Traveling to Darwin

[rockyred]

Hi everyone,

In December I'm heading to Darwin and I have a few questions.

I have hired a boat for a day at Darwin harbour, so what gear should I be taking. I'm thinking my 5000 Stradic with 30lb should be a good all rounder and a 8-10kg rod.

What are your thoughts?

For a day how many lures and what types would be good to take up. (I think I will be mainly trolling)

Also, traveling on the airplane, has anyone taken a two piece rod in carry on luggage or have you had to check it in?

This may be a stupid question but Can you take lures on carry on? I would rather not spend another $50 for check in.

Cheers

Michael

[robfr]

Ive never really fished up there this time of year so im not sure what you can catch in the harbour, but head to shoal bay around the corner and chase barra in the snags.

Might wanna take a raincoat too for this time of year.

[Ray R]

Mate the best thing to do would be to head straight to one of the local tackle shops, they'll give you heaps of info.

Your gear sounds okay but don't know about the plane regulations..

Enjoy your time there , spectacular storms at that time of year, they are having some of the best storms in many years at the moment..

[pure spirit]

Hi everyone,

In December I'm heading to Darwin and I have a few questions.

I have hired a boat for a day at Darwin harbour, so what gear should I be taking. I'm thinking my 5000 Stradic with 30lb should be a good all rounder and a 8-10kg rod.

What are your thoughts?

For a day how many lures and what types would be good to take up. (I think I will be mainly trolling)

Also, traveling on the airplane, has anyone taken a two piece rod in carry on luggage or have you had to check it in?

This may be a stupid question but Can you take lures on carry on? I would rather not spend another $50 for check in.

Cheers

Michael

You will not be able to carry on your rod, have never tried lures but i'd imagine not.

Go to a local tackle store buy a few from them and get the low down on what is working. They still love their bombers up there (and for good reason) so if you have some take them.

[Trapper Tom]

Hey Mpala

Lures and hooks and things as a carry on are a absolute no go.

They would not let them on and attempted to confiscate our lures at Darwin last year, ended up being allowed to go and book them in at the special luggage section. Thank god, had more than several hundred dollars worth or lures, hence our reluctance to just put them in our bags in the cargo hold. Generally speaking our rods in the special carry cases and booked in as special cargo have always been safe. There is a lenght restriction though, just google and you will find the details

Cheers

Trapper Tom

[LeoB]

I can second that...a mate had 3 lures in his bag which were confiscated...

I've been to Townsville plenty of times with a rod tube. It's usually the regional planes that have shorter restrictions, but still check

Cheers Leo

[bluebottle18]

Think about sending your tackle etc ahead of you to where you are staying. Enquire what the cost will be with some of the couriers. It might not cost as much. I did this back in the 90`s and had no trouble and it was hassle free. Did not have to wait for it to be unloaded. Motel would phone me and let me know the gear had arrived. Amazing how much easier it is with PIECE OF MIND.

Hope this is of help.

[Koalaboi]

Hi everyone,

In December I'm heading to Darwin and I have a few questions.

I have hired a boat for a day at Darwin harbour, so what gear should I be taking. I'm thinking my 5000 Stradic with 30lb should be a good all rounder and a 8-10kg rod.

What are your thoughts?

For a day how many lures and what types would be good to take up. (I think I will be mainly trolling)

Also, traveling on the airplane, has anyone taken a two piece rod in carry on luggage or have you had to check it in?

This may be a stupid question but Can you take lures on carry on? I would rather not spend another $50 for check in.

Cheers

Michael

The Northern Territory News has a fishing report in the Lifestyle section on the main page which is brief but is something to think about till you can check in with the local tackle shops.

http://www.ntnews.com.au/

Good Luck!

KB

Edited November 25, 2011 by Koalaboi

[Guest twitchie]

Hi

I fish the NT twice a year with my mates we find the best lures are X Raps 10 in white and gold yes a bomber or two .if trolling use manns stretch 10+ in the silver ghost and the tilsons barra fingerling or gold.and then there is soft plastics i make my own but if you are going to use them squidgy drop bear is ok 110mm.

I thought the barra season closes between november and february in the NT

[stevefish]

do what others have said and stock up on some local gear. try for a couple of options in shallow medium and deep lures, neutral and technicolour. you often cant get what you need here. i like some fluoro green

also every lure you take/buy will need upgraded hooks and rings, 4x minimum hopefully 6x. so split ring pliers as well.

[rockyred]

Thank you to everyone who posted.

I spoke to the airline and they said the maximum length I can check in is 1.9m. I was hoping not to have to check in any luggage due to the extra cost (as that could be a couple of lures) but what can you do.

I have done a fair amount of research and I must say if you are planning a holiday to Northern Territory everyone who I have spoken to up their (fisheries, tackle shops and tour guides) have been very helpful.

Considering this I have decided to take more fishing tackle than I initally intended The list includes;

- Daiwa Advantage baitcaster with 20lb and 3-5kg rod

- Shimano Stradic 5000 with 30lb and I have to buy a new rod

- 15lb to 30lb leader and some wire traces

- shallow, deep divers and some metals (gold bomber definite)

- soft plastics

I have been told that the harbour is fishing well lately and am very excited about the trip and all the new tackle I get to buy.

Hopefully I will have an entertaining report when I get back.

Cheers

Michael