Shore Angling Tips

Catching a Cow Shark Part 1

Identification

Broadnose sevengill sharks, Notorynchus cepedianus, from the hexanchidae(cow shark) family, are sometimes referred to as “primitive” sharks as they bear a close resemblance to certain extinct sharks and are the only sharks with seven gill slits. With an upper body of pale grey, black spots and a light belly, these are also the only sharks with a single dorsal fin set far back near the tail. Yet another distinguishing feature of this interesting shark is its broad flat nose.

Distribution
Sevengill sharks are sometimes found on the shallow reefs of False Bay near the edge of the kelp forests, with rock formations and at certain places stretches of sandy bays. Along the West Coast and Betties Bay Areas anglers can catch literally dozens of these Ferocius fish in what is commonly known as a COW SMASH. They occur in waters ranging from 15- 17degrees with a chocolate brown colour,and seem to be quite at home in these conditions.

Tackle Requirements
If you want to take on Cowsharks, you will need some heavy duty tackle as these fish will take you for all you have. Rods with heavy tips are essential( Assassin Blade heavy; Poseidon 5; Blue Marlin Rods) to mention a few.
Reels should also be of a good kind( Shimano 20/40; Speedmaster ;Toriums ; and Daiwa Ranges) are a few examples of reels with good drag capabilities and are able to take the punch,filled with 0.50mm if you have a Stiff rod that can pull the fish, or 0.55mm as sometimes anglers need to swim out to reefs to target these fish. I have personally landed cow sharks with a Shimano Speedmaster and .50mm line,coupled with a 350/6 Rod

Line and other Tackle Required

The abrasive kind is a must with diameters ranging 0.50mm – 0.55mm, coupled with nothing less than 0.90mm- 1mm leader line of 8meters. This helps to prevent the fish from breaking off, which is not always possible. Cow Sharks have the tendency to come up to the surface when hooked and thrash about in an attempt to smash the line, and this is where the heavy leader comes into play. Steel wire of between 90pd-120pd is sufficient to handle these brutes, coupled with power swivels or the heavy duty 3 way swivels in size 3’0- 4’0

Hooks
Your sharpest hooks are to be used( my preference being the Daiichi and VMC range of hooks). Hooks sizes from 8’0 – 10’0 are to be used,and preferably chemically sharpened as the mouth of a Cowshark is extremely hard and anglers generally strike this fish 3 or 4 times to ensure that the hooks is set firmly in its hard mouth

Baits
From competitive experience I have learnt, that the fresher the bait,the better the chances of getting that first pull. Cowshark baits are baits of another dimensions and vary in sizes from Angler to Angler, according to the casting capabilities and also their strategy.Baits comprise of Mackerel, Bonito and or Sarda Sarda; Chokka, Fresh Mullet; Sardine. These baits are usually cast out on a fixed trace coupled with a 5-8 ounce nylon/ bottle sinker depending on your casting abilities. Having to cast big baits far out is something that has to be practiced as sometimes these fish are on the back line.

Conservation Tip
When bringing your Cowshark either onto the bricks or the surf, please ensure that proper handling of this very sensitive fish is practiced. Cowsharks just like the Ragged Tooth Shark have the ability to bite its own tail,and will easily take a bite at the irresponsible or uninformed angler. Pull the fish out by the tip of its tail to avoid damaging its cartilagenous spine. Fish Using Barbless hooks as this will save time in removing the hooks.  Take a pic of your catch and gently release this magnificent fish...