Commonly referred to as Tigers!
The tiger shark has gained the fearsome reputation of being one of the most aggressive shark species known to man and has been responsible for countless fatalities over the years. It is in fact only second in known attacks to the mighty great white shark and is considered by many to be far more aggressive. Tiger sharks are also known as the garbage eaters of the ocean after having some very strange contents removed from their stomachs. Tin cans, number plates, car tyres and all kinds of human, animal, bird and fish bones are not uncommonly found in tiger sharks that are dissected by marine biologists and anglers during game fishing tournaments. Tiger sharks are determined battlers that will test the skill and patience of even the finest angler!
Tiger sharks can be located from as far south as the Geographe bay right up to the magnificent Kimberley region throughout Western Australia and are generally encountered in warm, deeper waters of 100 meters or more although may also be encountered in remote, shallow, northern bays.
Tiger sharks are one of the larger species of carnivore shark encountered throughout Australia and generally grow to around 1000kg in weight and reach a maximum length of around 7.5meters for males and around 5.5 meters total length for females. A typical size tiger is generally around 180 – 250kg in most locations with larger fish averaging between 500 – 800kg rarely encountered. The current Australian junior record stands at 434kg landed on 15kg line back in 1990 by a much younger yours truly.
Tiger sharks prefer warmer, deep, continental waters with depths of around 100 meters or more with large numbers of bait fish present. They can also be located in shallow, northern bays where they search for sting rays and turtles to feed upon.
Tiger sharks are easily recognised by their prominent, dark, striped markings which can be seen running across the entire back of the shark. They have large, blunt heads and wide mouths full of serrated cutting teeth designed for ripping and crushing large prey items such as turtles, rays and fish. They can be dark grey to brown in colouration and also light up a tinge of green when angry! Tiger sharks have a sluggish looking appearance but do not be deceived!
Tiger sharks are considered to be a top notch game/sport species and should be immediately released upon capture unless
claiming for a record!
Large tiger sharks are a tough, dogged species of shark that will test even the finest anglers skill!
Light to medium lever drag stand up outfits are required for targeting smallish tiger sharks from a boat. They must have large line capacity and high quality drag systems capable of battling large fish in uncomfortable to rough sea conditions. Stand up outfits rated from 10 – 15kg are ideally suited for targeting tigers to 300kg where as 24 – 37kg stand up or game chair outfits may be needed to subdue larger specimens to over 400kg. Wind on leaders of between 200 – 400lb need to be connected to plaited doubles via a cats paw knot and then attached to the bait trace with a quality stainless steel snap swivel or cork screw style snap for heavier 37kg line classes.
Tiger sharks will eat a variety of bait fish such as mullet and mackerel. They are also quite partial to a feed of sting ray up north! All rigs need to be made of wire to prevent bite offs during lengthy battles and hook points should be sharpened for extra penetration.
Always use fresh baits and ensure hook points are extra sharp!
Tiger sharks prefer to feed during both day and night around a high or low tide change.
