Open Year-Round

Gummy Shark

Mustelus antarcticus

Also known as: Gummy, Sweet William

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Easy
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Gummy Shark

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)
  • Excellent eating - often sold as flake

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

Size & Weight

Typical Size100 cm
Max Size175 cm
Typical Weight10 kg
Max Weight30 kg

Habitat

Where: Sandy/muddy bottom, bays, coastal waters

Depth: 5-80m

ID Features: Grey-brown, white spots when young, smooth skin, no large teeth

Season

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

Peak: Year round | Water Temp: 14 – 20°C

How to Catch Gummy Shark

1

Bottom fishing

Setup

  • Line: PE2-4 / 15-24kg
  • Leader: 60-80lb wire trace

Top Lures

  • Not typically caught on lures

Best Baits

  • Squid
  • Fish fillets
  • Octopus

Eating Quality

★★★★★ Excellent

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Flake - battered, grilled (premium)

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Steady pull, occasional runs

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