Threadfin Salmon Casting
Threadfin salmon are one of the most exciting lure fishing targets in tropical Australia, found in the turbid estuaries and creek mouths of Queensland and the NT where they ambush prawns and baitfish on tidal run-outs. These powerful fish respond aggressively to large soft plastic lures and hard-bodied swimbaits worked through the dirty water of tidal outflows.
Target Species
Fishing Tips
- 1
Threadfin salmon are a tidal-current feeder — fish the last two hours of the run-out tide when dirty, prawn-laden water pours out of creek mouths and channels into the main river.
- 2
Large paddle-tail soft plastics (5–7 inch) in natural prawn or mullet colours rigged on a 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz jig head are the most effective threadfin lure; work them slowly through the tidal outflow at mid-depth.
- 3
Threadfin salmon have an exceptionally delicate touch — when you feel a 'tap-tap' pause and allow the fish a second before winding down and sweeping. They engulf baits sideways and premature strikes pull lures out of their mouth.
- 4
Threadfin share tidal drains with barramundi — use 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leader so that you are equally prepared for either species. Both will make runs for mangrove roots on the strike.
- 5
After rain and freshwater runoff, threadfin stack up near estuarine mixing zones where fresh and salt water meet — the fresh water pushes prawns downstream and the fish are waiting at the boundary.
Gear Setup
Barramundi
- Rod
- PE2–3, 7–7.6ft medium-heavy baitcasting (fast action)
- Reel
- Baitcaster 100–200 size (Daiwa Tatula SV, Shimano Curado DC 200)
- Main Line
- PE2–3 (20–30lb braid)
- Leader
- 30–50lb fluorocarbon, 30–60cm
- Lures / Terminal
- Hard bodies 70–120mm (Rapala, Zerek), surface lures (Jackall Mikey), soft plastics 4–6 inch
- Drag Setting
- 5–8kg
Cast tight to structure; barra ambush from mangrove roots and submerged timber