Shore Shark Fishing - Feb 2019

[nick16]

Hi All,

Fairly similar request to Ger's thread, just at a different time. @Kracka gave some great thoughts on that one.  

I am from the UK and want to do some shark fishing around Sydney.

Myself and a friend are flying out to Sydney for a holiday and will be meeting another friend who is travelling round the country. We will be in Sydney 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Feb 2019 and can fish on any of these days / nights. We have our own car, but no tackle.

We have fished a lot in the UK and I have travelled to Asia chasing large freshwater species (100kg+ predators caught). Whilst we aren't fishing newbies, we are relatively new to the 'stronger tackle' sea fishing methods.

Whilst in Sydney I am very keen to fish for some larger species, particularly shark and grouper, although I know little about the latter and if they are possible to catch from the bank. I am not too bothered if we fish beaches or river inlets, that is up to the experts on here. I know a lot of shark head a fair way inland.

Looking for someone who wants to show us the ropes and can throw out 3 or 4 rods if possible to maximise chances. We understand how important local knowledge is with regard to location, berleying, fishing licences etc so would rather have a good discussion with someone on here.

Happy to throw some bucks your way / order some beers and pizza. Happy to camp out for an evening if needed too. We are flexible.

Again, happy to buy some terminal tackle or bait if needed, guidance will be needed on what to buy however!

Please let me know if you can help around the dates suggested above, I'm sure we can have a good laugh and catch some nice fish.

 

In summary:

• Date: We are in town - 7th, 8th Feb 2019 - days or nights are fine.
• Location: Sydney area. Shore or boat we are flexible. (prefer beach fishing)
• Species: Shark + other larger predators if possible
• Tackle: We require all tackle to be provided please
• People: We are 3 people. Would like a local to show us around and help us out rather than renting gear and going alone. Of course we will pay you.

 

Edited December 24, 2018 by nick16
updating dates

[JonD]

Are you only here for those few days, or traveling around? I'm about 5 hrs south, though the sharks become more reliable the further north you go. 

[nick16]

I am over for 2 weeks, but one of the weeks will be dominated by the Bathurst race.
We are flexible with where we go, however it does make sense to be around the Sydney area as we only have a week. Potentially open to a drive further south / north if we can camp over for a day or two to make the trip worth it.

[Kracka]

I'll give u a few back up suggestions in case if teeing up with someone is difficult. Don't know of too many people who chase huge sharks specifically in Sydney.

You might want to consider going with a charter for sharks if you want some seriously sized ones around Sydney. Plenty of 1-2m length bronzies from the beaches in summer which are easy enough to get onto but the really big 3m plus may need a bit more specific tackle, gear and locations. I. E. Big Tiger sharks will be out deeper and rarely come up to the shallows. I know Wahoo charters in Sydney offer game shark fishing. Might be a little pricey as far as charters go but all the gear is prepped, baits taken care of and any catches are dealt with by experienced shark fishos. It also opens up your target species too...such as tiger sharks and makos. Rather than just bull sharks and whalers.

You might have better luck by boat as the larger sharks will require longer shock leaders (at least 1.5-2m) and wire traces (about 1m). When using rigs like this off a beach... It makes casting impossible on those rigs for big sharks. The solution around it is to get someone to kayak out your baited rigs for larger sharks. Ballooning a bait out from shore has worked for me in calmer waters but ive never tried from a beach. Theoretically I'd chuck a ballooned shark rig into a rip on the beach and let it go out 100-150m but again... Never tried it. 

If going from the rocks you might want to target some blue groper as well. Take the time to source some red rock crabs and whack one onto a 6/0 octopus style hook. No trace just straight 30lb mono straight to the hook with a tiny ball sinker running freely to it. They inhabit the washes of just about every headland in Sydney. You won't need to cast far... They're usually hugging up close to the rocks under a gentle white wash. I've seen (and hooked... Yet to catch) the big blue's around LongReef and Barrenjoey heads. Plenty of raiders who are familiar with groper if you want to wrestle with a few. I'm hopeless at getting onto the blues.

Like you mentioned... Best to tee up with a local. I can suggest you check out Alex Bellissimo from Bellissimo charters in Sydney. He's top of the game and will definitely be able to get you into some great fish from the rocks. He offers beach fishing too... So sharks might be on the cards too. Again... Can be pricey but worth it.

Edited September 28, 2018 by Kracka
.

[frankS]

I'm not into shark fishing these days, had my fair share of them from boats in my earlier days.

Best I could do for you is possibly take you for a fish in my small boat in Botany Bay or somewhere.

