In recent times, working from home has provided an opportunity to become more familiar with the local estuary (Sydney Harbour) and its bays and coves. While taking walks I noted tidal changes, structure, bottom profile, and fish activity in different conditions.
Fish activity on the surface seemed to increase towards the bottom of the falling tide as the schools of baitfish retreat from the receding water of the sand flats, back into deeper water. Larger predatory fish, including salmon and tailor, lay in wait at the drop-off.
Having had experience with surface lures from boats, I adapted that technique to a land-based approach - wading the flats and casting to the drop-off among the moored boats where access by boat would be difficult.
This form of fishing requires basic gear, minimal preparation and is suited to short, sharp sessions when fish activity is at its peak. Both salmon and tailor will respond to the same technique and lures resulting in more consistent catches.
Salmon are some of the hardest fighting and larger of the fish on offer in an estuary. The sight of a solid salmon smashing a surface lure, leaping in the air and peeling
