Surfcasters fishing around the South Island of New Zealand will typically catch a number of smaller sharks. The most commonly caught are Spiny Dogfish - Squalus acanthias - which in some areas and at certain times of year can be found in huge numbers. They have a spine in front of each dorsal fin but are otherwise not dangerous. They are in fact quite good eating producing firm white fillets.
The second commonly caught dogfish is the Rig - Mustelus lenticulatus. This species is very similar in appearance to the Spiny dogfish but doesn't have the spines. It is sold in the shops as lemon Fish and is excellent eating.
The third of the commonly caught small sharks is the School Shark - Galeorhinus australis. In my experience the School shark is more common in the South Island during the summer months. It is also known as: Tope or Grey Boy. It grows much bigger than the other two sharks mentioned. It can reach two metres in length and weigh as much as 35 kg. It is recognised by the International Game Fish Association as a game fish. I have caught some quite big ones between Birdlings Flat and Dorie just south of Christchurch.
These small sharks will take any bait but as with all surfcasting a fresh cut bait is the best.
More about dogfish and other small sharks. A Banded Wrasse is a colourful fish usually taken fishing over rough ground.
You might also be interested in sea fishing off the Kaikoura Coast which is a good place to catch blue moki. See boat fishing at Motunau Beach in North Canterbury. Fishing for Yellowtail kingfish and trolling for albacore tuna.
You might also be interested in: Surfcasting at Kaikoura's Goose Bay, and Surfcasting for Elephant Fish. What about these snapper caught with a longline off the beach at Hokitika. Catching elephant fish at the beach. Other New Zealand sea fish |
