CATCHING SALMON & TAILOR IN THE SURF: Which Fish Fights Harder & Tastes Better?

Australian salmon or kahawai and tailor are two of our most popular surf fishing targets, but which one wins on the line and in the kitchen? Tune in and judge for yourself, as well as picking up a bunch of beach fishing tips, and learning how to best handle and process these two shore-based stalwarts.
If you love this video and my channel, please consider shouting me a beer (or a coffee!) to help me produce lots MORE great KZbin content for your viewing pleasure! Simply go to: www.buymeacoffee.com/starlo
Thanks... and cheers!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Here's that "Jigging in the Surf" video I mentioned: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZbMf52oedqClZo

[@garethdavies2430]

Thank you. As a 62 year old salmon eater, it’s great to have high profile fishos dispel one of Australia’s most persistent myths and teach people how to use a fantastic resource. Top stuff.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mmtonkikh]

Starlo, thanks for teaching us - you're a national treasure! Your work has helped many people enjoy the pursuit of fishing more fully.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you so much for that lovely comment. 👍Tight Lines.

[@danssv8]

Nice one Starlo , love watching Roger Osborne too , have a good one mate

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers!

[@ashmullahey3065]

Have followed you since the 90's and still loving your take on things, both the techniques as well as the ethical side. Nothing wrong with keeping a feed (though I've always been C&R for the most part) and showing that somewhat denigrated species are actually quite palatable is a great way to relieve the pressure from other fisheries and ensure our kids and theirs might still be able to wet a line successfully!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! So true, too, about spreading the pressure.

[@Tunnelrat6666]

Great video as always. My uncle tort me how to fish as a kid (back in the early 80's the good old days) he always said their is only two types of people who do not like eating salmon 1. Those that have never tried them. 2. Those that do not know how to prepare them. He always got me to dig a hole in the sand he would kill and bleed them instantly and put them in the hole head first to bleed out in a upright position before putting them in the esky. He released the big ones or sometimes he would take a few home for his vegetable garden. I now do the same I always get the biggest crop's when I grow on top of a salmon.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! 👍

[@joediesel8267]

Great video. Very informative. I always get confused identifing the difference between Salmon and Tailor

[@Nikistadlmann]

Great video mate, completely agree with you aus salmon is lovely, what puts people off is the time needed to prepare. That saying like everything put a little time in and reap the rewards. Keep those videos coming mate love your work.

[@SteveOutside]

I'm a fan of Australian Salmon. I prefer it to the Tailor. We get lots of both here on the 90 mile Beach, and I'll take either one for a good feed. I prepare them the same as you. Good viewing Steve, thanks mate.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Agreed!

[@walker2508]

I do the same with luderick. Removing that blood line vastly improves the eating quality

[@StarloGetsReel]

So true!

[@barrytribe2097]

they are a very nice fish to it.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers.

[@gonefishing5214]

Nice one mate

[@StarloGetsReel]

Cheers!

[@theanarchistangler]

As always your youtube videos are superbly addictive and educative. wouldn't miss a single one. Nor Mr Peaches.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks so much for that! I’m sure Peachy will be chuffed to hear that, too!

[@markhoffman9655]

Been looking for a good filleting video for kahawai/salmon and this is the best one by far. Agree that skinning is better than scaling - those things fly everywhere and are a darn nuisance in house and even outdoors!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@devinematt2544]

Good on you Starlo. I'll be trying your tips and tricks next time I catch one of those species. Great video!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@thedon9670]

Great video mate. I might try filleting from the tail first. That looked a lot quicker than the usual way head first. My favourite way to eat is battering them with flour and egg. The kids go crazy for it. Even my oldest who hates fish loves it this way.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! Don’t mind a good bit of battered fish myself.

[@howarddavey6642]

Fresh Tailor fillet grilled with Salt, Ground black pepper and a smear of Butter. Perfect Breakfast. So Good !

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep, not bahd!

