Open Year-Round

Bronze Whaler

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Also known as: Bronzie, Copper Shark

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Mar-Jun
Difficulty Difficult
Fight Rating ★★★★★
Bronze Whaler

Regulations & Limits

LARGE PELAGIC FINFISH

Limits by Bioregion

West Coast OPEN
Min Size —
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
South Coast OPEN
Min Size —
Individual Limit 3 fish
Mixed Limit Within 3 large pelagic total
✓ Open year-round.
Gascoyne N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Pilbara N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley) N/A
Species not commonly found in this region

Good to Know

  • Part of sharks and rays (large pelagic)
  • West & South Coast: MAXIMUM SIZE 700mm interdorsal length
  • Large sharks accumulate heavy metals - unsafe for consumption
  • Interdorsal length measured from front of first dorsal to insertion of second dorsal

ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au

Size & Weight

Typical Size150 cm
Max Size300 cm
Typical Weight50 kg
Max Weight200 kg

Habitat

Where: Coastal waters, beaches, around bait schools

Depth: 0-100m

ID Features: Bronze/copper coloured, no distinct markings, pointed snout

Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak Available Poor

Peak: Mar-Jun | Water Temp: 16 – 22°C

How to Catch Bronze Whaler

1

Live baiting

Setup

  • Line: PE6-10 / 37-60kg
  • Leader: 150lb+ wire trace

Top Lures

  • Not typically caught on lures

Best Baits

  • Live salmon
  • Live mullet
  • Fresh fish heads

Eating Quality

★★★☆☆ Fair

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Flake - battered, grilled

The Fight

★★★★★ 5/5

Powerful, long runs

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