Broadnose Sevengill Shark

Oceans & Range: Temperate waters of all major oceans — the Eastern Pacific population is most common from British Columbia south to Chile, concentrated in California and Baja California bays and nearshore waters. Also found in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. A bay and nearshore species, commonly found in San Francisco Bay.

Preferred Water Temperature: 50°F–65°F. A cold to cool water shark uniquely adapted to bay environments. San Francisco Bay hosts one of the largest and most studied Sevengill populations in the world — a popular catch-and-release fishery.

Size & Weight: Typically 5–8 feet and 100–300 lbs. Maximum approximately 9 feet and 350 lbs. Distinguished by seven gill slits (most sharks have five) and a broad, rounded snout. An ambush predator that hunts in packs — known to cooperatively hunt other sharks and rays.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificials in normal fishing situations.

Best Baits: Whole fresh bat rays and skates are the top bait for large Sevengills. Whole fresh jacksmelt work well. Large chunks of any oily fish produce in a chum slick. Whole fresh-dead striped bass are effective. 30–60 lb tackle with wire leader is standard.

Temperate waters of all major oceans — the Eastern Pacific population is most common from British Columbia south to Chile, concentrated in California and Baja California bays and nearshore waters. Also found in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. A bay and nearshore species, commonly found in San Francisco Bay.

50°F–65°F. A cold to cool water shark uniquely adapted to bay environments. San Francisco Bay hosts one of the largest and most studied Sevengill populations in the world — a popular catch-and-release fishery.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificials in normal fishing situations. Best Baits: Whole fresh bat rays and skates are the top bait for large Sevengills. Whole fresh jacksmelt work well. Large chunks of any oily fish produce in a chum slick. Whole fresh-dead striped bass are effective. 30–60 lb tackle with wire leader is standard.

Typically 5–8 feet and 100–300 lbs. Maximum approximately 9 feet and 350 lbs. Distinguished by seven gill slits (most sharks have five) and a broad, rounded snout. An ambush predator that hunts in packs — known to cooperatively hunt other sharks and rays.

1 official record on file for Broadnose Sevengill Shark