Can You Catch Salmon From The Beach In Australia?

salmon from the beach

Catching salmon in Australia is a thrilling and fun experience for novice and experienced anglers alike. They are aggressive fish that put up a good fight when hooked, making for an exciting catch. But is it possible to catch them from the beach?

You can catch salmon from the beach in Australia as they are often found in shallow waters close to the shore. The best time to catch them is early in the morning or late in the evening. You can fish them with bait, lure, and fly fishing. Common bait includes pilchards and prawns.

In this comprehensive guide, I will discuss everything you need to know about catching salmon from the beach in Australia, including the best spots, techniques, and equipment. I will also provide tips on how to land these feisty fish. So if you’re ready to learn more, read on!

Best Spots For Beach Salmon Fishing In Australia

Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they migrate from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. In Australia, they are found along the entire coast, from Queensland to Western AustraliaOpens in a new tab.. They are most abundant in the southern states, particularly in Victoria and Tasmania.

The best spots for catching salmon from the beach in Australia vary depending on the time of year. In the summer months, they are often found in estuaries and bays. In, they move to deeper waters offshore.

Some of the best spots for beach salmon fishing in Australia include:

  • Jervis BayOpens in a new tab., New South Wales.  Hailed for its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, Jervis Bay is one of Australia’s best spots for salmon fishing. The calm waters make it ideal for novice anglers, and there are plenty of sheltered spots for lure and bait fishing. Several charter companies offer guided salmon fishing tours.
  • Port Phillip BayOpens in a new tab., Victoria. Port Phillip Bay is one of the busiest fishing spots in Australia and is known for its excellent salmon fishing. The best time to fish here is during the summer and autumnOpens in a new tab. when the salmon are plenty among the shallows. Fly fishing is the most popular technique, but bait and lure fishing are also effective. You can purchase bait and tackle from the many fishing shops in the area.
  • Shelley BeachOpens in a new tab., Western Australia. If you’re looking for a remote and unspoiled fishing spot, Shelley Beach is the place for you. This pristine beach is located in West Cape Howe National Park and is only accessible by two-wheel drive. It’s an excellent spot for fishing, with salmon often caught from the surf.
  • Ocean Beach, Tasmania. Located only six kilometres (3.73 mi) west of Strahan, Ocean Beach is a 40 km (24.85 mi) stretch of unspoiled coastline. It’s a popular spot for surfing, but it also offers excellent salmon fishing. The best time to fish here is during summer and autumn when salmon are close to shore. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish.
Australian-salmon

Techniques For Catching Salmon From The Beach

There are three main techniques for catching salmon from the beach in Australia:

  • Bait fishing
  • Lure fishing
  • Fly fishing

Bait Fishing

Bait fishing is the most popular and effective technique for catching salmon from the beach. You impale bait on a hook and cast it into the water, waiting for a salmon to take the bait. The most common baits used for salmon are herring, pilchard, and prawns. 

To increase your chances of success, use a heavy-duty fishing rod and line. This will help you set the hook when a salmon takes the bait. It’s also ideal to use a sinker to weigh down your line and keep it close to the bottom where the salmon are feeding.

Lure Fishing

When fishing with lures, you use an artificial lure to mimic the appearance and movement of bait fish. These attract the attention of salmon, which strike at the lure in a predatory response. Lure fishing is an excellent technique for experienced anglers as it requires skill and precision to be successful.

A common type of lure used for salmon fishing is the spinner. This lure has a spinning blade that creates a flashing action, imitating the movement of bait fish. Other popular lures include crankbaits and jigs. The jigs create a jerky, up-and-down motion that salmon find irresistible.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is a challenging but rewarding technique for catching salmon from the beach. It uses a lightweight lure (an artificial fly) and a long, flexible rod to cast the line. The fly resembles a small bait fish, natural invertebrate, or other food that salmon feed on.

Fly fishing requires a great deal of skill and precision, as you must cast the line accurately and present the fly naturally. This technique is most effective in areas with no obstructions, such as trees or rocks.

Tips For Catching Salmon From The Beach

Here are a few tips to help you catch salmon from the beach:

  • Choose the right location. Salmon are most commonly found in areas with strong currents or tides. Look for spots with an incoming tide, as this will bring the salmon closer to shore.
  • Use the right bait or lure. Different baits and lures work better in different conditions. Consider the time of day, the weather, and the type of water you’re fishing in when choosing your bait or lure.
  • Fish early morning or late evening. Salmon are most active at dawn and dusk. They feed more aggressively during these times, making them more likely to take your bait or lure.
  • Keep an eye out for the fish: Keep an eye out for salmon breaking the surface to feed. Typically salmon feed by herding prey to the surface, giving away their resting position at the bottom. 
  • Cover ground: Salmon are constantly moving, so it’s important to cover a lot of ground when you’re fishing. Cast your line out, then reel it in and move to a new spot. Repeat this process until you find where the salmon are biting.

Final Thoughts

Catching salmon from the beach in Australia is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and bring home a delicious dinner. With the right fishing gear and techniques, you can have a successful day of salmon fishing

Cast your line on areas with strong currents or tides, use the appropriate bait or lure, and fish during the early morning or late evening hours. Most importantly, have fun!

Daniel Clarke

The website is run by myself Daniel Clarke, I’m lucky enough to have been living in Hervey Bay, for 31 years so I’m classed as a local I have seen many changes over this time. Read more about us here

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