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How to catch Copper shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus (Günther, 1870)

About Copper shark fishing

The copper shark is a large migratory member of the requiem shark family characterized by a robust fusiform body, a broadly rounded snout, and a distinctive bronze or coppery dorsal tone fading to white below. It reaches exceptional proportions with a maximum length of over three metres and a heavy build. This oceanodromous predator inhabits coastal marine and brackish waters ranging from the surface down to deep continental shelves, frequently entering shallow bays and surf zones. It feeds predominantly on pelagic and demersal fish, cephalopods, and smaller cartilaginous species, often hunting cooperatively. Highly valued by recreational anglers for its formidable strength and endurance, it represents a premier target in heavy shore and boat angling.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    240 cm

  • Market value

    High

  • Habitat

    Brackish, Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Autumn, Winter

  • Also known as

    Black-tipped whaler, Bronze, Bronze shark whaler, Bronze whaler, Bronze whaler shark, Bronzie

Copper shark

Heterocercal tail

Distinctly asymmetrical heterocercal caudal shape identifies this as a shark.

Copper coloration

Grey to bronzy body color with a white belly helps identify the copper shark.

Pectoral fin tips

Pectoral fins show characteristic dusky to black tips and rear edges.

Copper shark fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    240 cm (max 325 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    35 kg (max 304.6 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    11.6–23.8 °C

  • Depth

    0–360 m

  • Longevity

    30 years

  • Body shape

    Fusiform / Normal

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    86.7

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Active

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Active

When to fish for Copper shark

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Copper shark

Tips for catching Copper shark

Targeting this powerful pelagic predator requires heavy-duty saltwater tackle including robust surf rods or stout boat gear loaded with high-capacity reels and strong wire traces to withstand abrasive skin and sharp teeth. Present large oily fish baits or whole cephalopods securely on or near the seabed along deep surf beaches, rocky headlands, or tidal channels where natural currents concentrate schooling prey. Dawn and dusk periods offer prime opportunities as these active hunters patrol shallow margins and river mouths. Expect long, powerful runs and manage the fight patiently from shore or anchored craft.

Other names for Copper shark

Local and alternate names anglers use for Copper shark.

  • Bronze whaler shark
  • Bronze whaler
  • Bronze shark whaler
  • Bronzie
  • Copper shark
  • Cocktail whaler
  • Cocktail shark
  • Bronze
  • Narrow-tooth shark
  • Narrowtooth shark
  • Cocktail
  • Shark
  • Black-tipped whaler

Best equipment to catch Copper shark

Compare fishing methods for Copper shark — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 35 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Copper shark

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

How Copper shark migrates — Oceanodromous

Migrates within the sea between spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and never enters fresh water. Follow its seasonal shifts along the coast and offshore.

How Copper shark migrates — Oceanodromous 1. Young: Born live, not hatched from eggs. 2. Juveniles: Grow up in sheltered nursery waters. 3. Adults: Range widely over the feeding grounds. 4. Mature adults: Return to the breeding grounds to give birth.
Breeding grounds Nursery grounds Feeding grounds

1 Young

Breeding grounds

Born live, not hatched from eggs.

2 Juveniles

Nursery grounds

Grow up in sheltered nursery waters.

3 Adults

Feeding grounds

Range widely over the feeding grounds.

4 Mature adults

→ Breeding grounds

Return to the breeding grounds to give birth.

It stays in the sea and never runs up into fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Copper shark

  • Diet

    Top predator

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Dusk

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Copper shark

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

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

Prey

What it eats

Baitfish

  • Arripis truttaceus juv./adults
  • mullets juv./adults
  • Myliobatis australis juv./adults
  • Pomatomus saltator juv./adults
  • Sardinops sagax juv./adults
  • Sepia sp. juv./adults
  • Squalus sp. juv./adults
  • trevallies juv./adults

Where Copper shark lives

Tied to reefs and rocky structure in shallow coastal water.

Habitats
Brackish, Saltwater
Depth zone
Sublittoral, Bathyal
0–360 m
Water column
Benthic
Structure and substrate

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Copper shark

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

Tauranga Entrance

TaurangaBay of PlentyNew Zealand

Pohuenui Stream

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand

Māngere Inlet

AucklandAucklandNew Zealand

Sergeant Channel

AucklandAucklandNew Zealand

Bream Bay

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand

Mokau Bay

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand