Passionate fisher Nathan Woods has claimed a suite of awesome fishing prizes, after taking out the Salmon Slam’s first phase open category. Continue reading “Salmon Slam 2021’s first phase winners enjoy spoils of fun-filled fishing!”
Tag: salmon
Rods and reels ready as the 2021 Salmon Slam competition gets underway
And, they’re off! With today marking the start of autumn and the official start of this year’s anticipated Salmon Slam, anglers in the south of the State are preparing their rods, reels and lures for the annual salmon run.
In what could potentially be Australia’s biggest land-based fishing comp, thousands of salmon chasers are set to compete in the 2021 Salmon Slam and fish for the iconic southern sportfish.
Need the Salmon Slam 2021 code? It’s #SS2021!
With a top-prize of a dinghy, outboard motor and trailer worth $9,000 up for grabs, alongside many terrific weekly prizes, if you’re targeting salmon this autumn, why wouldn’t you enter the free, three-month salmon fishing comp?
Get involved and download the Salmon Slam 2021 app via Apple and Google Play stores!
Although the salmon run is yet to hit full swing, excitement has been steadily building among fishers ahead of the salmon migration.
Schools are beginning to build on the south coast, with Recfishwest State-wide Fishing Report writer and salmon fishing enthusiast Joachim Azzopardi reporting last Friday:
“Salmon have been passing at many of Esperance’s beaches with schools appearing at Salmon Beach, Fourth Beach, Roses, Alexander Bay, Thomas River and Poison Creek.
“Salmon have also been caught near Albany at Nanarup, Bluff Creek and Cheynes Beach.”
WATCH: Join Recfishwest on the run this Awesome Autumn of Salmon
Salmon Slam 2021 is part of the RFIF-funded Awesome Autumn of Salmon and is divided into seven phases and each phase has its own prize pool, in addition to an overall prize pool at the end of the competition.
The first phase, which runs from 1 March to 12 March, has many great prizes available including a $250 PENN Fishing tackle pack, sponsored by PENN, and a $50 Early Bird Bait voucher donated by Early Bird Bait in the open category.
Shimano have also donated a Shimano Saragosa 5000 reel and a Shimano Coltsniper 10ft rod!
In the adult category, anglers are vying for a $150 Halco Tackle pack sponsored by the Halco Tackle crew and another $50 Early Bird Bait voucher donated by Early Bird Bait.
For the youngsters under 16 years of age, a $150 tackle pack donated by Ben White and the team at Whitey’s Tackle and Camping in Treendale, near Australind, alongside a $100 voucher to Dunsborough Outdoor Sports Voucher donated by the fantastic South West store.
Western 4W Driver have donated the ultimate Western 4WD pack, valued at $160 and a $150 Richter Lures pack, sponsored by Richter Lures, can be claimed in the best photo section.
Want to be an Official Salmon Chaser? Buy the exclusive fishing shirt here!
Casting for Salmon Slam success
Get out there and give it a go, simply take a picture of your catch and log it through the Salmon Slam app to be in the running for these great fishing prizes.
Stay up-to-date with the Salmon Slam’s weekly winners and prize recipients via our website, or on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
They’re coming! Get ready for the Awesome Autumn of Salmon 2021!
Last year, Recfishwest unfortunately had to cancel the 2020 Awesome Autumn of Salmon due to COVID-19 restrictions. Continue reading “They’re coming! Get ready for the Awesome Autumn of Salmon 2021!”
Brand new $10 million fishing platform to replace Woodman Point’s Ammo Jetty!
One of Perth’s most iconic fishing spots is set to receive an almost $10 million makeover to replace its renowned, but decaying, jetty in a major victory for land-based metro anglers. Continue reading “Brand new $10 million fishing platform to replace Woodman Point’s Ammo Jetty!”
Salmon Slam Sponsors
We would like to say a big thank-you to all of our sponsors for this years Salmon Slam event!
