queensland The Pin 24/12/2012 - Airborne Shark

[bogan]

Hey Guys,

Went fishing with the old man to jumpinpin not much to report on the fishing side, at the bar area at 5am, few hits on fresh mullet fillet/prawns/squid/pillies but no hookups of any to report. Other boats weren't catching either. Few blokes were using live mullet the size of my left leg but didn't appear to be having much luck.

At about 7am, we were towards the initial breakers, and saw what we conservatively estimated as 8 foot, a shark (unknown) in full breach, in the air, doing a roll mid air. It was in the air for 2 seconds, not enough for a photo, but we both saw it as we were looking at small birds smashing up whitebait in that direction. The old man did hook up to a small salmon/tailor but lost it just prior, so no doubt the shark was chasing these and cornering them up near the surface.

No, it was not a dolphin, it was definately a shark, easily identifiable it was only 50 metres from our 12ft tinny. I've only ever seen a similar thing from documentaries in south africa with the the great whites chasing the seals and getting airborne.

Funniest thing, 30 minutes later, we see a fleet of jet skis and paragliders in the area, if only they knew.

[aussie123]

Sounds like Spinner Shark

They often jump very high and spin or do a barrel roll/somersault when feeding amongst bait schools.

They are often referred to as a Mullet Shark as you often see them jumping like that when they charge through schools of mullet in the rivers.

Most anglers mistake them as Black Tips as larger adults get similar black tips on their fins.

[woody1]

I saw the exact thing once at the mouth of the Pumicestone Passage. It was a 35 degree day and my mate was just taking his shoes off getting ready to jump in and cool off

[Terry H]

have seen the same act in at Gardens Point, albeit a smaller 5-6 foot model. Nice to watch!

[Keen-as-fisho]

Seen it happen once in the same general area, about 3 to 4 footer. Thought it was a Bull shark.

[madmullet]

It happens more often than people think. It is a great sight to see that's for sure.

Next time u are down the pin area, try between duck creek and the start of kalinga band on a falling tide. Drift with white bait, frogies, small livies or throw plastics around for flathead.

[The Mad Hughesy]

last time i was out sharking we saw 4 bull sharks jump clean out of the water and spin, very cool to watch

[fishingnut]

Seen a fair few jump up around donnybrook area awesome sight to see