Spring tide experiment a big disappointment

Last week, with the big spring tides approaching, I thought I’d try something optimistically different.

Stewie Martin with a barra

Last week, with the big spring tides approaching, I thought I’d try something optimistically different.

I’d go and fish Chambers and Finke Bay on the spring tides, just like I’ve done for years in the run-off.

Surely the big fish had to be there? News of meteries caught trolling the neap tides the week before had filtered down the fishing grapevine, so they were definitely around, and on the chew.

Thursday morning we were greeted by a sloppy nor’-westerly swell at the mouth of Love Creek, and water pushing in the colour of chocolate milk. It wasn’t looking good, but a few boofs along the edges soon had us firing casts around as we drifted upstream.

An hour or so later my mate got a 70cm fish on the new six- foot Barra Classic lure and shortly after I managed a fish about the same size on a big green Bomber.

Then the drought began – despite venturing to Carmor Creek, then the Wildman, we didn’t even look like catching a few fish over the next day and a half.

So for those thinking of venturing out on spring tides, I definitely don’t recommend it.

Will it put me off big barra fishing? I’m already planning my next trip as I type this!

Tight Lines, catch ya on the water.