School Shark Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

School sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) are sleek, streamlined sharks with a pointed snout and large eyes. They typically have a grey-brown upper body and white underside. These sharks can grow up to 2 meters in length, though most caught are smaller. School sharks are found in temperate waters around the southern coast of Australia, including Victoria. They prefer coastal areas and continental shelves, often found near the bottom in depths ranging from 2 to 471 meters. School sharks are known for their migratory behavior, moving between different areas seasonally. They feed on a variety of prey, including small fish, squid, and crustaceans. In Victorian waters, school sharks can be caught year-round, but are more commonly encountered during warmer months. They’re often caught while fishing for other species like gummy sharks. Anglers targeting school sharks should be aware of their conservation status and adhere to local fishing regulations.

What restrictions are in place for School Shark fishing in Melbourne?

There are several important rules and restrictions for fishing school sharks in Victoria. The minimum legal size is 45cm (partial length). There is a combined bag limit of 2 school shark and/or gummy shark per person. School sharks cannot be filleted in or on Victorian waters; they must be kept whole or in carcass form until away from the water. Filleting is allowed at designated cleaning tables at boat ramps. Always check for updates to regulations before fishing.

How to catch School Shark

To catch school sharks in Victoria, bottom fishing techniques are most effective. Use heavy tackle with strong line (30-50lb) and wire traces to prevent bite-offs. Fish near the bottom in areas with sandy or rocky substrate. Dawn and dusk are often productive times. Berley (chum) can be effective to attract sharks, but use responsibly. Always handle sharks with care and release unwanted catch quickly.

What should you fish with for School Shark?

When it comes to fishing for School Shark, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with baits when fishing for School Shark, but lure fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 5 Baits to Use for School Shark

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 5 options that have consistently produced results for School Shark:

• Pilchards
• Squid
• Mackerel
• Whitebait
• Fish Roe

The Top 3 Lures to Use for School Shark

If you're a fan of lure fishing, make sure to pack these top three performers for School Shark:

• Soft Plastics
• Metal Spoon Lures
• Jigs

Where to catch School Shark in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch School Shark. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, School Shark can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for School Shark, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about School Shark fishing in Melbourne