Fish Tripper
Inshore Sport FishMustelus antarcticus

Gummy Shark Fishing

A Victorian and Tasmanian favourite. Prime table fish targeted with whole pilchards and squid on the bottom. Night fishing from beaches and bays produces the best results.

Best Months

Apr

Best Time

Night fishing is significantly more productive — gummies are nocturnal hunters

Tide

High tide into the flats and bay channels is the most productive phase

Top Locations

48 regions

How to Catch Gummy Shark

Night fishing is significantly more productive — gummies are nocturnal huntersHigh tide into the flats and bay channels is the most productive phaseCalm to light swell
Tides

High tide into the flats and bay channels is the most productive phase

Time of Day

Night fishing is significantly more productive — gummies are nocturnal hunters

Conditions

Calm to light swell, low tide for beach access, calm bay conditions; 15–18°C water

Structure

Sandy bay flats, estuary channels, reef edges adjacent to sand, tidal gutters

Technique

Static bottom presentation with pilchards or squid on wire trace — let the fish pick it up and run before setting the hook

Pro Tip

Use an 8-12 hour soak in a bay channel or on a bay flat at night in VIC or TAS — gummies patrol sand flats methodically; patience is rewarded

Best Regions by Month

Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Phillip Island
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Westernport Bay
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Wilsons Promontory
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Mallacoota
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Apollo Bay
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Portland
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Warrnambool
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
St Helens
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Bicheno
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Bruny Island
G
G
G
P
G
F
F
F
G
G
G
G
Peak Good Fair Poor/None
Fishing Techniques
Bottom Bait Fishing

Presenting bait (pilchards, squid, cut fish) on the bottom over reef structure.

Beach / Surf Casting

Casting from beaches and rock platforms into gutters and breaks for tailor, mulloway, and trevally.

Estuary Bait Fishing

Traditional bait fishing in estuaries using prawns, worms, and cut bait.

When to Target
Jan
18 regions
Feb
18 regions
Mar
34 regions
Apr
48 regions
May
48 regions
Jun
14 regions
Jul
14 regions
Sep
34 regions
Oct
34 regions
Nov
18 regions
Dec
18 regions

Bag & Size Limits

Regulations vary by state and change seasonally. Check the official fisheries website for current rules.

Gear Guide

See the recommended tackle, lures, and equipment for this species.