Open Year-Round

Whiskery Shark

Furgaleus macki

Also known as: Whiskery, Reef Shark

DPIRD Category Large Pelagic Finfish
Peak Season Year round
Difficulty Easy
Fight Rating ★★★☆☆
Whiskery 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)
  • Endemic to southern Australia

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

Size & Weight

Typical Size80 cm
Max Size150 cm
Typical Weight8 kg
Max Weight20 kg

Habitat

Where: Rocky reefs, coastal waters

Depth: 10-100m

ID Features: Grey-brown, distinctive nasal barbels (whiskers), white belly

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 Whiskery 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
  • Pilchards

Eating Quality

★★★☆☆ Good

Flesh: White

Best cooked: Flake - battered, grilled

The Fight

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Steady fighter

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