Any Fishraider Bored With Slow Winter Fishing

[suttonscurse]

Police issued a warning today after a seven-metre great white shark was reportedly netted and freed in a Central Coast lake.

A commercial fisherman reported to police that he netted the monster in waters at a popular school holiday vacation spot at Tuggerah Lake.

The fisherman reported snaring the seven-metre shark in nets he had cast off Canton Beach, at the northern end of the lake about 5.30am today.

"He claimed that he actually caught the shark in his net and the shark came up and started thrashing about, and hit his boat,'' said Chief Inspector Tim Winmill said.

"He said it was bigger than his boat - he's got an 18-foot boat and he said it would have been about 21 feet.

"Tuggerah Lakes is only about 12 kilometres long and five kilometres wide.

"It's not a big lake but it's a bloody big shark, if it's true.''

The shark was last seen heading south towards the middle of the lake, Chief Inspector Winmill said.

Mick Crowe, president of nearby Soldiers Beach Surf Club, expressed surprise there had been reports of a shark in the lake.

"That's quite bizarre if that's the case - Canton Beach is only ankle-deep water for the first 150 metres,'' he said.

But the Department of Primary Industries and the Fisheries Department both believed the fisherman's claims, Chief Inspector Winmill said.

"They believe he's a credible witness, he's been a commercial fisherman for a long time, he's well aware of species of sharks ... they don't have any reason to doubt the truthfulness of his allegation.''

The fisherman would not speak publicly about his encounter with the great white.

"He's adamant he doesn't want to speak to any form of media, he's an elderly gentleman who has a mistrust of the media,'' Chief Inspector Winmill said.

[gretsch]

Might put the Quintrex in on Saturday... see if I can get a run!! Anyone got a spare pot roast for bait?

[Ray R]

Ceph, how about the whole cow ! ! ! !

[gretsch]

He he he .. my thoughts go to the scene in Jaws when the two dudes on the wharf throw out the pot roast for bait.. they definitely got a hit!!

[forliano]

Looks as though I know where I will be this weekend...

[suttonscurse]

Use the secret weapon - Old Admiral extra overproof rum - Drink enough of that stuff and you would start seeing nuclear submarines let alone 21 foot white pointers .

regards Bill

Edited July 10, 2008 by Suttons Curse

[GregL]

Ceph, how about the whole cow ! ! ! !

If you get the run, you'll be saying "HOLY COW!"

[Bruce the Postie]

There goes any chance we had of getting a breakwall ! , and a permanent deep ocean access channel. Wyong council will use this as an example of what could happen should a breakwall be installed at The Entrance.

This shark sighting should liven up the school holidays for the grom's and the tourists .

Cheers

Bruce