Mastering Gummy Shark Fishing: Tackle, Rigging, and Hook Selection
31kg world record gummy shark — caught in Westernport on Reedy's gear. This is exactly the rig, hook, and approach Brett uses to land big gummies year-round. Below is everything you need to do it yourself.
⚡ Skip the Tying — Get the Alpha Rig
Reedy's Alpha Rig — heavy-duty pre-tied gummy shark & snapper rig. Hand-built, fish-ready, stocked at BCF & Anaconda.
Tackle: Rod, Reel & Line
Gummy sharks pull hard. You need gear that can handle them — plus the chance of a bronze whaler or seven-gill on the same drop.
- Rod: 8–10kg rated rod with a strong backbone
- Reel: Size 8000 or above
- Line: 40lb quality braid
- Leader: 80lb leader minimum
Brett's combo: Shimano Stradic 8000 spooled with 40lb braid, paired with a Shimano Sentire Stealth 691 PE 3–6. Doubles as a snapper and school tuna rod — versatile and reliable. Shimano's 10-year warranty seals the deal.
Choosing Your Rig
Rig choice depends on depth and current:
- Strong current (e.g. Westernport, 12m+ depth): Running rig with 80lb leader and a dropper 600mm off the bottom
- Little to no current (e.g. Port Phillip Bay): Paternoster rig works perfectly
Brett's Gummy Shark Gear
The exact products Brett uses for big gummies. Click any product to shop:
Alpha Rig
Pre-tied gummy & snapper rig. Heavy-duty, fish-ready.
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187 Lumo Hooks
Chemically sharpened. Brett's pick for snell rigs. Sizes 5/0–7/0.
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Dominator Circle Hook
Heavy gauge Japanese steel. Built for big fish.
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UV Single Fly Hook
UV-infused. Deadly day & night. Two of three fish on Brett's last trip came on these.
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When to Fish for Gummies
Gummy sharks can be caught year-round, but timing matters:
- Moon phase: The week before and after the full or new moon is gold
- Inshore vs offshore: Bigger gummies come close to shore around the moon to drop pups; smaller gummies move in and out of the bays chasing crabs
- Day or night: Both work — night fishing often produces bigger fish
Want the Same Setup That Landed 31kg?
Reedy's Alpha Rig is the pre-tied, heavy-duty gummy and snapper rig built for exactly this. UV flashers, premium hooks, 80lb leader — ready to fish straight out of the packet.
Stocked at BCF, Anaconda, and tackle stores Australia-wide.
Gummy Shark Rig Diagram
Click image to enlarge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best rig for gummy sharks?
Brett uses Reedy's Alpha Rig — a heavy-duty pre-tied rig built specifically for gummies and snapper. In strong current, run an 80lb leader with a dropper 600mm off the bottom. In low current, a paternoster works fine.
What hook size for gummy sharks?
5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks. Brett's go-to is the 187 Lumo Hook in 6/0 for snell rigs. The Dominator Circle Hook is also a top pick — heavy gauge, Japanese steel, built for big fish.
When is the best time to catch gummy sharks?
Around the moon — the week leading up to and after the full or new moon. Bigger gummies come inshore to drop pups, while smaller ones move in chasing crabs. Both day and night fishing produce fish.
What rod and reel for gummy sharks?
8–10kg rod with a size 8000 reel minimum. Brett runs a Shimano Stradic 8000 with 40lb braid on a Sentire Stealth 691 PE 3–6 — strong enough for gummies, bronze whalers, and even school tuna.
What's the best bait for gummy sharks?
Fresh squid, salmon fillets, trevally fillets, and pilchards all work. The key is fresh bait — frozen works but fresh always outfishes it. Big baits for big fish.
Where can I buy Reedy's gummy shark gear?
Stocked at BCF and Anaconda nationally, plus independent tackle stores around Australia. You can also order direct from our online store.