Findings from an inquest describe the moment a Sydney man was pulled to his death by a large Mako shark while attached to a line during a game fishing competition near Newcastle.

Paul Barning's trace line was looped around his wrists when he was dragged over the side of a boat during the competition off Port Stephens on February 23 this year.

Deputy State Coroner Derek Lee heard form crew members of the Dark Horse, who described the moment their friend was pulled over the side as they attempted to pull the shark aboard.

"The shark moved quickly into deeper water, pulling the line away from Paul [and a friend]," the deputy state coroner found.

"As Paul's hands were entwined in the trace line, he was heard to yell words to the effect of, 'Oh no', as he was pulled to the edge of the boat.

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