I could loan you a couple of beach rods suited to shark if you don't get better offers. Which part of England are you from ?. I have another mate coming over from Britain around that time and staying for 3 months, and I plan on doing a few trips away with him.

Frank

[nick16]

@Kracka that information is really useful. I would like to do a charter but im not sure on the other guys - it will be something that gets discussed. If I am catching sharks up to 2m from shore that's perfectly fine with me. For a shark newbie its probably much better to start that way anyway.

Handling them would be an issue - whilst I am comfortable handling large fish, catching sharks is a bit different! This is why I need some forum guys who are much more experienced. We all want to have a good time and get nice photos, but not end up in A&E.

I am happy to go for a variety of species, but would like to focus on the larger predators. If we are not catching or the time of day isn't right, I will happily move location and fish for something else if its possible. We can always return to the 'shark spot' later in the evening.

 

@frankS Great offer, thanks! We are coming from Surrey which is South East UK. What would you suggest? - We wait for a few months to see if there are any other offers and get back in touch in the new year? Obviously if you take us out on a boat we will chip in for fuel etc.

I know what I am asking of the guys on this forum is quite a lot - basically can we have you, your knowledge and your gear and all go fishing! Its not a small ask! But we will throw some bucks the way of the helper! Its very difficult too just rock up in an unknown city and go fishing, its much better to have something pre-planned with a local.

 

Thanks for all your help guys :)

 

 

[FishermanSteve]

I'm from the UK too.  Lived here over a year with great success off of Manly Beach any time of year. PM me here nearer the time as am more than happy to catch you those sharks

[FishermanSteve]

17 minutes ago, FishermanSteve said:

I'm from the UK too.  Lived here over a year with great success off of Manly Beach any time of year. PM me here nearer the time as am more than happy to catch you those sharks

Ah also make sure you pay for licence for the time you're here believe it or not you need a licence for sea fishing over here. The fisheries do a lot help over here but do fine you very heavy if you haven't got licence. No worries though the licence is cheap as chips 

[FishermanSteve]

On 9/29/2018 at 12:58 AM, Kracka said:

I'll give u a few back up suggestions in case if teeing up with someone is difficult. Don't know of too many people who chase huge sharks specifically in Sydney.

You might want to consider going with a charter for sharks if you want some seriously sized ones around Sydney. Plenty of 1-2m length bronzies from the beaches in summer which are easy enough to get onto but the really big 3m plus may need a bit more specific tackle, gear and locations. I. E. Big Tiger sharks will be out deeper and rarely come up to the shallows. I know Wahoo charters in Sydney offer game shark fishing. Might be a little pricey as far as charters go but all the gear is prepped, baits taken care of and any catches are dealt with by experienced shark fishos. It also opens up your target species too...such as tiger sharks and makos. Rather than just bull sharks and whalers.

You might have better luck by boat as the larger sharks will require longer shock leaders (at least 1.5-2m) and wire traces (about 1m). When using rigs like this off a beach... It makes casting impossible on those rigs for big sharks. The solution around it is to get someone to kayak out your baited rigs for larger sharks. Ballooning a bait out from shore has worked for me in calmer waters but ive never tried from a beach. Theoretically I'd chuck a ballooned shark rig into a rip on the beach and let it go out 100-150m but again... Never tried it. 

If going from the rocks you might want to target some blue groper as well. Take the time to source some red rock crabs and whack one onto a 6/0 octopus style hook. No trace just straight 30lb mono straight to the hook with a tiny ball sinker running freely to it. They inhabit the washes of just about every headland in Sydney. You won't need to cast far... They're usually hugging up close to the rocks under a gentle white wash. I've seen (and hooked... Yet to catch) the big blue's around LongReef and Barrenjoey heads. Plenty of raiders who are familiar with groper if you want to wrestle with a few. I'm hopeless at getting onto the blues.

Like you mentioned... Best to tee up with a local. I can suggest you check out Alex Bellissimo from Bellissimo charters in Sydney. He's top of the game and will definitely be able to get you into some great fish from the rocks. He offers beach fishing too... So sharks might be on the cards too. Again... Can be pricey but worth it.

Was gonna suggest hitting the rocks too but can be a little hairy if the person taking them isn't experienced, suggesting Alex Bellissimo was a good idea. Rock fishing isn't something us UK lads are aware of much unless you live here. We think Australia and first thought is shark. But over last 4months or so been hitting the rocks gaining experience and confidence. It's super fun and drummer fight very very hard. I've yet to land a groper too but patience will pay off. All a matter of making sure the net is ready quick enough before line rubs through ?. Invested in a 5.5m handle to keep them away while netting 

[nick16]

On ‎10‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 12:33 PM, FishermanSteve said:

I'm from the UK too.  Lived here over a year with great success off of Manly Beach any time of year. PM me here nearer the time as am more than happy to catch you those sharks

Hi @FishermanSteve that's really kind of you thanks.