Platinum Sponsors:
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |
Gold Sponsors:
 |  |  | |
Silver Sponsors:
 |  |  | |
FADs in focus: State-wide trial program update
Following the launch of our trial FADs network back in November last year, we are getting excited to be in a position to deploy four new FADs off Exmouth opening up more fantastic fishing opportunities for local and visiting boat fishers.
We were very close to rolling this latest round of FADs in our State-wide network – but with cyclonic conditions forecast in the north of the State, we took the decision to hang fire until the weather conditions settled.
But everything is in place and once the conditions are favourable, deployment will go ahead with the new FADs catering for those who intend to target a range of highly-sought after pelagic species.
While species such as dolphinfish and tuna are expected to be encountered around those FADs located closer to shore, those located further offshore are expected to attract bigger species such as wahoo, yellowfin tuna and marlin.
The Exmouth FADs deployment has been a long-time coming, with the community asking for them for a number of years and it’s another example of how recfishing licence fees can be used to create fantastic new sports fishing opportunities aggregating abundant schools of fast-growing, spectacular-fighting pelagic species.
Delivering on our FADs promise
We promised a trial State-wide FADs network and that’s exactly what we’re delivering- once they go in off Exmouth, we’ll have deployed FADs in four different locations in the southern half of the State (off the north metro, south west of Rotto, Cape Naturaliste and Albany) and Exmouth in the north, with Geraldton and Broome to follow soon.
We have also received positive reports from fishers in the south, with fish, mostly dolphinfish being caught off both the Albany and Cape Naturaliste FADs. The Perth metro FADs are also firing, with plenty of fishers getting amongst the action and landing some great dolphinfish and tuna.
Learning the lessons
This FAD program was always designed as a trial. We’ve deployed different types of FADs in different locations to assess their suitability. Unfortunately, this has meant some break-off’s. Currently, we have had two FADs break away from Albany, one of which has been replaced in a more suitable location, and one break away from south west of Rottnest, which has yet to be replaced.
Due to all our FADs having trackers placed inside them, we are able to track wayward FADs, and when conditions are suitable, we’re able to recover them with the assistance of Western Angler editor Scott Coghlan and some of our supporters in the region – thanks, guys – your efforts were greatly appreciated! We will continue to refine locations and the design of these FADs to improve their ability to aggregate fish, but to also improve their robustness. This enables them to be deployed for longer periods of time, even in particularly heavy seas, such as those experienced along the south coast.
Gero and Broome FADs coming soon
By the time you read this article, Recfishwest will be closer to deploying FADs off Geraldton and Broome. We plan on deploying one FAD closer inshore to Geraldton and the remaining three, west of the Abrolhos Islands, in the hope of attracting larger gamefish. The Broome FADs in particular are somewhat of an experiment, as we’re deploying them in shallow water, relatively close to shore making them easily accessible to fishers in all boat sizes including tinnies. This presents the tantalising prospect of opening up some great bait-holding potential to enhance fishing action for pelagic species within just a quick run-out from the shore.
Hit up the fab FADs photo comp
Want to be in the mix to win a Shimano Stella 4000 in our fabulous FADs photo comp? We have made the entry conditions as easy as possible so more of you can enter and be in for the running for this top of the line reel, which is also perfect for taming any small to medium-sized pelagics you might encounter while fishing the FADs. This competition will be running till June 30 and includes all FADs deployed across Western Australia.
So, here are some basic rules and what you need to send us to be in the running:
- A high-quality picture of a fish caught at any of the FADs deployed across the State (see contact details below);
- In your picture make sure the FAD is clearly visible in the background;
- If the fish is bleeding heavily, wash away excess blood before taking the photo;
- Fish must be caught during the competition time;
- Unlimited entries per fisher;
- Competition is open to both line and spear fishers;
- By entering you waive any intellectual rights to the image and agree to us to use the image you sent for any of our promotional materials including all of our digital channels and for any content we provide for external publications
Email in your high-quality pictures to aaron@recfishwest.org.au
Now, it’s over to you – get out there, give the FADS a crack and let us know how you go – we’d love to hear from you and see some of your pics of prized catches on the new FADs.
