There aren’t many species left on our fishing bucket lists that Leigh and I haven’t ticked off, but the inshore giant threadfin salmon had eluded us both until recently. Earlier this year, while camping in the Pilbara, we spotted a promising weather forecast further up the coast. It showed a perfect window of several consecutive days with a gentle easterly blowing offshore ideal conditions for targeting this prized sport fish from the beach. The offshore breeze would keep our baits straight out in front, right in the strike zone. In the past, we had battled crosswinds at the same beach, which caused strong side wash and dragged our baits back onto the sand as soon as they hit the water.
We jumped at the opportunity and made a plan to head north. On the road before sunrise, we aimed to arrive while the tide was still low. Once there, we took full advantage of the exposed beach, driving kilometres along the shoreline to scout sandbars and gutters prime entry points for predators chasing bait on the incoming tide. After evaluating a long stretch of coastline, one particular spot stood out. Unlike the rest of the flat beach, this section had a steep slope leading up to the dunes, meaning that at high tide, we would be fishing the deepest part of the beach.
When it comes to threadfin, baits like prawns, crabs, mullet, or mullies are popular among anglers. The king threadfin is known for its poor eyesight, but it uses the long feelers extending from its pectoral fins to detect vibrations and scent in the water. Live baits that create movement and strong smelling cut baits can be especially effective. Everything seemed to be falling into place except for one thing, the bait we had. After eight days of camping, our supply was depleted. All we had left was a trevally I had caught the day before. With limited options, we cut it into strips, though we did worry it might attract sharks.
As the tide began to surge in, we packed up and headed to our marked spot. We weren’t the only ones chasing threadfin, cars dotted the beach but luckily no one was near our chosen location. Not wanting to risk the big tides, we parked close to the dunes, rigged our rods, and walked down to meet the rising water. We cast into the chocolate-coloured surf, full of anticipation. Mullet and baitfish swam along the shoreline, a cast net would have been perfect right at that moment to get live bait, their presence was a welcomed good sign. Where there’s bait, there’s usually fish.
Just as Leigh and I were discussing the day’s potential, our conversation was cut short by a golden flash erupting from the water. We both knew instantly what it was but we didn’t who had hooked it. Then Leigh’s reel began to scream. He was using a Shimano Stella 4000, and line peeled rapidly from the spool as the fish launched into the air again. We were in awe but panic also set in. This was not a fish we wanted to lose. After several minutes and more aerial acrobatics, Leigh finally gained control and guided the fish toward shore. As it appeared in the breaking waves, I raced down, grabbed the leader, and dragged it up the beach. We were ecstatic, Leigh had finally ticked the giant threadfin salmon off his list.
Moments later, it was my turn. I quickly tightened my drag as I had it loose so the fish could pick up the bait and hook themself as they swam off, my heart pounding, I began to work my fish toward shore. Unlike Leigh’s, mine didn’t leap, but its powerful tail made for a tough battle when I saw it splashing in the waves, I was beyond excited. To land our bucket list fish within ten minutes of each other was surreal. We continued catching and releasing threadfin as the tide came and went. The scouting out of a spot was definitely worth it on the low tide.
Because we were on a camping road trip and space was limited, and we were not using the ideal rod and reel setups. They are a worthy opponent and will go on impressive runs so you want a reel with some stopping power. I personally would have used my Shimano Stradic 6000 with a beach rod around 10 foot something strong enough to cast a bait and achieve a considerable distance with my cast. I used Shimano 30lb KAIRIKI braid tied to a 60lb paternoster pre-made rig from Rig Mate. These rigs worked well, especially when sharks showed up, they allowed us to get back in the water fishing quickly. We had 7/0 octopus circle hooks on and a star sinker. If we had a live bait, we would have used a running sinker set up. The sinker would need some weight to hold the bait out where you need it to be.
One key lesson we took away was do your own research and assess the beach at low tide. We noticed many anglers simply pulled up next to others, and most didn’t have much luck. Just because someone’s fishing a spot doesn’t mean the fish are there.
This isn’t the end of our threadfin journey. Next we would love to hook this species from our boat around tidal creek systems and using artificial baits. I am excited to try lures and soft plastics next time. That might just be the goal for our next trip north hopefully in the very near future.