Salmon fishing fun begins

Schools of salmon have been seen swimming in Cockburn and Warnbro Sounds for the past few weeks as part the annual salmon run.

WA's peak recreational fishing body Recfishwest communication manager Tim Grose urged keen fisherman and lovers of the high-protein species to try fishing at beaches around Point Peron and Whitehills, Mandurah.

"It's a great experience for families to follow the huge schools along the beach casting lures at them," he said.

"It's a cheap form of fishing because salmon will literally take anything you throw in the water."

As for boaters, he suggested trying the waters off Garden, Penguin and Carnac islands.

"Look for some reef structures because bait will be taking refuge there, meaning salmon schools," Mr Grose said.

"Always look for birds working the bait schools, as the birds will lead you to the fish."

Mr Grose said the annual salmon run took place from March to May from Albany to Perth and back again.

He said most salmon ranged from 2kg to 8kg each but warned there was a bag limit of four each fisherman, each day.

"Salmon hunt in huge schools, some the size of football fields, hunting bait fish, herring, mullet and mullies," he said.

"They will push bait fish right up onto the beach through the waves and whitewash.

"The best lure to use is the Halco twisty or metal slice, of any kind, big soft lures can be rewarding or try poppers or hard-bodied stick baits, making sure lures are reeled in as fast as possible."

For bait fishers, Mr Grose advised using a whole mullie on gang hooks, cast beyond the swell.