounder showed a massive bait school - most likely barracouta. Deciding to stop and commence our berley trail on this spot, we were immediately greeted be a pair of hungry seals!

Although they can be annoying, the presence of seals and bait also gave us hope that there may be some more desirable apex predators about, looking for a cheap feed. Stripping back a large striped tuna bait 80m behind the boat and 5m below the surface, we were rewarded 15 minutes later when the 15kg outfit screamed off. My good mate Kev Murphy was on strike and the fish sounded fast. A solid 30-minute tussle followed before we brought a hefty bronze whaler to the side of the boat - you never know what kind of toothy you will find in Bass Strait!

Bass Strait is home to numerous shark species and they are feverishly pursued by a dedicated band of anglers prepared to do the miles and hours on the water. The main prizes are short-finned mako and thresher sharks, however bronze whalers, seven-gilled sharks, blue sharks and gummy sharks are always an option.

WHEN, WHERE, HOW?

Targeting sharks in Bass Strait is predominantly a warmer weather affair, beginning in late spring and tapering off in the autumn.

As a general guide, makos can be found with reliability from December until late April. This usually coincides with an increase in the water temperature over 17oC. It is no coincidence that during this time there is an abundance of arrow squid and barracouta in our southern waters, which are a primary source of sustenance for sharks. Makos are predominantly an oceanic species and are best targeted in the Strait in 55-75m of water.

Blue sharks are also an oceanic species that turn up when the makos do and can be targeted using the same methods ¬- although I would tend to stay out deeper if specifically targeting them.

The highly elusive and prized thresher sharks may be encountered all year round as they seem to have a greater tolerance for cooler water ranging from 12-20oC. Threshers tend to stay down deeper and many are hooked by anglers bottom bouncing around offshore reefs. They are known to be shy fish, however they will rise to a sinking berley trail.