Spotted Gully Shark
The spotted gully shark is one of South Africa's most recognisable shore-fishing targets, particularly along the Eastern Cape coastline where it's commonly caught by recreational anglers.
Endemic to southern Africa, it's a bottom-hugging, reef-associated shark that tests tackle in rocky gullies and sandy bays. Anglers target it for the sheer strength it puts up relative to its size, and it features in recreational league competitions.
Scientific Name: Triakis megalopterus
Also known as Sharptooth houndshark, gully shark, spottie
- Grey to bronze-brown above with irregular black spots that become darker and more prominent with age; some juveniles and adults show reduced spotting.
- Stout body with a short, blunt snout, widely spaced nostrils, and notably large first and second dorsal fins that are nearly equal in size — the most distinctive ID feature.
- Broad, sickle-shaped pectoral fins in adults; small, tightly packed teeth with molar-like bases for crushing hard-shelled prey.
- Reaches up to 2 m and around 36 kg; most fish caught from shore run well under 1 m and under 10 kg.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Endemic to southern Africa — in South Africa, found from the Western Cape coast through to the Eastern Cape, with the range extending to Coffee Bay; also present along the West Coast into Namibia.
- A temperate inshore species that favours sandy bays adjacent to rocky reefs, gullies, and kelp forests — typically within the first 10 m of water, though recorded to over 50 m.
- Commonly encountered from Langebaan on the West Coast through to the Eastern Cape; the Port Alfred region is a documented hotspot for juveniles.
Key Locations
- Port Alfred (Eastern Cape) — a documented hotspot, particularly for juvenile fish, and the focus of recent acoustic tracking research.
- Eastern Cape coastline generally — the most commonly cited region for recreational catches in league competitions and shore fishing reports.
- Mossel Bay (Western Cape) — rocky ledges and reef structure hold fish; reported in shore fishing accounts.
- Langebaan to Gouritz Mouth (Western Cape) — anglers report catches across this stretch of the West Coast.
- Wilderness (Western Cape) — occasional catches reported from rocky shore and reef areas.
Specific Spots
- Rocky gullies and reef edges are the prime targets — the shark uses these as feeding corridors and resting areas, particularly at night.
- Sandy patches immediately adjacent to reef structure concentrate crustaceans and bony fish, drawing sharks in to forage along the bottom.
- Kelp forest margins and rocky ledges provide daytime shelter; fish rest in crevices and caves during daylight hours.
- Shallow water aggregations form in summer, often in bays — worth working these areas when water temperatures are at their seasonal peak.
Spotted Gully Shark FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Spotted Gully Shark?
Squid (chokka) is a top bait and widely available along the South African coast, whole or in large chunks on a single or double hook rig fished on the bottom. Whole pilchard or sardine, fresh or salted, works well and is easy to source; fish heads and oily fish baits also draw sharks into the area through scent.
When is the best time to fish for Spotted Gully Shark?
Summer (November–February), sharks aggregate in shallow water and are more accessible from shore; also the period when juveniles are most active in known hotspots like Port Alfred.
How do you catch Spotted Gully Shark?
Shore fishing at night is the most productive approach, working baits on the bottom in rocky gullies, reef edges, and sandy bays. Anglers fish squid or whole fish baits on running sinker rigs, casting into the gullies and waiting for the shark to find the bait by scent.
What do Spotted Gully Shark eat?
Feeds primarily on crustaceans (crabs, rock lobster), bony fish, and cephalopods like squid, juveniles lean heavily on crustaceans, while larger fish take more fish and squid. Squid (chokka) and whole fish baits like pilchard or sardine are the standard offerings from shore.
Where do Spotted Gully Shark live?
Endemic to southern Africa, in South Africa, found from the Western Cape coast through to the Eastern Cape, with the range extending to Coffee Bay; also present along the West Coast into Namibia.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Spotted Gully Shark.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Spotted Gully Shark water
Pick Spotted Gully Shark and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Spotted Gully Shark
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Spotted Gully Shark are.
Open the map, filter by Spotted Gully Shark, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.