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Fishermen snare 150kg bull shark in Sydney Harbour

Fishermen in Sydney Harbour have reeled in a 150kg bull shark just days after the species was blamed for a series of attacks along the NSW coast.

Chris Allchin said he and his friends had set out to catch "something big" in the harbour earlier this week, fishing near Clifton Gardens on the northern side of the harbour.

In approximately 20 metres of water, and away from swimming beaches, Allchin and the boat's crew hooked the shark and brought it onboard.

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The shark, which is estimated to be between 18 and 20-years-old, was donated to fisheries for research.

Allchin described fighting the shark as "a rush" and said it was a reminder of the size of sharks that live in the harbour.

"Sharks have been and will always be in the harbour, and that we have safe swimming areas that are patrolled or behind nets for a good reason," he told 9News.

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"Many people, including myself, have jumped into the harbour for a swim off the back of a boat, unaware of the potential danger below.

"Hopefully seeing that 150kg bull shark has educated people to swim in designated areas and not in the middle of the harbour."

Bull sharks are believed to be behind a recent string of attacks on people off the NSW coast, including a 12-year-old boy who died days after he was mauled at Vaucluse.

Bull sharks, like most species, do not typically prey on humans, but experts said they had likely been drawn in closer to shore by recent storms.

They are not a protected species in Australia.

The recent attacks triggered some debate over the shark population, though no cull or other control measure has been ordered.

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