[@paulredinger5830]

I grew up in Michigan. My second favourite thing was bass fishing. (A fanatic actually) So definitely to far from the ocean obviously. I loved catching bass, and almost released every fish unless someone asked me to keep them a couple to eat. I didn’t care for how they tasted. A guy I grew up with cooked a couple we caught. Told me to try it. (I wasn’t enthusiastic in doing so) I ate two fillets! It was absolutely delicious! I learnt sheepshead, bass, and other not so great things could be an incredible meal. Provided you know how to cook it! My favourite fish to eat is brook trout.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! Glad to see you in here. 👍

[@tomjones8293]

Nice tip Starlo on how to make Salmon relax thanks

[@StarloGetsReel]

No problem 👍

[@huwmcconachy3272]

Salivating at the end there!! I think it took me 5 or 6 times to un brainwash myself about eating salmon. The first time I just didn’t believe it! Such good fun and easy to catch. Excellent video Starlo 👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! Yes, they're pretty good.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I've tried to eat some shockers. Grey, dry and awful. Recently ate a small one which was great.

[@gareths100]

Great clip Starlo, I quite like the smaller salmon off the beach. I don’t really do much to them differently to mullet or whiting. The other day I caught my first moderately large salmon at 64cm. Which I prepared the same as you have. I actually quite liked the gamey flavour of the larger fish, my wife wasn’t as keen though

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! Well done. 👍

[@adamanderson1253]

Great video - excellent explanation on how treat Salmon and Tailor!!!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, Adam!

[@charlesfriedlander1563]

Another great video thanks Starlo. As a beach and estuary fisher here in NZ I'm always hopeful of catching snapper but get plenty of kahawai. The small silvery ones are great eating and their bigger kin aren't too bad either smoked, in a Thai curry or a variety of other ways if, as you point out, handled correctly when caught.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Spot on, Charles!

[@jackcrawford3272]

Looks like a nice feed. Some great insights there, Starlo! Thanks for posting.

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries!

[@johnlighton7025]

Here in South Africa we have the same fish as the tailor.. pomtomus saltatrix. It's considered a fine eating fish. Only fresh however. And very good in a smoker too. Looking forward to testing your short cast simple rig here in the December holidays. I will report back any success. Thanks again for your channel. Love it.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you! Look forward to hearing how you do.

[@kevdimo6459]

Excellent video Steve, that’s exactly how I used to clean my catch of Salmon and Taylor. Nothing wrong with either fish. I loved to crumb or batter them, and the Salmon make a very nice fish cake as well. 👍🏻

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, Kev!

[@shoguns.p2503]

Awesome!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks!

[@anthonytaylor7875]

Thanks for the video Starlo. Great information.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Any time!

[@kizzyaggots1]

The fresher the better with Tailor Starlo, I used to give a few away to my 2nd mum and dad (girlfriends mum and dad), they were greatful i gave them a feed.

[@StarloGetsReel]

True!

[@mikestone4740]

I do really enjoy watching your videos

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks so much! lots more coming.

[@chikowhitey]

thanks for sharing Starlo....well done mate, great vid

[@StarloGetsReel]

No worries!

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Beautiful video.Thanks mate👍

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@adamgrassodesign]

Good on you, Starlo. Great content.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you kindly!

[@vincenzopaterno2292]

Good to see you and your video's starlo I remember the tuna vhs video you made over 30 years ago keep them video's coming cheers buddy

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, will do!

[@scottwinsor3594]

Great video Steve, as usual

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks, Scott!

[@ricoranos1957]

Love the vlog...

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you!!

[@matthoffy]

Another great one starlo Myself and tiff can’t wait to get back to the ocean 🎣🎣

[@StarloGetsReel]

Have fun!

[@Pickendi]

Been catching and eating salmon for awhile. Eating it fresh is key I reckon, even smoking it is good!

[@StarloGetsReel]

I agree!

[@Spectrecontrol]

Tailor makes good sashimi too

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep.