I wanted to get the word out there early so we have time to organise something. Its difficult planning when you are 10,000 miles away so its best to do it early and keep people updated. I will pop up nearer the time to check and finalise any plans though.

I don't really fancy standing out on the rocks when I am new to the area, the fishing methods and the species. Would far rather have someone experienced there who can assist. I will check out Alex Bellissimo though.

Can he fishing licenses be done online and a receipt delivered via email, or should be sort them out when we are there (if so where?) Over here it has to be done via the post office.

 

In terms of boat fishing:

For what its worth, I have looked at a few charter websites. Whilst I will catch larger sharks, just cutting the leader by the side of the boat is not the same as pulling it up on the beach for a photo. Think I would rather have a smaller specimen but I nicer photo rather than a pic of a shark alongside a boat half in the water. Plus, I'm a little reluctant to be sharing the trip with another group of people, I have always done my own fishing.

I am happy for us 3 lads to go out In a smaller boat in a bay with a skip and a deckhand if needed. - As per @frankS invite. We can probably have a more relaxed time fishing, its cheaper and I can give one of you guys a few bucks instead.

 

cheers guys! 

[FishermanSteve]

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-recreational-fishing-licence

Just pay it online mate. As for address maybe just put the place you're staying if it won't let you put an overseas address. For a short licence they won't send you a card any way. You will be sent the receipt via email and that is enough if you are checked 

[nick16]

Hi guys,

Still keeping my options open. If anyone else is around early feb, give me a shout.

Cheers,

 

[nick16]

Hi All,

Anyone else around to take us fishing? preferably from the shore as I want to get awesome beach shark photos, but we will go out in a boat if you have one.

February 7th or 8th are the best days for us as we will be back in the city by then.

drop me a line!

 

[nick16]

Nobody around? 

[frankS]

Nick. good to hear from you. Have you got in touch with Alex ? He is expensive but good. I think I can still take you out in Botany bay in my small boat, It's only a 14 footer and the best you might expect to catch are Flathead with a chance at rat Kingies and with a lot of luck maybe a Gummy shark, but no guarantees on anything, it's just an offer in case you don't get any other offers. There are a lot of Raiders that could offer a lot more than I have, just a matter of someone coming to the party. It may be a big ask for someone to take all three of you at once.

Frank

[nick16]

Hi Frank,

- Ive dropped you a PM.

Ive given Alex Bellissimo a nudge on facebook so I will see if he replies. If not I will be in touch to arrange with you.

Thank you for offering, we will ensure you are looked after should be have some time fishing with you.

Nick

 

[JonD]

My daughter popped out for a solo beach session last night and managed to get a good bronzie around 80kg into the shallows. At this size they are to big for us to drag up the beach just for a photo so get snipped off. Releasing big sharks after they've been pulled up a surf beach doesn't always go to well for them. 

By the way we don't target sharks, they are bycatch when targetting mullaway ( jewfish).

I would think that most recreational people who have the kind of gear to land bigger sharks from the shore wouldn't own 3-4 outfits simply because of the costs for such rigs. 

Edited January 22, 2019 by JonD

[nick16]

Hi Jon, 

Thanks for the info! 

Not too bothered if they only have 2 rods and reels, just to get some lines in the water and hook one would be amazing. For me photography is a bit part of the trip so thats why i place alot of weight on that. 

I would rather go out with someone with 2 rods who can handle 80kg+ fish than someone with 5 rods thats not fishing for the big ones. 

I set myself a bucket list target of catching and photographing a big shark from a beach, im determined to get it ticked off

if someone only has a couple of rods, we are happy to feed them pizza and beers and throw them a few bucks for their troubles. We appreciate the help and will pay accordingly!

Im not sure even Alex targets the larger shark. 

Big Jewfish are cool and i wouldnt say no, but my heart is set on a shark. We will certainly give it a go getting it up the beach slightly! 

Fancy yourself and daughter taking us for a big of fishing?

Regards, 

Nick

[JonD]

15 hours ago, nick16 said:

Hi Jon, 

Thanks for the info! 

Not too bothered if they only have 2 rods and reels, just to get some lines in the water and hook one would be amazing. For me photography is a bit part of the trip so thats why i place alot of weight on that. 