Awesome Autumn of Salmon launch brings big haul of sensational salmon fishing events for WA recfishers
On the back of this week’s announcement by the State Premier Mark McGowan that recreational salmon fishing is worth $331 million a year to the WA economy, Recfishwest is proud and excited to announce the Awesome Autumn of Salmon – a whole season of great salmon fishing events. Continue reading “Awesome Autumn of Salmon launch brings big haul of sensational salmon fishing events for WA recfishers”
The Great Southern Salmon Campout 2020
Fancy a crack at catching one the best land-based sportfish in the world? Would you like to learn some cool tips and tricks to improve your salmon fishing, including lure and bait fishing, beach casting tuition and how to prepare and fillet your fish?
This years 3rd annual Salmon Campout at Cheynes Beach Caravan Park is a must entry in your fishing calendar. It kicks off on Friday afternoon 27 March through to lunchtime on Sunday 29 March.
The Great Southern Salmon Campout is designed for education, appreciation and loads of fun with your friends and family!
The event only costs $80 per adult or $40 per child, has plenty of activities to keep you busy and your mind on fishing the whole weekend. Camping or cabin accommodation is available at Cheynes Beach Caravan Park. Please contact them directly to book accommodation.
The weekend will include the following:
- Complimentary BBQ Dinner on the Friday Night – meet and greet
- Registration pack including information and Recfishwest’s top Salmon lures
- Demo and ‘How To’ workshops:
- Lure casting for salmon – rigging and lure selection
- Bait fishing for salmon – bait rigging and gear selection
- 4×4 safety
- Beach casting tuition
- Fish filleting and preparation
You will have the opportunity to learn new skills from industry experts, fish from world class beaches and make memories that will last forever.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, make sure you get in quick and register!
Click here to register!
Ticket sales end 22nd March 2019.
Our Stance on Salmon
Recfishwest’s position on the best use of salmon in WA:
All fish in WA should be managed to provide the best return to the West Australian public.
For salmon, this means tourism, recreation and a quality seafood product. Tens of thousands of West Aussies travel to our state’s South-west each year to catch salmon. It’s a West Australian tradition; and these quality fishing experiences must be maintained.
Using iconic sportfish solely as a bait product is not acceptable.
Catching this premier sportfish and sending them straight to the bait market is a practice that should not be happening in 2019. This includes the use of salmon cutlets, fillets, or trunks as bait. Salmon heads make excellent bait once the fillets have been used for human consumption. The same principle can be applied to iconic sportfish such as barramundi, marlin or a range of other species.
Measures should be taken to reduce current conflicts on beaches.
We continue to receive reports from anglers about conflict between sectors on our beaches. All user groups have a moral obligation to respect others on the beach. We ask all beach anglers to respect the activities of commercial salmon operations. However, please be aware that the fisheries legislation does not give any one sector the right to fish over the top of the other. It also doesn’t give any particular priority access to a particular beach or to individual schools of salmon.
In representing the interests of beach anglers, Recfishwest is calling for an immediate reduction in conflict during peak periods such as weekends and public holidays.
All fish stocks in WA must have clear and transparent management objectives.
Fisheries management objectives are a set of goals or aspirations which guide resource use in line with community values, benefits and expectations. Good management objectives are created through consultation and discussion with all stakeholders.
The current management system for salmon does not recognise or integrate social and economic dimensions. Nor does it protect the interest of the thousands of WA anglers who chase salmon on our beaches each year. The popularity of salmon along with a clear mandate from our members creates a strong bias for action and we will not stop advocating until your interests are recognised.
