Shark - Bronze Whaler
name: Shark - Bronze Whaler
other names: Copper Shark
The Bronze Whaler is bronze to an olive-grey on the upper part of its body and white underneath. It has a pointed or sharply rounded snout of moderate length.
The Bronze Whaler can be found in the waters surrounding all continents except the Antartica and is considered to be missing from the western Atlantic Ocean . It prefers coastal waters in tropical or temperate areas and is commonly found in depths down to 100 m. It is prevalent along the east and west coasts of Australia and is one of the most common sharks in Moreton Bay in the south-east of Queensland, Australia.
It preys on bony fish such as mullet, swordfish and sawfish, other sharks, rays and cephalopods. The yearly sardine run along the Natal Coast of South Africa is a particular favourite.
The Bronze Whaler Shark is approximately 60-70 cm at birth and may reach approximately 325 cm when it is fully grown. It can weigh up to 250 kg.
The terminal tackle may consist of an 8/0 to 16/0 hook baited with a whole fish or other bait and weighted by a heavy sinker. Strong line is required, not only because of the size of the quarry, but also because the line is subject to constant abrasion against the sand. Sturdy fiber glass rods with roller line guides are suggested with size 5/0 to 8/0 big game reels.
