SPECIES SPOTLIGHT

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Autumn and Winter are a great time to get out on the local beaches and chase Australian Salmon. Although we have been seeing the salmon all year around we are still prone to the bigger varieties as the water temps cool down.

Over the colder months around the island the beaches are often the best producing, and if the wind if a bit strong there is usually a beach you can hide amongst the dunes to shelter. The jetties are also worth the try but If cold, standing on the end of the jetty can become uncomfortable. 

Open Surf beaches

- Cape Woolamai 

- Anzacs

- Kilcunda Cemetery

Flat water bay beaches

- Ventnor

- Cleeland Bight

- End Back Beach Road San Remo 

Salmon are almost one of the most catchable species, during the height of their season they do not generally require much effort. There are two main effective methods, lures or bait. If you choose lures you are generally using what is called a bait fish lure, they come in a variety of shapes, coloures and sizes. The variations are always changing based on the needs, some patterns can occur with colours and sizes are dependent on the size of the gear you are using. Bait is generally on a 1/0 to 3/0 semi circle - circle style hook with a bit of pilchard or blue bait. 

The most effective to optimise your catch is by treating it the same way you would a gummy shark. It is very important to bleed them straight away and the easiest way is by cutting the throat. Salmon is a versatile fish often disregarded by many as edible but there is many ways you can use it. Patties, curries and even smoked can change the profile. If Salmon still isn't your thing, it is for the fish, they make fantastic bait and are especially a delicacy of Gummy Sharks.

Salmon are a species that swim in school with each other often running up and down parallel with the sand. Salmon fishing can be a very big thing of luck, if they aren't their to be caught you cant catch them. If you stay and try for long enough they will eventually swim by.