Salmon make a welcome return

The salmon are back.

After two consecutive lean years where the number of salmon caught close to the coast could be counted on one hand, the annual salmon run has returned with some promise this year.

Recreational fishers from throughout the State have converged along the South West coastline in anticipation of catching a salmon some say are the best sport fish in the world for their size.

As for their taste, well, opinions vary.

The Australian salmon spawning migration occurs between late February and late April in most years.

Mature salmon start their journey as far south as Tasmania and work their way up the WA coast towards Cape Leeuwin, with most spawning between Black Point and Cape Naturaliste.

The larvae don’t remain in this area for long, getting swept back to southern parts of Australia via currents and strong winds to where the whole migration started.

When environmental conditions are right, the migrating salmon will school near shore, moving along the beach to give shore and boat fishers a chance at catching the elusive fish.

In recent years, when the water temperature has been warmer, the salmon have not been as close to shore or travelled as far around the coast, resulting in lower catches for recreational fishers.

For those who want to catch one of these beauties, patience, common sense and restraint is definitely a necessary combination of attributes to ensure you have a successful and enjoyable experience.

Not only are they a hard fish to catch, the sudden run may attract a lot of fishers into a relatively small area, all trying their luck at hooking one of these fish at the same time.

Unfortunately, during these peak times and at the start of the season tempers can fray between shore-based fishers and boat fishers, and even within each group, resulting in a negative fishing experience.

Simple etiquette, such as not casting your line or driving your boat directly into a school of fish, keeping your boat a safe distance from shore fishers, avoiding other fishers’ lines and respecting others’ space goes a long way to ensuring everyone has a positive salmon fishing experience.

Following these guidelines will also make sure everyone gets a fair chance at catching one.

Salmon fishing can take people to some of the most picturesque places along the coast, including national parks and reserves.

At these locations bins are rarely accessible, so fishers and coastal users will need to secure rubbish from blowing away with the wind in a lidded bucket or back pack — and take their rubbish with them.

Regrettably, there are still a few people who ruin it for everyone by incorrectly disposing of fish waste and rubbish around popular fishing spots.

Any item made of plastic, including fishing line, is particularly serious as it can take many years to break down and can entangle wildlife.

On the positive side, many fishers are doing the right thing by disposing of their rubbish and other material properly.

Most also appreciate the coast is used by the whole community, including a tourism drawcard, and the need to maintain its natural beauty for everyone to enjoy.