Series 2 .. Episode 9 ..

Pink Snapper & Elephant Sharks

Now these are the perfect conditions for an elephant safari. Sun shining, a run in tide, and plenty of blue water.

Elephant sharks usually live in deep offshore waters… but Western Port is one of the few estuarine systems where these fish come to feed.

And I discover the rig for elephant hunting is pretty simple.

We're using two chemically sharpened hooks, a long trace and pilchards, to attract the bottom feeders.

And here they come… Doesn't feel too bad got two nice hooks on. They do seem to swim in herds - because Paul's hooked up as well.

Like all sharks, Elephants have no bone - just cartilage. And they're positively prehistoric.

There we go, two beautiful fish - little male and big female. Little horn and two male projectiles, That's what makes him a little boy.

This next one has a bit of weight to it… we're hoping it's a momma elephant. I'd say females dominated 7 to 1, I'd like to come back as a male elephant shark !

Whatever she is - she doesn't want to come in… and I end up having to help wind her in by hand. We finally spot her - a beautiful eagle ray.

While Paul tries to land her, I'm onto a little tote shark…I tell you - its all happening!

But it's the elephants we're after - and they're stampeding to take our bait. A double hookup - but we have to take it easy. These sharks can roll around and use that spike on their head to slice your line….or worse, once they're in the boat!

Well, despite the dangers… catching these elephant sharks is something I'll never forget.

Melbourne's certainly turning on the sunshine, so we've decided to join the droves of anglers dropping a line right on the city doorstep.

Snapper love feeding across rough reef… so a tasty burley of fresh pilchards should attract the pinkies to this reef structure. And I'm planning to try my secret weapon. Last time I went bream fishing, I used this hook with a beak, it's easy to release fish, but they'll never come off on their own with these hooks.

Paul's using suicide hooks which run up and down the leader, plus a circle hook.

We're using light rods and casting down through the burley trail… and we're already having a bit of success.

Snapper are known for running hard and deep once they're hooked.. so they make for a great fight, even with a little pinky.

As the sun slides into the ocean.. the pinkies really hot up…

And just as we're losing the last of the light, Paul plays a trump card… the fish of the day !

Our spot for Pink snapper was near Black Rock in Port Phillip Bay.The Pinkies run hot from March right through to August.

We fished for the mighty elephant sharks in Western Port Bay.The Elephants are best around March and April.

For all your bait and gear, contact Paul Worsteling's Cranbourne Fishing Tackle Store. Paul can give you great tips on where and when to fish in Western Port and Port Phillip Bay.

We stayed at the Medina Executive Apartments in South Yarra. Contact their toll free number or website for special weekend packages.