Jarrad Smith, who usually catches and release the predators, says that he has pulled out more than 20 sharks in the last two months from fishing spots around the Macleay, Belmore River and the Frederickton boat ramp. 

He said that recent hot weather has helped push salty conditions up the river, making it more suitable for bull sharks. 

“The river is thick with them,” he said. 

Jarrad said that the notoriously aggressive bull sharks are “good fighters” once hooked, making them an appealing target for recreational fisherman looking to test their skills. 

He is also certain that big bull sharks, similar to a 3m beast hauled out of the Hastings River late last year, lurk up the Macleay River as well. 

“100 per cent there is (big sharks in the river), if you’ve got the right gear, you’d catch one,” he said.