Shark Fishing Gold Coast
True Blue Fishing Charters is the Gold Coast’s leading provider of shark fishing charters, offering
adrenaline-charged offshore experiences targeting some of the biggest sharks in Australian waters.
Feel the raw power as a shark weighing well over 300kg takes the bait. Prepare for long, brutal fights as you go head-to-head with true ocean predators. Shark fishing on the Gold Coast is not for the faint-hearted—but it’s unforgettable.
We regularly target and catch a wide range of shark species, including Bronze Whalers, Tiger Sharks, Hammerheads, Mako Sharks, Bull Sharks, and more.
Gold Coast Shark Fishing Charters – What to Expect
Our experienced owner-operators will power you offshore aboard our modern fibreglass vessels, SeaQuest and Fat Hooker. Once anchored on productive reef systems, the crew will brief you on the equipment, techniques, and safety procedures.
The baits are then set, and we begin chumming (burleying) the water to draw sharks in close. When the reel screams and line starts melting off, you’ll be harnessed up and ready for battle.
You can fight the shark solo or rotate the rod between your group. Gold Coast shark fishing charters are ideal for team building, corporate groups, and sporting clubs looking for a serious challenge.
Target Shark Species on the Gold Coast
Mako Sharks
Mako sharks are famous for their speed, power, and aerial displays. Growing between 1.8–3.5
metres and weighing up to 400kg, makos are built for pure performance.
They feed primarily on fast-moving fish such as tuna, mackerel, bonito, and yellowtail scad. On our Gold Coast shark fishing trips, makos respond exceptionally well to burley and oily baits like tuna and slimy mackerel.
Expect blistering runs and relentless pressure—makos are true elite fighters.
Bull Sharks
Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are one of the most common sharks found on the Gold Coast. They inhabit close offshore reefs, canals, and river systems, often in surprisingly shallow water.
Females can reach 4 metres and weigh over 300kg. Bull sharks are thick, powerful, and relentless fighters, known for deep, sustained battles.
Most bull sharks on our charters are caught just a few miles offshore, making them a regular feature of Gold Coast shark fishing adventures.
Tiger Sharks
Tiger sharks are among the largest predatory sharks in the ocean, averaging 3.25–4.25 metres and weighing up to 635kg.
Recognisable by their dark body stripes, tiger sharks are solitary hunters with an incredibly diverse diet, including fish, turtles, dolphins, squid, and other sharks.
They are renowned for long, brutal fights, often lasting hours. Favourite baits include whole tuna, mullet, and large slab baits.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are instantly recognisable by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads. Species range
from 0.9 to 6 metres in length and are commonly found along continental shelves and reef systems.
Hammerheads feed on fish and crustaceans and are often caught on live slimy mackerel and yellowtail. They’re a prized capture on lighter tackle and provide fast, exciting fights.
Bronze Whaler Sharks
Bronze whalers (Carcharhinus brachyurus) are extremely common on Gold Coast offshore reefs. They grow up to 3.5 metres and can weigh over 300kg.
These sharks are incredibly powerful and known for deep, stubborn fights that can last several hours. Bronze whalers respond exceptionally well to burley and are the most commonly caught shark on our Australian shark fishing charters.
Shark Fishing Bait & Tackle
Rods & Reels
Our Gold Coast shark fishing charters use top-tier Shimano tackle, including Tiagra 50W, 30W, and 30 reels, paired with custom game rods.
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Tiagra 50Ws: Over 1,000m of 37kg mono
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Tiagra 30s & 30Ws: Spool with 15–24kg line
All tackle is professionally maintained and charter-ready.
Traces & Terminal Tackle
Sharks are brutal on gear, so only heavy-duty tackle is used:
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12/0+ super-sharp hooks
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3–5m of 300kg multi-strand wire
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2–4m of 200kg Jinkai mono
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Large ball-bearing snap swivels
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Total trace length: 5–9 metres
All traces are pre-rigged by our crew before you arrive.
Gaffs, Tag Poles & Catch and Release
We prioritise tag and release shark fishing. Sharks are brought boat-side for photos and video, then safely released with minimal harm.
Sharks are not killed for trophies. This approach supports sustainable shark fishing on the Gold Coast and ensures future generations can enjoy the experience.
Gimbal Belts & Harnesses
Fighting large sharks for extended periods is physically demanding. To reduce strain, we provide Black Magic gimbal belts and harnesses, allowing you to fight big sharks safely and comfortably.
Bait & Burley (Chum)
We use a mix of live and dead baits, including:
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Whole mackerel tuna (preferred)
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Bonito
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Mullet
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Slimy mackerel
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Yellowtail scad
A strong burley trail is essential. Both vessels are equipped with burley pots and mashers, using oily fish flesh to keep sharks engaged.
Book a Gold Coast Shark Fishing Charter
If you’re ready to experience the ultimate offshore adrenaline rush, shark fishing on the Gold Coast delivers like nothing else.
📞 Call 07 5510 9622 to book or learn more about our deep sea and shark fishing charters.