How To Catch More: Australian Salmon

The annual salmon run is one of the most exciting fishing events in Australia. Whether you’re on the east coast, west coast, or south coast, Australian salmon are one of the most accessible and enjoyable sport fish to catch. They fight hard, often putting on an aerial display, and can be caught on both bait and lures. If you’re keen to improve your salmon fishing game, here’s everything you need to know about where to find them, what gear to use, and the best techniques to land more fish.

Where to Find Salmon

Salmon are typically found in deep gutters along the beach, where waves break and reform, creating a natural highway for fish. They also gather nearreefy outcrops, which provide protection and a reliable food source as baitfish get pushed up against the structure.

During their annual migration in Western Australia, salmon move from the south coast up to the west coast to spawn, making this the best time to target them. If you’re fishing along the beach, keep an eye out for moving schools and use polarized sunglasses to spot them more easily.

Essential Gear for Salmon Fishing

You don’t need high-end gear to catch salmon, just a setup that gets the job done. Here’s a simple guide:

• Rod: A 9ft to 11ft rod is ideal for casting long distances.
• Reel: A 4,000 to 6,000 size reel with a 20-30lb line provides a good balance of strength and flexibility.
• Line: A 20-30lb line works well for both lure casting and bait fishing.
• If you prefer bait fishing, using traditional beach gear with a heavier setup is also an effective approach.

Best Lures for Salmon Fishing

Lures are a fantastic way to target active salmon schools. Here are some of the best options:

• Metal Lures: The Halco Twisty and Outcast in sardine patterns are excellent choices. These lures imitate baitfish and can be cast long distances.
• Stickbaits: The Halco Slidog 105 Heavy is a great option for reaching further distances and imitating baitfish with a strong presence in the water.
• Poppers: Rooster poppers provide a highly visual and exciting fishing experience, as you can watch salmon strike the lure on the surface.
• Trolling Lures: If you’re fishing from a boat, the Halco Laser Pro series (120, 160, or even 190) is an effective way to locate and hook salmon.

Techniques for Catching Salmon

Once you’ve found a salmon school, use a lead cast technique - cast ahead of the moving fish rather than directly at them. This ensures the lure crosses their path naturally, increasing the chances of a bite.

Adjust your retrieval speed based on the fish’sbehaviour:

• If they’re feeding on the surface, retrieve quickly to trigger aggressive strikes.
• If they’re sitting deeper, let the lure sink and use slower twitches to keep it in the strike zone.
• After a few casts, you’ll get a sense of how the fish are responding and can adjust your approach accordingly.

Landing a Salmon

Once hooked, keep steady pressure on the line and use a pump and wind technique - lift the rod to a 45° angle, reel in as you lower it, and repeat. If the fish makes a strong run, let it take some line before resuming control.

With a little patience and the right technique, you’ll soon havea salmon at your feet.

Get Out There and Start Fishing!

Salmon fishing is an accessible and exhilarating sport, whether you’re fishing from the beach or a boat. With a great selection of lures, proper gear, and the right technique, you’ll be in for an exciting season. Now that you have the know-how, get out there and enjoy the salmon run!

Check out our full Salmon Fishing Masterclass video for more tips and live-action fishing footage!