We are seeking a dedicated process to establish clear objectives for the future of salmon in WA so that the value and benefits for all users is recognised and clearly articulated in Government policy.
It must be noted that this is not a sustainability issue, salmon stocks are currently very healthy and it is these high abundances that are underpinning the great fishing we are experiencing along out coastline including a regular salmon run into Perth local waters.
Salmonitis Epidemic On The Rise Again
Are you ready for this year’s ‘salmonitis’ epidemic to hit the metro area?
If you thought the man flu was bad, then you better look out for this annual craze that gets the blood pumping in any seasonal fisher between Perth – Esperance.
Salmonitis begins as an increased use of social media, with your partner spending hours at a time staring at their phone, scrolling through the newsfeed and keeping an eye on the Facebook page – Salmon School Tracker 2019.
It progresses into the need to suddenly layout all their fishing gear on the garage floor, carefully reviewing line strength, reel capability and determining what lures they have (and need).
You’ll begin to notice over the next few weeks, your partner acting extremely helpful, suggesting they run to the shops on your behalf to ‘grab some milk.’ Running errands on Thursday evenings leaves you feeling suspicious but also quite grateful your partner is doing something useful and helping reduce the workload.
It’s not too long before you’ll notice the increase in spending, the trip to the shops, become spending sprees with the bank balance slowly diminishing. If it’s not the shops they’re going to, it’s the online shopping that has suddenly taken a priority, except nothing actually arrives at your address, leaving you feeling puzzled. Instead, it’s been carefully re-directed to their work address, just to avoid the argument no one wants to have.
It isn’t until you watch your partner squirm as they tell their boss they aren’t feeling ‘too well’ over the next few days that the dots begin to line up. It’s not a coincidence that your partner’s sick days become carefully aligned with days where the weather seems just perfect, 10-15knot easterly winds, with minimum swell.
This is when you know they have an extreme case of salmonitis!
Salmonitis is highly contagious and once you and the kids have it, there’s no turning back! As it comes in waves, on an annual basis, it’s something you can’t shrug off and pass off for another day. It’s here; it’s right on our doorstep and its value is extremely high.
With more than 40,000 people expected to flock to the pristine white sandy beaches of the South-west, along with jetties and boat ramps over the upcoming weeks for the salmon season, this epidemic is not to be missed. Targeting these sensational sport fish allow you to reap the mental, physical, social and economic benefits they provide us, our partners, our families and communities.
Each year when the migrating salmon move along the South-west coast, they attract a migration of fishers to the same area; a place they base themselves while they explore vast coastline in search of one of these salmon schools. These trips to the South-west bring family and friends who frequently explore the towns nestled along the coast buying fuel, bait, lures, fishing gear, food, drinks, accommodation, camping gear, and fishing gear and clothing.
The economic return to these coastal towns cannot be underestimated; recreational fishing was recently valued at over $2.4 billion to the economy for the whole state, though it’s unknown just how much salmon contribute to this figure. Many fishers are spending their hard earnt money to head South and try their luck at hooking into one of these fish. If you ever embark on a salmon fishing trip, you’ll easily understand why people come back year after year, showing just how much Australian salmon is valued by all members of the community and the South-west region.
This year’s salmon season will be no different to those of the past, with plenty of hard fighting fish on offer and great locations to explore presenting a great excuse to head South with family or friends.
Tell us about your salmon fishing!
Recfishwest believes the pristine white sandy beaches of the WA coast combined with the splendid sportfishing qualities of this species truly makes this the world’s best fishing on the world’s best beaches.
Help us determine the value YOU place on salmon and the benefits they derive as well as expenditure by completing the 10 minute survey. Click here.
The survey is open until 30th June 2019. Your participation in this survey will allow Recfishwest to continue to advocate to ensure the great fishing experiences provided by Australian salmon are forever celebrated and enhanced.
Ten minutes of your time now can help ensure a life time of great fishing for all.
