Massive three metre Bronze Whaler shark landed at Bridport

PIC: Sammy Tilyard with a massive three metre Bronze Whaler shark he caught and released at Bridport.

A GREAT CATCH and probably one of the first of its kind came from up North at Bridport last week. Sammy Tilyard fishing with his family caught and released a three metre Bronze Whaler shark off the beach after a 45 minute fight. 

The Bronze Whaler ate a full Australian Salmon dropped from a kayak about 300m- 400 m offshore and as Sammy was landing the shark he also saw another one similar in size swimming alongside the one he'd hooked. 

Within five minutes of landing it, the shark was seen swimming off strongly after a few pictures for himself and for locals lucky enough to witness the catch. 

Sammy was proud and said "That's the first Bronze Whaler I've caught let alone land based. I've heard of other anglers seeing them out in the boat when berleying . It was pretty special especially watching her swim off to go back to the one that followed her for nearly a hour". 

Sammy added "I have no doubt they've been caught before, but mine is the only recorded one I can find caught anywhere in Tasmania and land based at that."

MEANWHILE, after what was a relatively mild Tasmanian Summer compared to recent years we can now look forward to Autumn which hopefully is a productive one. Some of the best trout fishing of the season, similar to the best of Spring, are on offer when water temperatures align again in Autumn. 

Saltwater anglers are also in the mix with estuary and open water fishing, some of the best of the year . Time is critical in both fresh and saltwater with seasons closing and some species only around for a short amount of time. 

An online training resource and case study was recently released in connection to the eradication of European Carp from Lake Crescent and Lake Sorell. Developed in partnership between the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC), the University of Tasmania, and Our Common Place along with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Inland Fisheries Service and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, the initiative is designed to strengthen conservation practice and professional capacity across Australia. The case study on the “Eradication of carp highlights the efforts by the Inland Fisheries Service to eradicate carp from both systems, why and how it was done and the techniques used which will be a template to also use in other aquatic systems if needs be.

FINALLY - The New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association is running its 7th competition of the 2025/26 season at Bronte Lagoon from the 6th - 8th March. Fishing starts at 6 pm on Friday the 6th of March , finishing with a weigh in at Bronte Dam Boat Ramp from 4 pm - 4.30 pm on Sunday the 8th of March. With Bronte being a standout trout fishery over the last few years the NNLAA is hoping to see some good catches of Brown & Rainbow Trout from members. With the season drawing to a close fast as well it's a good opportunity to make the most of. A reminder that all looking to enter need to be paid up members of the NNLAA prior to competition starting times . Memberships are available online or through visiting William's Outdoors in High St NN.

Tip Of The Week- If your favourite lure isn't working try changing its size. Not all lures come in different sizes but those that do provide options that sometimes work when the others haven't. 

Send in your fishing reports, pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com

Tight Lines until next week.