Barra series wraps up on a high note – so bring on 2015

Following a successful sixth round, the Top End Barra Series (TEBS) is now over for 2014.

Allan Beale of Darwin’s Barra Base Fishing Safaris (left) helps David Boon with the metre Finniss River barra that four anglers took turns fighting before it was landed

Following a successful sixth round, the Top End Barra Series (TEBS) is now over for 2014.

According to TEBS co-ordinator Ross Abraham: “The tides were perfect tides and there was good water clarity for the mouth of the Adelaide River area.

“Boats were scattered all over the area but during the best parts of the tide many boats concentrated on the Wiltshire systems.

“The water in the Wiltshires was near perfect for both casting and trolling.

“The Narrows and the shallow rocky areas across the system were also targeted when the sea breeze allowed. A number of quality fish were taken casting the shallows.

Sindy Shrog with her Adelaide River barra from the weekend competition.

“Unfortunately, it was a little blowy on Sunday out the front and this made fishing difficult in the shallows. A total of 119 barra over 50cm were recorded with the largest, 95cm, caught by Sean Anderson.

“There was also a large number of sub-50cm barra released, while a few anglers were smoked by big fish in the shallows around the rocks.

“The clear water allowed for some exciting sight fishing.

“There was a 119cm jewie caught on a lure by Kieran Gillespie; this fish took out the biggest jewie-on-lure award.

“In the end, there had to be a winner and David Freak used his good knowledge of the area, coupled with a Friday pre-fish, to take out the final TEBS round.

“Close on David’s heels were Sean Anderson, Lincoln Kirby and Nathan Maujean.

“Nathan is a young angler who is starting to match it up with the old hands.

“The Top End Barra Series is now wound up for 2014 and we will announce the overall champion angler and other awards at the presentation in a few weeks time.

“Despite some tough fishing in a couple of the rounds, a good number of barra were captured throughout the year.

“The call of ‘doughnut’ was often heard, along with a few sad stories, but the camaraderie, banter and laughter reigned supreme. All we need now to make 2015 a cracker is some good rain and some feisty fish.”

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DARWIN’S Barra Base Fishing Safaris’ Allan Beale guided David Boon, Declan Armitage and John Sharpe to land a fantastic Finniss River metrey.

Allan said it took a great team effort to land this barra.

“Declan was trolling with David’s Rod, a left-handed Shimano Calcutta reel, whilst David had his turn at eating lunch, when the barra hooked up,” Allan explained.

“After a reasonable fight without this big fish jumping, we started to think it was a large cod, as we landed a 125cm 74lb Queensland Groper in the same area in September.

“Anyway, the barra was not coming in without a tremendous fight and pulled Declan around the right front of the guide boat; then it powered towards the bank stumps and snags.

“Declan tried extremely hard to hold and wind the barra back, but the big girl was winning; and the left-handed reel’s braid was cutting into Declan’s finger.

“In a last-ditch effort to save the barra from getting into the snags, Declan handed the rod to me,” Allan said.

“I immediately let the power off the line and moved forward to take the line quickly around the front of the boat and put it into a pulling position.

“I heaved on the barra, turning her head slightly, but I felt the line hit some snags so I had John reverse the boat.

“The line near snapped, but with a lift and heave, and John driving the boat, we pulled her out of the snags.

“Still thinking it might be a large groper, and me being right-handed, I got David who is the lefty on the boat to take back over and wind in the fish for netting.

“After another couple of smaller runs, and still no jumps, the fish came to the boat and showed its large silver side of a barra,” Allan said.

“It went for its last power run to try to get around the prop and motor; however, with David listening intently, I guided him to ensure the rod was held low with two-thirds of it being underwater whilst I reversed away from the fish, slowly bringing it out from under the boat.

“The barra came up, and we gained the first real sight of its size; I cautioned all to stay focused and within a couple more minutes it was netted and landed ... a great team effort.”