I would rather go out with someone with 2 rods who can handle 80kg+ fish than someone with 5 rods thats not fishing for the big ones. 

I set myself a bucket list target of catching and photographing a big shark from a beach, im determined to get it ticked off

if someone only has a couple of rods, we are happy to feed them pizza and beers and throw them a few bucks for their troubles. We appreciate the help and will pay accordingly!

Im not sure even Alex targets the larger shark. 

Big Jewfish are cool and i wouldnt say no, but my heart is set on a shark. We will certainly give it a go getting it up the beach slightly! 

Fancy yourself and daughter taking us for a big of fishing?

Regards, 

Nick

 

Im 5 hrs south of Sydney and really try to avoid sharks as much as possible, partly because of the damage they've made to each of my previous boats ( current boat is an inflatable). 

Fishing on the beaches down here is more chance than consistency. The weather also plays a huge part in simply even thinking about hitting the beach, not to mention having just missed the best moon phase in my opinion for sharks from the shore (hence why my daughter hooked that one). 

Today the conditions were a bit blowy where we had intended to chase marlin but instead settled for some close ( underwater )fishing around a large local seal colony where we saw several sharks, mostly protected species. One 6m boat close to us had their boat attacked by a shark they estimated to be as big as their boat, which damaged the outboard and steering ( see why we don't mess with them ). 

Sorry but unable to offer you session as we currently have a house full of people which I'm already trying to get into fish, in the water, in the mountains and into some cave exploring locally. My daughter is also flat out working on local charters when the weathers good so she can gain as many comercial sea hours as possible to get her own skpippers licence.

The same time it would take you to drive south to where I'm located would get you into some pretty good land based shark locations north of Sydney. Areas around Port Stevens have some very good shark fishing but I believe the warm EAC current isn't pushing the warm water in as close as it normally is for this time of year. Local knowledge on such things as salmon, mullet and other inshore dense schooling fish plays a big part into successfully locating big predators from the shore, the big fish are not likely to be there without these.

[Berleyguts]

9 hours ago, JonD said:

 

Im 5 hrs south of Sydney and really try to avoid sharks as much as possible, partly because of the damage they've made to each of my previous boats ( current boat is an inflatable). 

Fishing on the beaches down here is more chance than consistency. The weather also plays a huge part in simply even thinking about hitting the beach, not to mention having just missed the best moon phase in my opinion for sharks from the shore (hence why my daughter hooked that one). 

Today the conditions were a bit blowy where we had intended to chase marlin but instead settled for some close ( underwater )fishing around a large local seal colony where we saw several sharks, mostly protected species. One 6m boat close to us had their boat attacked by a shark they estimated to be as big as their boat, which damaged the outboard and steering ( see why we don't mess with them ). 

Sorry but unable to offer you session as we currently have a house full of people which I'm already trying to get into fish, in the water, in the mountains and into some cave exploring locally. My daughter is also flat out working on local charters when the weathers good so she can gain as many comercial sea hours as possible to get her own skpippers licence.

The same time it would take you to drive south to where I'm located would get you into some pretty good land based shark locations north of Sydney. Areas around Port Stevens have some very good shark fishing but I believe the warm EAC current isn't pushing the warm water in as close as it normally is for this time of year. Local knowledge on such things as salmon, mullet and other inshore dense schooling fish plays a big part into successfully locating big predators from the shore, the big fish are not likely to be there without these.

@JonD There were reports of 3m whites and tigers in close to the beaches last week and also inside the Port over on the Tea Gardens side. But, yes, around Easter when the mullet are running is when you’ll see plenty of them.

[nick16]

Thanks for the info guys, appreciate it. Looks like it simply wont be happening so il let this thread die off. 

[mrsswordfisherman]

I sent you a pm a while back Nick with a lead. 

Hope you get some fishing in and put a report up.

[frankS]

Nick My boat isn't going properly at the moment so can't take you. It's not what you wanted anyhow . I'm surprised there wasn't a few on here that would offer you a chance to do some beach fishing. As I explained in the first place I am not a beach fisher and not into sharks, sorry things haven't worked out for you.

Frank

[smc2010]

Did you get out after nick? your more than. Welcome to accompany me on my next beach session, usually get a few bronzie or gummy sharks nothing massive like what your after but fun nonetheless 

[frankS]

1 hour ago, smc2010 said:

Did you get out after nick? your more than. Welcome to accompany me on my next beach session, usually get a few bronzie or gummy sharks nothing massive like what your after but fun nonetheless 

Sean. Nick would probably be back home in England by now. Shame there wasn't a member on here willing to help the guys out.

Frank