Harbour barra and bream tournament finds new home

Windy conditions throughout this week have inspired many anglers to look close to home for their fishing.

Emma Backer with a longtail tuna. For Alex Julius column

Windy conditions throughout this week have inspired many anglers to look close to home for their fishing.

Good reports have come from Darwin Harbour – where you can always find a sheltered spot – and close inshore during lulls in the wind.

Anglers who have fished Darwin Harbour have reported good barra fishing, particularly as the tide runs out.

Fishing drains and gutters has been the most successful approach and soft plastic prawn-style lures seem to be an excellent choice right now.

David Macpherson caught this nice jewie on a lure.

There are several different brands on the market which work well but whichever one you choose, go for a white or natural colour scheme.

Most of the barra caught in the Harbour are around the legal mark this year, with the occasional bigger model to keep you on your toes.

Venturing out around Lee Point and East Point has brought rewards in the form of GTs and queenies, and there are still some tuna around.

Roger Sinclair caught this billabong saratoga in chilly conditions.

There have been some notable captures made from kayaks by the growing band of anglers brave enough to launch in Territory waters; there’s no doubt these craft are great stealth fishing platforms.

Inland, it has been chilly by Territory standards, so if fishing the billabongs be prepared to work hard. Work weedless lures deep into snags and look for shallow areas that are warmed by the sun.

The good news is that the wind is forecast to drop off a bit by this weekend so that should open up plenty of opportunities.

TOURNAMENT NEWS

THE tournament known as the Barra, Bass & Bream Harbourmasters Invitational, originally started by noted fishing journalist Steve Starling during his time in Darwin and organised in 2013 by NAFA’s Barra, Bass & Bream magazine, has now found a new home.

It is great news that Palmerston Game Fishing Club is taking over the running of the popular barra and bream fishing competition that is held within Darwin Harbour.

While not running in 2014, it will be back bigger and better than ever next year.

Palmerston Game Fishing Club president Paul Williams is excited by the opportunity for the Palmerston club to be hosting the event. The club has some new ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to inject into a competition of this type and is proposing a successful transition next year under a new and improved format.

They certainly have the experience and runs on the board when it comes to successful comps, so this will be another feather in their cap.

Further announcements will be made via the club website at: www.palmerstongame fishing.com.au