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Bigeye sand tiger shark

Odontaspis noronhai

Bigeye sand tiger shark© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Bigeye sand tiger shark (Odontaspis noronhai) is a large, deep‑water shark reaching up to 3.7 m in length. It is prized by big‑game anglers for its powerful runs and impressive size, though it is rarely targeted for food.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Odontaspididae

Max Size

367 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

60-1000m

Climate

deep-water

Best Season

Summer months in temperate regions (June‑September) when surface temperatures rise and prey abundance increases

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, with night‑time chumming proving most effective

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bigeye sand tiger shark

  • Use heavy offshore gear with a 130‑200 lb test line and a steel or heavy‑duty fluorocarbon leader to prevent bite‑offs.
  • Chum the area with oily fish chunks (e.g., mackerel or sardines) for 15‑20 minutes before casting to attract the shark.
  • Troll large, strong skirted lures or deep‑water diving plugs at 4‑6 knots, allowing the lure to sink to 200‑400 m before retrieving.
  • Set the hook firmly once you feel a solid, rapid pull; be prepared for a long, powerful fight and keep the drag high.

Top Fishing Locations for Bigeye sand tiger shark

Christmas Island Deepwater Zone

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Renowned for consistent sightings of Bigeye sand tiger sharks around the island's deep offshore drop-offs; anglers often target them from livebait rigs during the peak spring months.

Best: March–May

Faial Seamount, Azores

Portugal
expert25% Uncommon

A volcanic seamount off Faial Island draws big pelagic predators; Bigeye sand tigers are attracted to the abundant baitfish aggregations.

Best: May–October

Santo Antão Offshore, Cape Verde

Cape Verde
expert20% Uncommon

Steep underwater cliffs create upwellings that concentrate prey, making this a hotspot for Bigeye sand tiger encounters.

Best: August–November

False Bay, South Africa

South Africa
expert30% Occasional

Deep canyons off False Bay host large schools of pelagic fish, attracting occasional Bigeye sand tiger sharks during the southern summer.

Best: November–February

Isabela Island Waters, Galápagos

Ecuador
expert15% Uncommon

Strong currents and rich marine life around the western flank of Isabela Island provide ideal hunting grounds for this deepwater shark.

Best: June–December

Ari Atoll, Maldives

Maldives
expert12% Rare

Remote atoll channels with steep drop‑offs attract large baitfish schools, offering occasional Bigeye sand tiger action for patient anglers.

Best: January–April

Loyalty Reef, New Caledonia

France (New Caledonia)
expert10% Rare

A remote reef system with deep drop‑offs; Bigeye sand tigers are seen during seasonal migrations of tuna and other prey.

Best: September–December

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bigeye sand tiger shark

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action offshore rod, 7‑8 ft length, capable of handling 130‑200 lb line
Line130‑200 lb test monofilament or braid with a 100‑150 lb steel/fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeLarge skirted trolling lures, deep‑diving diving plugs, or big bucktail jigs
TechniqueChumming and deep‑water trolling with heavy gear, employing a steady retrieve and strong hook‑sets

Best bait: Fresh oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, or baitfish chunks; alternatively, large squid strips