My freshwater experience

[staggy]

Hey Mike, My tounge got a great sun tan while I was learning to build up my confidence in the sp,s.

Staggy

[staggy]

Dont forget to try Eungella. Its not the lures up there that make ya tounge stick out its the fish

Staggy

[Foolish_Chicken]

Staggy,
That's a nice fish you have there. It was probably blowing 20kn gusting to 30 at times. Would this have something to do with the fish not co-operating? Or maybe the don't play midweek. Looks like I'll have to try the weekend as this will be the last time for a while for me . I start work again on tues.
Thanks for the info.

Mike

[staggy]

Hey Mike, I think water temp has more to do with the lack of activaty then wind. Im one of those lazy barra fishos and only fish for them in the warmer months when the water temp comes up to 25+. You can still catch them in the cooler months and plenty of people catch them year round fishing on any given day. I happen to avoid fishing on a westerly wind because I seem to fish hard for little result. Some people say if its blowing from the SE forget it. Iv caught a number of excellent barra in Kintchant/Eungella/Teemburra on south easterlies. If the fish arnt on the chew where your fishing look for some warmer water up in the bays ect. Try fishing along the bank that the wind is blowing on too. This has worked for me several times at Cania Dam chasing bass.
Trial and error will eventually get you onto some fish. Dont give up if you miss out on the first few trips. Took me some time to work out the fish in Teemburra and just when i thought I had them sussed the buggas changed the rules. So now im back to trial and error.Mind you I didnt fish it as hard as previous years. My favorite dam is Eungella. Usually plenty of sooty action with a ferw barra chucked in for added entertainment.
Have fun.

Staggy

[Mak579]

Mike, great pics!

I was down at Teemburra a week ago, what an awesome little dam!

I discovered that even though the water temp was warm on the surface it was quite cool a couple of feet below therefore most of the barra were in the shallows or sitting high in the water column.

I found the barra were receptive to all types of lures, hardbody's, SP's (though difficult in hooking up) etc in the timber on the flats and the bays throughout the day and night.

I did downsize my lures as they weren't hooking up on the larger barra lures that I normally use. (Most of the lures I used were less than 11cm) I also downgraded to a 60lb leader as the fish I was catching were in the 60cm-80cm class. Also pulled some thumping sooty's out of the backwaters, biggest sooty's I've ever seen!

There's some wonderful wildlife around the dam, first time I've seen a wild platypus, it really is alive and great to explore!

Cheers
Matt C

[Foolish_Chicken]

Gday Matt,
Top fish. It looks like you were in the same trees as Staggy. I must've spent an hour in there. Just under 5 hrs on the dam.
quote ''I also downgraded to a 60lb leader". I had a 60lb and thought it was too big, scaring the fish,replaced it with 30lb.

Seems the locals were right. Their stories backed up by everyones reports.

Staggy,
I can't wait for summer. Depending on the weather, if I'm not working I'd like to be on the water salt or fresh. The weather in the last week has had me on the hunt inland though.
It looks like I'll have to upgrade the sounder. Something I've had in mind for a few months. Currently I have an Eagle FishEasy ST model.

Work commitments now will keep me away from the wet stuff for bout 6weeks.

Pic of a few lures I was trying out.

See you on the water,

Mike

[Mak579]

Mike,

Great selection of lures!

Are they neutrally bouyant? A suspended lure is irresistable to barra.

My leader down grade was based more around allowing me to work the smaller lures a lot better, IMO I don't think barra are too fussy or shy when it comes to leader material.

Bummer to hear you won't be on the water for awhile.


Matt C