Spotted Ragged-tooth Shark
Carcharias taurus
Also known as: Raggie, spotted raggedtooth, grey nurse
Illustration: gardenroutefishing.co.za
The raggie — a snaggle-toothed giant that migrates along this coast to breed, gathering around reefs and gulleys. Despite the ferocious dentures, raggies are placid and a bucket-list catch-and-release species.
Where & how: deep rock ledges and surf next to reef, mostly in summer. Large fish baits on non-stainless circle hooks with heavy leader. Raggies fight deep and heavy rather than fast — a test of harness and patience.
Protection: ragged-tooth sharks are protected in South Africa — strictly no take. Release in the water wherever possible, cut the leader close on deep hooks (non-stainless hooks rust out), and never drag a raggie up dry rocks for a photo.
Behaviour
Despite fearsome teeth, a placid, slow-moving shark that gathers around reefs and gulleys.
Reproduction
Famous for intra-uterine cannibalism — the largest embryo eats its siblings; females produce just two pups every second year, making them very vulnerable.
Field guide
Bulky brown-grey body with dark spots; snaggle of protruding teeth; placid.
Common along the southern and Eastern Cape; migrates up the east coast to KwaZulu-Natal to breed.
Deep reef-edge gulleys and surf near reef
Common 80-150 kg
Commonly 80–150 kg.
Fish, small sharks and rays, taken slowly near the bottom.
Sheltered reef and bay areas.
Strong seasonal north–south migration linked to breeding.
Powerful, sustained runs and dogged head-shaking — big fish test heavy tackle and your stamina rather than jumping.
Sandtiger (same species elsewhere)
Protected in South Africa — mandatory release, no take. Cut the trace on deep hooks.
How to catch Spotted Ragged-tooth Shark
Extra-heavy rock outfit, non-stainless circle hooks
Large baitrunner spinning reel (8000–14000) or a 6/0–9/0 conventional with 300 m+ line capacity and a strong, smooth drag.
0.50–0.70 mm mono or 50–80 lb braid for the mainline.
8/0–12/0 non-stainless circle hooks (rust out if a deep-hooked fish is released).
1.5–2 m of 100–300 lb mono trace; multi-strand wire or cable for toothy sharks.
Large fish baits
When to catch Spotted Ragged-tooth Shark
Summer, deep ledges near reef
Feeds hard on moving water, especially the push and after dark; spring tides and a warm current switch them on.
Summer nights on spring tides
Most active in warmer water, roughly 18–23 °C, especially when bait shoals are inshore.
🥅 Landing
On the beach, use the swash to slide the fish onto wet sand; from rocks, lead it to a safe gulley. Never gaff a shark you plan to release.
♻️ Release
Keep it in the water, support the body, remove the hook with a de-hooker or cut the trace close, then revive it upright facing the current until it swims off strongly.
📏 Limits & restrictions
🚫 PROTECTED — mandatory release, no take. Cut leader on deep hooks
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