Recreational fishers urged to stay off rocks and ‘keep sand between their toes’ during annual salmon migration

Recreational fishers are being urged to stay off the rocks and “keep the sand between their toes” as the annual salmon season begins along WA’s south coast this month.

Authorities are reminding anglers that beach fishing is a far safer option during the busy autumn period, particularly as thousands are expected to head south over the Easter break in search of migrating salmon.

Each year, large schools of salmon travel westward along WA’s South and South West coastlines as part of their annual migration.

The migration draws strong interest from recreational and family fishers, with salmon commonly appearing along surf beaches and inshore reefs making them easily accessible from the shore.

Although many fishers still choose to fish off the rocks, Western Angler editor Scott Coghlan said beach fishing is safer and more successful.

“You’ve actually got a lot more chance of catching salmon from the beach than the rocks and it’s a whole lot safer,” said Coghlan, who is also fishing columnist for The West Australian and The Sunday Times.

“You’ll catch more fish with less hassle and it’s a much safer, easier way to go.”

Rock fishing has proved to be highly dangerous along the Great Southern coastline with two coronial inquiries into three rock-fishing deaths at Salmon Holes in 2015 and 2016.

Rock fisher and content creator Gideon Mettan said he prefers the sand when fishing for salmon.

“The beaches are just a more enjoyable way to fish for salmon,” he said.

“You can move along the coast, find the schools and cast at them — it’s much easier than trying to land big fish off the rocks.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development shark response unit manager Michael Burke encouraged recreational fishers to “keep the sand between their toes”, which was a safer option than taking risks while rock fishing.

The popular autumn salmon run also brings increased marine activity, with large schools known to attract sharks, seals, sea lions and dolphins closer to shore.

Mr Burke said keeping beaches clean and safe should be the priority this autumn.

“Fishers can help keep beaches safer by ‘bleeding’ their catch away from the waters edge and disposing of all fish and waste responsibly, including bait and frames — clean off popular swimming areas,” he said.

Fishers are being encouraged to stay vigilant, avoid entering the water near active schools and choose safer fishing locations as the seasonal run ramps up.

Mr Burke said it is a good idea for swimmers to be aware of wildlife in the area.

“It’s a good idea to be aware of the surroundings and take not of wildlife behaving erratically as a sign there may be large schools of fish nearby,” he said.

For those choosing to fish from rocks, Recfishwest urges fishers to check conditions, wear appropriate footwear and a life jacket, never fish alone and always tell someone their plans.

For more information head to the Recfishwest website.