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How to Rig for Australian Salmon

Arripis truttaceus

Australian salmon are not related to true salmon at all, they are a hard-fighting schooling fish of southern Australian beaches and rocks, named by early settlers for a vague resemblance. Big autumn schools cruise surf gutters and are caught on pilchards, metal lures, and surf poppers. Bleed them straight away for the best eating. The closely related eastern species is the fish New Zealanders call kahawai.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Fish-Finder Rig
Best bait
Whole pilchard on ganged hooks, or a bluebait, fished in deep gutters
Where
surf, pier, jetty, boat
Typical size
16–28 in
Season
Big schools run along southern and Western Australian beaches in autumn, roughly March to May. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.
Realistic Fish-Finder Rig fishing rig setup
#1 Best Match

Fish-Finder Rig

beginnersurf · pier · jetty · boat

The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance. Good in heavier surf or current where a fixed weight would spook a bite.

  • Main line15-20 lb monofilament
  • Leader20 lb fluorocarbon
  • Leader length12-18in from swivel to hook
  • Hooks2/0 - 4/0 hook, or ganged hooks for whole pilchard
  • WeightRunning sinker, 3 - 5oz for surf
  • Line to sinkerSlides freely above swivel, no fixed drop length
  • BaitWhole pilchard on ganged hooks, or a bluebait, fished in deep gutters
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Realistic High-Low Rig fishing rig setup
High-Low Rig
Two hooks sit above a bottom weight so bait hovers just off the sand.
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Main lineLeader3-5 linked hooksthrough a whole pilchard or garfish
Ganged Hook Rig
Three to five hooks are linked in a chain, each point passing through the eye of the next, and the whole gang runs the length of a pilchard or garfish.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Australian Salmon?

The Fish-Finder Rig is the top recommendation for Australian Salmon. The sinker slides freely on the main line, so a fish can pick up bait and move off without feeling resistance. Good in heavier surf or current where a fixed weight would spook a bite.

What bait works for Australian Salmon?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Australian Salmon.

When is the best time to catch Australian Salmon?

Big schools run along southern and Western Australian beaches in autumn, roughly March to May. Southern Hemisphere seasons: summer is roughly December to February and winter June to August.. Typical size runs 16–28 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Australian Salmon?

Australian Salmon is caught while surf, pier, jetty, boat fishing. Australian salmon are not related to true salmon at all, they are a hard-fighting schooling fish of southern Australian beaches and rocks, named by early settlers for a vague resemblance. Big autumn schools cruise surf gutters and are caught on pilchards, metal lures, and surf poppers. Bleed them straight away for the best eating. The closely related eastern species is the fish New Zealanders call kahawai.