Mary River NT

[jordy]

Hi raiders recently got the chance to tick off the list a very long awaited trip to the NT chasing Barra with some mates. Fished for 3 days with 2 pro guides in the Mary river and Tommy Cut creek. Fishing was lure only mixture of hard-bodies and plastics, trolling and casting. We were there mid March hoping for the run out to be in full swing but it was late this year so apperently the fish were not switched on properly. As far as i was concerned the fishing was exceptional. Between both boats landed Barra from 84cm to 104cm, not counting the 50cm that jumped into the boat of its own accord. We also caught a lot of Blue salmon they are super aggro they dont like bringing them into the boat up there unhook them over the side, on one occaision one of the boys had his lure dangling just above the water between casts and a blue latched onto it. My first fish on the trip was a good size Threadfin salmon that the guide encouraged me to bring back to the lodge for the chef to prepare, Probably the best fish ive eaten superb even a non fish eater in our group tried and liked it. Lucky enough to pop my Barra cherry with a 98cm fish something ill never forget, battling these brutes is like a street fight they try every trick in the book to bust you off. As you can imagine the scenery and wild life was superb. Fishing with a guide is always a good learning curve and these guys were great not just fishing wise but the wildlife and envirinment knowledge as well. The trip for me also changed a few things fishing wise, ive always had good baitcater outfits in my arsenal but only use them for trolling but after 3 days and hundreds of casts ( no mishaps) my confidence  and accuracy is sky high they are now going to be my go to outfit when conditions allow. Ive always been anti braid as well, now i dont know why. We used braid extinsively now im a convert and have begun the process of respooling most of my outfits. Got to see the Garmin Livescope in action this tech is phenomenal having the ability to watch and identify fish in real time chase your lure. It was an awesome experience too short of course but ill be back next year agian and again

[blaxland]

Hope to get up there some time

 

[big Neil]

Great report Jordy. I too always desired to do a trip like that and to capture the elusive Barramundi. However, I have missed the boat so reading such an enthusiastic report like yours has to fit the bill these days. 

I fully understand your enthusiastic response to using braid laden baitcast outfits. I do a lot of hunting down Murray Cod with my gear. Amazing how accurately you can learn to cast into the tightest of snags with them and how well they respond to hooking into powerful fish trying to escape. They are a whole new dimension in fishing experience.

Thanks for the report.

bn

[Yowie]

A great fish in the photo. Sounds like some nice fish pulled onboard, certainly worth the trip.

Just another croc 😂. You do not realise how many there are in the rivers until you visit the north of the country - they are the ones you can see, but there are many more hiding.

[jordy]

4 hours ago, big Neil said:

Great report Jordy. I too always desired to do a trip like that and to capture the elusive Barramundi. However, I have missed the boat so reading such an enthusiastic report like yours has to fit the bill these days. 

I fully understand your enthusiastic response to using braid laden baitcast outfits. I do a lot of hunting down Murray Cod with my gear. Amazing how accurately you can learn to cast into the tightest of snags with them and how well they respond to hooking into powerful fish trying to escape. They are a whole new dimension in fishing experience.

Thanks for the report.

bn

Too right about the baicaster and braid love cod fishing myself and follow your escapades as well. Will be adopting the gear and lessons learned from now on. Cheers bn.

[jordy]

14 minutes ago, Yowie said:

A great fish in the photo. Sounds like some nice fish pulled onboard, certainly worth the trip.

Just another croc 😂. You do not realise how many there are in the rivers until you visit the north of the country - they are the ones you can see, but there are many more hiding.

We seen a heap of crocs at one stage had one on one side of the boat and a bull shark the other side. Heaps of water buffalo, bird life was astonishing. I also had a fired up sea snake follow my plastic right to the boat. Tight lines Yowie.

[GordoRetired]

I had a trip to the NT some years ago where we caught a mix of Barra and Threadfin, in my opinion the Threadfin salmon are way better eating than Barra, even though Barra are considered highly desirable table fish.

[jenno64]

Great post Jordy, well done on your PB and yes a trip like this is on my bucket list!

[Pickles]

A great report @jordy, that’s a cracker Barra - so want to do a trip like that.👏👏

[jordy]

Thanks Pickles and Jenno its a great experience already begun the planning for the next top end trip