Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026 against Victorian Fisheries Authority. If any bag limit, size limit, or licence requirement on this page differs from current VFA advice, VFA's current guidance takes precedence.
Quick facts
| Common name | Gummy Shark |
| Scientific name | Mustelus antarcticus |
| Also known as | gummy |
| Bag limit | 2 per person per day, combined total of gummy shark and school shark |
| Minimum size limit | 45cm partial length, measured from rear-most gill slit to base of tail fin |
| Season | Year-round; October to March most productive in Western Port |
| Primary water | Western Port (also Port Phillip Bay) |
| Licence required | Yes. Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence required. |
Source for bag limit, size limit, and closed season: VFA species page. Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026.
What gummy shark actually is
Mustelus antarcticus is a small temperate shark species, typical Peninsula fish 80 to 130cm length. Smooth grey-brown back, white belly, no large teeth (the “gummy” name refers to the flat crushing plates the species uses to eat crabs and small molluscs rather than the conical teeth of most sharks). The species is common throughout southern Australian waters and is the dominant component of the commercial flake fishery.
Eating quality is excellent. White flaky flesh, no oily aftertaste, consistent quality across small and large fish. Most “flake” sold in Australian fish-and-chip shops is gummy shark or school shark. The Peninsula recreational catch is the same species at the same eating quality. The species’ management under VFA’s combined-bag-limit framework with school shark reflects the close relationship between the two species in the commercial and recreational fishery.
Season and tide
Year-round. Western Port is the more reliable ground; the warm-water months (October to March) produce most consistently as fish move into the shallower channels following baitfish. Port Phillip Bay produces gummy shark from boats over deeper water in summer. Night sessions on the running tide are the most productive across both bays.
Technique and gear
Heavy bottom rig appropriate for the species’ size and the abrasive seabed they hunt over. A 7 to 9 foot rod rated 8 to 15kg, 6000 size fixed-spool reel, 30 to 50lb braid mainline, 50 to 80lb monofilament leader (some anglers run a short wire trace because gummies have small but capable teeth). Heavy running sinker (60 to 200g depending on current strength) and a 6/0 to 9/0 circle hook.
Bait is fresh and substantial. Whole squid (head or hood), thick squid strip, fresh mullet head or fillet, salmon strip. Night sessions on the running tide are the productive approach; the strike is a steady heavy pull rather than a sharp tap. Let the fish take the bait fully before striking.
Bag and size limits, licence
- Minimum size limit. 45cm partial length, gill slit to tail base.
- Bag limit. 2 per person per day, combined gummy shark and school shark.
- No-fillet rule. Cannot be filleted in or on Victorian waters.
- Season. Open year-round.
- Licence. Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence required for anglers aged 18 and over.
Source: Victorian Fisheries Authority. Last fact-verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026.
Opportunity ranking by location
- Western Port (Hastings to Stony Point), boat, heavy bottom rig, October to March, night session. The most consistent ground on the Peninsula. From Hastings Boat Ramp at night on the running tide.
- Port Phillip Bay, boat, deeper water, summer. 12 to 25m sandy bottom across the southern bay produces gummies for boat anglers.
- Stony Point Pier, heavy bottom rig, year-round, night session. The deepest Peninsula land-based access; channel substrate produces gummy shark on the running tide at night.
- Hastings Jetty, heavy bottom rig, year-round, night session. Working-pier access to Western Port channel.
Where to catch gummy shark on the Peninsula
- Hastings Jetty · Western Port · October to March (snapper); November to March (whiting); year-round (flathead, bream)
- Stony Point Pier · Western Port · October to December (snapper); October to March (whiting); March to June (squid)
- Gunnamatta Beach · Bass Strait fringe · June to August (peak salmon run); October to April (mulloway night sessions)
- Point Leo Beach · Bass Strait fringe · April to August (winter salmon run); October to March (snapper opportunistic)
Charter operators that target gummy shark
- I'm Hooked Fishing Charters · Licence covered
- Proline Charters
- Western Port Fishing Charters
Operators are listed because they demonstrably target gummy shark, not as a default reference. Browse all Peninsula charters to compare across species and seasons.
Where to cook your catch
Frequently asked questions
What is the bag and size limit for gummy shark?
A combined total of 2 gummy shark and/or school shark per person per day. Minimum size 45cm partial length, measured from the rear-most gill slit to the base of the tail fin (not from the snout to the tail; this is the critical distinction from fish measurement). Open year-round. Cannot be filleted in or on Victorian waters. Source: VFA. Confirm before fishing.
How is shark length measured differently to fish?
Shark size limits are measured as partial length, from the rear-most gill slit to the base of the tail fin on either side of the body. Fish size limits are total length, snout to tail tip. Measuring a shark with the fish method is incorrect and can produce a fish that you believe is legal but actually is not. Carry a measuring tape or marked rod butt and measure carefully.
Where can I catch gummy shark on the Peninsula?
Western Port is the productive ground year-round, particularly Hastings to Stony Point. Port Phillip Bay produces gummy shark from a boat over deeper water (10 to 25m) in the warmer months. From shore, Stony Point Pier and Hastings Jetty are the best Peninsula land-based gummy shark options.
What gear and bait works for gummy shark?
Heavy bottom rig. 7 to 9 foot rod rated 8 to 15kg, 6000 size reel, 30 to 50lb braid, 50 to 80lb monofilament or wire leader (gummies have abrasive skin and small but capable teeth). A heavy running sinker (60 to 200g depending on current) and a 6/0 to 9/0 circle hook. Whole fresh squid, squid strip, or fresh mullet fillet. Night sessions on the running tide produce best.
Verified stamp
Key facts last verified Thu, 30 Apr 2026 against the Victorian Fisheries Authority. If any bag limit, size limit, or licence requirement on this page differs from VFA's current guidance, VFA's current guidance takes precedence. Regulations change. Confirm before fishing.