A group of Sydney teenagers caught a bull shark estimated at three metres long near Cronulla on 27 January 2026. They were fishing off Salmon Haul Reserve. They then shared a warning to swimmers.
Key Facts
- Who: A group of 15 and 16-year-old boys.
- Where: Off Salmon Haul Reserve, then dragged onto Darook Beach, near Cronulla.
- Size: About 3 metres, a friend estimated.
- Bait: An eel.
- Warning: Be careful swimming in the Port Hacking River.
The Catch
Their friend Nate Smit said: “Hooked onto the shark on a boat at Salmon Haul, it was then taken to the sand after a tough fight on the fishing rod where five boys dragged it up onto the sand at Darook Beach.”
A Busy Shark Season
The catch came after four shark attacks on the NSW coast in 48 hours in January. Twelve-year-old Nico Antic died after being bitten at Vaucluse on 18 January.
What Experts Say
Marcel Green, head of the NSW shark program, told The Daily Telegraph there was no evidence of a bull shark population boom. Recent heavy rain had made the water murky, which can increase shark activity.
Correction
An earlier version of this story said the shark was caught in Sydney Harbour. It was caught near Cronulla, in the Port Hacking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the teens catch the bull shark?
Off Salmon Haul Reserve near Cronulla. They dragged it onto Darook Beach.
How big was it?
A friend estimated it was about three metres long.
Are there more bull sharks in NSW?
The NSW shark program head said there is no evidence of a population boom.
Conclusion
The boys hope their catch reminds swimmers to take care, especially after rain.
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