Surf Fishing at Swimcart Beach in Winter

Swimcart Beach is located on the stunning East Coast of Tasmania. It is a prime destination for surf fishing during the winter months. This time of year, large Australian salmon are plentiful, making it an ideal spot for anglers seeking excitement and a good catch. In this post, we'll explore why the East Coast of Tasmania is teeming with Australian salmon in winter, the best surf rod fishing setup, effective baits, and a unique bait variation using the Strike Tiger 3" grub soft plastic.

Why Australian Salmon Are Plentiful in Winter

During winter, Australian salmon migrate along the East Coast of Tasmania, taking advantage of the cooler waters and abundant food supply. This migration results in large schools of salmon congregating near beaches like Swimcart, providing excellent opportunities for surf fishers. The combination of the salmon's natural movement patterns and the rich marine environment makes winter the perfect time for targeting these hard-fighting fish.

Surf Rod Fishing Setup

To maximize your success, having the right surf rod fishing setup is essential:

1. Surf Rod Holder: A surf rod holder is crucial for keeping your rod off the sand and, more importantly, keeping the line above the breakers. This setup ensures that your bait stays in the strike zone and prevents your line from getting tangled in the surf.
2. Paternoster Rig: A standard paternoster surf fishing rig is a good choice for targeting Australian salmon. This rig allows you to present multiple baits at different depths, increasing your chances of attracting fish.
3. Baits: Some of the best baits for surf fishing at Swimcart Beach include squid strips and pilchards. However, my favourite bait is chicken marinated in tuna oil. If you can't get tuna oil, then any fish oil will do. The strong scent of the fish oil combined with the texture of the chicken makes it irresistible to salmon. Chicken stays on the hook very well too!

Bait Variation with Strike Tiger 3" Blue Steel Grub

For an added edge, consider using the Strike Tiger 3" grub in the Blue Steel colour. This colour is one of the best in the Strike Tiger range for saltwater fishing, and Australian salmon absolutely love it. Here’s how to incorporate it into your setup:

1. Rigging the Grub: Attach a Strike Tiger 3" grub on your paternoster rig. Just slide it over the hook. It doesn't matter if you rig the grub upside down or even sideways for that matter. Ensure that the tail has plenty of room to wriggle, and that it's unobstructed by the hook. The Blue Steel colour is particularly effective in saltwater, attracting salmon with its vibrant pearl blue hue. But you can also try other good saltwater colours in the Strike Tiger range such as Whitebait Pearl, Princess, Atomic Lime and Pumpkinseed, just to name a few.
2. Adding Bait: Spice up your grub by adding some chicken marinated in tuna oil to the hook tip.  Don't use too much. A chicken chunk of around the size of a thumb nail will do nicely! The extra scent will draw more attention to your bait. The action of the current will get the grub tail working, creating movement that entices salmon to strike.

Prime Fishing Spots and Free Camping

Swimcart Beach is not only known for its excellent fishing but also for its fantastic free camping facilities. The beach offers some of the best free camping on the East Coast of Tasmania, making it a perfect spot for a fishing getaway. Camp right by the water and enjoy the serene beauty of the coastline while having immediate access to prime fishing locations.

Conclusion

Winter surf fishing at Swimcart Beach offers a thrilling experience with the abundance of large Australian salmon. By using the right surf rod fishing setup, employing effective baits like squid strips, pilchards, and chicken marinated in tuna oil, and incorporating the Strike Tiger 3" grub in Blue Steel, you can enhance your chances of a successful catch. Combine this with the excellent free camping facilities, and Swimcart Beach becomes an unbeatable destination for winter surf fishing adventures.