[@ashmullahey3065]

I find the soft, almost mushy texture of the Tailor a bit off-putting for sashimi, which is a pity as the taste is fine. Haven't eaten salmon in anything other than fishcake, wonder how it'd go raw?

[@Spectrecontrol]

@@ashmullahey3065 I was wondering that myself, haven't tried it and we don't get them up here in Qld so I'll have to try and remember to give it a shot sometime when I am down south

[@franksaunders6534]

Great video, Steve. It seems like there's some sort of division out there among fishos of today - those who think it's a crime to keep a feed of fish and those who still enjoy a feed of fish. Me, I fish because I love the sport but I equally like preparing fish for the table and eating them. I brain spike and bleed out the fish I catch and keep them cool and fresh in a damp hessian sack - the old school way. Works a treat!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! Yes, I'm with you. Catching a feed or two can be a big part of fishing's reward.

[@ashmullahey3065]

I think that many people now frown upon seeing a huge haul of fish caught and kept just to fill a freezer, if they are genuinely used for a feed I don't think it is an issue. Bagging out just 'cause they are biting is not a good enough reason if half the catch ends up as frozen blocks in the bottom of a chest freezer

[@dbear503]

Great video Steve. I have steamed the salmon flesh, strip it from the bones. Added it to boiled potatoes, parsley , egg, bread crumbs. Salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix up. Tasty fish cakes when fried up. Yummo.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Sounds great! 👍

[@mini_steve]

I've always been a bit of a fan of Australian Salmon off the beach. Late 90's early 2000's , King Island beach fishing for Salmon was so enjoyable. Always a tasty and fun species. I may have get my ass back to simple times.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Recently become a Salmon convert. The small one I quickly cranked in on heavy gear was great but I think I'd still release the big ones. I wonder if fighting time affects the eating ?

[@yep.fishing]

One thing I've learnt is that like other senses, some people have far better taste senses than others. If someone says they find something yuck then take their word for it. I myself like it but I have bad taste senses. I could never be and beer, wine or cigar critic.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Totally agree, and everyone's tastes are different.

[@nezzak9378]

Great video Starlo. Cheers! Ever had a sea eagle steal your fish while bleeding it on the sand?🤔

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks! No, not yet!

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Luv tailor raw,chilled

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice!

[@timgalley7435]

What's the rod that you are using

[@StarloGetsReel]

It's a Shimano Catana Coastline Light (22CAT1062CSTL) 3.2 metres or 10'6'' long, but very light. I love it!

[@BreamAlliance]

Tailor Delis, best feed of fresh fish

[@StarloGetsReel]

Each to their own! ;)

[@johnmaggiorino4493]

Whereabouts is this beautiful place?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Tuross Head, NSW.

[@joelloh3895]

what fillet knife brand are you using?

[@StarloGetsReel]

That one is a Furi. Nice knives.

[@rogerstackhouse3832]

HUNGRY!

[@geoffcohen613]

Not much fillet left of salmon

[@StarloGetsReel]

True enough, but it's much tastier done this way, and none of the off-cuts are wasted.

[@SaltySeaDog5628]

Hi mate, just wondering what size and weight rod you recommend for this?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Keep it light. Any of the “Light Surf” or “Coastline Light” models in the Shimano range are spot on.

[@SaltySeaDog5628]

@@StarloGetsReel thanks mate! Tight lines

[@yusufdavids766]

Hi mate how do make a tailor rig??

[@StarloGetsReel]

Lots of ways to catch tailor: lures, flies and baits. Ganged hook rigs are popular. If you Google them yu'll get lots of good suggestions.

[@yusufdavids766]

Thanks you much sir👍👍

[@ricoranos1957]

Where is this location🤔🤔🤔

[@StarloGetsReel]

NSW far south coast.

[@ricoranos1957]

You r a real gentleman... Pls show more content...enjoy it tremendously ..😊😊😊