Spiny dogfish - Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish – Squalus acanthias – small migratory shark

The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) is a small migratory shark common in New Zealand coastal waters. Found in large schools, these spotty dogfish are often caught by surfcasters and can reach about a metre in length. Though not a strong fighter, their firm white flesh—sold as “snow fillets” – is excellent eating when handled properly.

Sphyrna zygaena (NZ) - Hammerhead shark, head dorsal aspect, 1898, by Frank Edward Clarke. Purchased 1921. Te Papa (1992-0035-2278/112)
Hammerhead Shark – Big specimens feed on stingrays

Learn about the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena) shark in New Zealand—its identification, behaviour, diet, and tips for anglers targeting this powerful predator.

Notorynchus cepedianus (NZ) : Broadsnouted sevengill shark, 1877, by Frank Edward Clarke. Purchased 1921. Te Papa (1992-0035-2278/128).
Sevengill and Sixgill Sharks – Notorynchus cepedianus

Sevengill and Sixgill Sharks by Allan Burgess and Dick Marquand There are three species of.

A great white shark hunting a seal. Image by MLbay from Pixabay.
White Shark – Carcharodon carcharias – Fishing Methods

“Dive into the world of the Great White Shark in New Zealand! Learn about this apex predator’s fascinating biology, formidable reputation, and its protected status in NZ waters since 2007. Discover historical fishing methods and crucial conservation efforts.”

Jed Jeffries caught this good size elephant fish at Hook Beach near Waimate in November 2021. It was one of four Jed caught early in the morning on uncooked prawn baits. Well done Jed.
Elephant Fish – Callorhinchus milii – How to Catch Elephant Fish

The elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) is a unique cartilaginous species found mainly around New Zealand’s South Island. Recognisable by its long trunk-like snout, this excellent eating fish moves inshore during spring and summer to spawn. Surfcasters target elephant fish from Canterbury beaches using shellfish or crab baits, while its firm, white flesh makes it a favourite for fish and chips.

Dwayne Aberhart with an even bigger rig shark caught surfcasting near Christchurch in December 2016. It weighed in at a massive 41 lbs. Congratulations Dwayne.
Rig Shark – Mustelus lenticulatus – Lemonfish – Strong Fighter

Rig Shark are Often Caught by Surfcasters at Night – aka: Lemonfish, smoothhound, gummy shark.

The names of different shark fins. School Shark Tagging Program. School shark photograph courtesy of Clinton Duffy.
School Shark Tagging Program Awareness – How You Can Help – Updated

School Shark Tag Awareness – How You Can Help Scroll down for 28 August 2021.

When deep-sea fishing, blue sharks are attracted by berley or chum from many miles away.
Blue Shark – Prionace glauca – also Blue Pointer, Blue Whaler

Blue sharks are viviparous – their young are born fully formed and swimming The blue.

Sevengill at Taylors Mistake, Black Rock.
Black Rock, Taylors Mistake, Banks Peninsula – Sevengill Shark – Kingfish 2017

Black Rock, Taylors Mistake, Banks Peninsula Looking for somewhere to go fishing during the holidays?.

Malcolm Bell from The Complete Angler in Christchurch caught this cool elephant fish surfcasting at Birdlings Flat December 2016.
Surfcasting Birdlings Flat and Kaitorete Spit – steep shelving shingle beach

Surfcasting Birdlings Flat and Kaitorete Spit In my younger days I spent many an afternoon.

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