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How to catch Broadnose sevengill shark

Notorynchus cepedianus (Péron, 1807)

About Broadnose sevengill shark fishing

The broadnose sevengill shark belongs to the family Hexanchidae and is instantly recognised by its unusual complement of seven gill slits rather than the typical five. It has a robust, elongated body with a broad head, a short blunt snout, and a distinctive pattern of small black spots scattered across a silver-grey to brownish background. Growing up to three hundred centimetres in total length, this benthic predator inhabits brackish and saltwater environments ranging from shallow inshore bays and estuaries down to the continental shelf. As an opportunistic feeder, it preys upon a wide variety of marine life including other sharks, rays, bony fishes, and marine mammals. While it is generally a slow cruiser near the bottom, it can launch rapid attacks when hunting, making it an intriguing target for anglers exploring coastal waters.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    150 cm TL

  • Market value

    Low

  • Habitat

    Brackish, Saltwater

  • Also known as

    Bluntnose sevengill shark, Broad snouted sevengill, Broadnose sevengill, Broadnose shark, Broad-snout, Broadsnout sevengill shark

Broadnose sevengill shark

Heterocercal caudal

Long heterocercal tail fin typical of shark species.

Seven gill slits

Unique count of seven gill slits distinguishing this cowshark.

Black body spots

Numerous small black spots scattered across body and fins.

Broadnose sevengill shark fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    150 cm TL (max 300 cm TL )
  • Typical weight

    13.4 kg (max 107 kg )
  • Preferred temperature

    7.5–19.2 °C
  • Depth

    0–570 m
  • Longevity

    49 years
  • Body shape

    Elongated
  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    56.5

When to fish for Broadnose sevengill shark

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How to catch Broadnose sevengill shark

Tips for catching Broadnose sevengill shark

Targeting this substantial coastal predator requires heavy-duty tackle suited for rough ground and powerful runs. Anglers commonly pursue them from shorelines near deep bay channels, river mouths, and rocky structure where these sharks patrol for food. Bottom presentations featuring fresh oily fish baits or large chunks of marine carcase work exceptionally well to tap into their keen sense of smell. Because they are active hunters operating across various light conditions, targeting them during dusk and night hours often yields the best results as they move closer inshore to forage. Patience is essential when waiting for a pick-up, and wire traces are strongly recommended to withstand their sharp, jagged teeth during the fight.

Other names for Broadnose sevengill shark

Local and alternate names anglers use for Broadnose sevengill shark.

  • Ground shark
  • Broad snouted sevengill
  • Cowshark
  • Spotted seven-gilled shark
  • Tasmanian tiger shark
  • Sevengill shark
  • Seven-gilled shark
  • Broadnose sevengill shark
  • Broadnose sevengill
  • Pacific seven-gill shark
  • Broadnose shark
  • Seven-gill cowshark
  • Broad-snout
  • Broadsnout sevengill shark
  • Spotted cow shark
  • Broadsnouted sevengill shark
  • Spottie
  • Tiger shark

Best equipment to catch Broadnose sevengill shark

Compare fishing methods for Broadnose sevengill shark — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 13.4 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Broadnose sevengill shark

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Broadnose sevengill shark migrates — Inshore–offshore

Shifts between shallow inshore water and deeper offshore grounds with the season.

How Broadnose sevengill shark migrates — Inshore–offshore 1. Warm months: Stay close inshore through the warm months. 2. Cold months: Move offshore into deeper water as it cools.
Inshore Offshore

1 Warm months

Inshore

Stay close inshore through the warm months.

2 Cold months

Offshore

Move offshore into deeper water as it cools.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Broadnose sevengill shark

  • Diet

    Top predator
  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals
  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Broadnose sevengill shark

Prey is what Broadnose sevengill shark eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Predators

What hunts it

Fish

  • Notorynchus cepedianus recruits/juv.

Where Broadnose sevengill shark lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral, Bathyal
0–570 m
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Broadnose sevengill shark

Mapped fishing spots where Broadnose sevengill shark is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.