Threadfin Salmon

(Polynemidae Family)

Common Names

King Salmon, Sheridans Threadfin, Burnett Salmon, Cooktown Salmon, Giant Salmon

Description

This group of Salmon fish are characterised by their overshot upper jaw, bony hard head and long filamentous rays ahead of the perctoral fin. Their colour varies from blue to blueish-grey or green on the back through to brassy-gold in some fish. Their flanks are usually silvery-white or grey, and the belly creamy; fins are dusky.

Size

Threadfin Salmon usually weigh around 1.0-4.0 kilos , but can grow to a size of 18.0 kilos.

Habitat

They are an inshore family of the tropical north, ranging as far south as Hervey Bay, Queensland in the east and Shark Bay in the west. They are found in northern estuaries where they range up stream as far as the tidal limit and also in bays, inlets, harbours, over coastal mud and sand flat.

Feeding

Their food intake varies according to their location, but is usually prawns, shrimp, crabs and small fish.

Fishing Technique

Threadfin Salmon prefer lures but will take dead baits. You don't catch many big ones on lures. Hook size 1-4/0, and 3.0-10.0 kilo fishing line.

Eating

They are not a bad table fish if you bleed them straight away; they go down well at a B.B.Q.

Bag Limit & Legal Size

Victoria: Legal Size = 21cm
New South Wales: Legal Size = 25cm; Bag Limit = 12
Tasmania: Legal Size = 22cm; Bag Limit = 12
South Australia: Legal Size = 21cm
Western Australia: Legal Size = 30cm; Bag Limit = 4
Queensland: Legal Size = 40cm