Gunnamatta surf beach is often overlooked by anglers who seem drawn to the Bass Beaches near Phillip Island.

Gunnamatta has great potential and produces a host of species on a regular basis.

Even though this beach fishes well year round, it really fires up in May, June and July in relation to Australian salmon.

A high tide on dawn or dusk is nearly always the best time to get great results.

A 12’ surf rod of around 7 wraps is the perfect scenario for a host of beach fishing options. Match it with a 6000 size reel and 20-30lb mono or braid.

A paternoster is the preferred rig for salmon fishing from Victorian beaches. You can tie it yourself with 40lb mono. Just be sure to make it in such a way that the hooks on the two droppers can’t touch each other. A hook pattern like a 92647S in 1/0 is ideal. Star sinkers between 2-6oz will be required depending on side wash.

Locate a gutter and berley it by tossing cut baits at your feet allowing the waves to take the offerings back to the fish. Cast out and get the bail over and the line tight as soon as possible as you often get smashed the second the bait hits the water. Keep a tight line and be patient.

Pipis, squid, pilchards, bluebait and whitebait all rate highly as surf fishing options. Don’t forget the surf popper on one of your droppers. They are an amazing fish catching device. Just tie it on and forget that it is even there.

Mother nature blessed salmon with great fighting abilities and average tasting flesh. If you plan to take home a feed, only take what you can eat fresh and always bleed them immediately.

Wear a bait bucket on your belt, a fish bag on your shoulder and pliers on your side. The best time to catch a fish is within ten minutes of having caught the previous one. You don’t want to spend all day walking up and down the beach to re-bait.

Same caption for all three images

Gunnamatta is a wonderful spot for surf fishing throughout the winter months.