Table of contents for NAFA 42 in NAFA

“When you consider there was only one other metrey caught between the other 65 teams – Michael Dickinson’s 112cm barra – it’s very clear what direction barra fishing is taking from now on … Talk about a game changer”. THE NT BARRA CLASSIC The NT Barra Classic celebrated its 40th anniversary with the 2022 event. That’s a long time and it’s interesting to look back at how it came about. Back in 1981, the then President of the Game Fish Association of Australia (GFAA), Johnno Johnson, visited Darwin specifically to talk to the NTGFA about holding the first-ever freshwater fishing tournament in the country. At the time, Col Roberts was President of the NTGFA and I was on the committee representing Darwin Game Fishing Club. It was over lunch at…

The final Round of the 2022 Penn Top End Billfish Series was completed in early November. The series is run over eight rounds, starting in April each year. Given the fact that three rounds of the tournament in 2022 were nearly impossible to fish due to inclement weather, the final number of billfish tagged and released was worth noting: 60 marlin and 84 sailfish. The late April round (26 marlin and 27 Sailfish) and early September round (10 marlin and 32 sailfish) were the most productive. This aligned with the previous two years of the series as the best months for our north-west Top End bill-fishery, particularly off Dundee when the larger tides followed a set of neap tides, resulting in more movement of clean water. It is also worth…

“We are excited about supporting Plastic Odyssey’s mission and expedition by fully equipping the vessel’s bridge with the latest in radar and navigation technology,” says James Methven, Global Head of Brand, Simrad Yachting. “The boat refit over the past year is only the start. We look forward to sharing this inspiring adventure of the Plastic Odyssey team, helping keep them safe and on course, while also covering the voyage across our digital platforms with updates. Plastic Odyssey’s goal is to address plastic pollution on a global scale by traveling to low-and-middle-income countries – where coastal cities have amassed massive quantities of plastic – in the hope of turning these areas into local micro-factories as the main raw material for the transformation of plastic waste into building materials and fuel, thanks…

“No plan whatsoever!” That was the explanation Emma Harbrow gave for her Team Angry Bird’s stunning victory in the 2022 Secret Women’s Business Barra Challenge. Angry Bird comprised Emma, Mel Ledingham and Judy Ward. “We didn’t get around to doing a pre-fish, and I hadn’t been to Corroboree for two years, whilst Judy hadn’t been there for 12 months. “On the first morning, we went to a couple of our usual spots and started getting hits trolling, so we worked the area all day and caught three barra, including my 80cm fish. “Trolling Little Lucifers came through for us and we just persevered with the weed. “We were in third spot after the first day, but it was all pretty close. “We caught nine barra and no saratoga,” Emma told…

Protecting your boat from the wear and tear that comes with exposure to water and the elements can be a challenge. With the potential for corrosion and rust high, applying high-quality marine coatings prolongs the life of your boat. PROTECTION FROM RUST, CORROSION AND HEAT In a marine setting, your vessel can easily succumb to the effects of water exposure, as well as prolonged UV exposure. To enjoy your boat longer, you’ll need to take measures to ensure it is protected. Rhino Linings marine coatings give you the protection you need to keep your vessel safe from the elements. The precision of the application process gets into all cracks and crevices to protect every area of the boat. Our environmentally-friendly products give you worry-free protection for vehicles, flooring and more.…

Gerard launched Alure Fishing Charters NT in mid-2021 with his 7.5m twin-engine vessel, capable of fishing between four and six adults comfortably and built to target the Territory’s lesser-known fishing hotspots. With a top speed of around 50km/h, his immaculate boat is quick to arrive at fishing grounds. Whether it’s chasing a million-dollar barramundi on the picturesque upper Adelaide River, or pelagics and table fish off Dundee Beach and Leader’s Creek, Gerard has an impressive knowledge of local fishing grounds, the tides and weather conditions. He is happy to put in the time teaching new anglers the art of how and where to cast, how to stay connected and landing net techniques. Gerard says he prefers working with private charter groups who can allow him to set the itinerary around…

After months of cloudless skies, when the wind has blown cool and dry from the great deserts of the interior, hot, humid air begins pouring in from the tropical waters to the north. Soon, black thunderheads are rumbling across the skyline, bringing the first drenching downpours to country that in some cases hasn’t seen rain for nine months. The rise in heat and humidity sends a procession of grey nomads streaming south as the bush flushes with new growth and the food chain moves into overdrive. Across the vast waterways of the north, gathering storm clouds announce spawning time for a multitude of species. A huge appeal of fishing is how it connects us to the natural world, and as the Wet approaches barramundi are so often at the heart…

After two years of COVID lockdowns and devastating weather events, the open road awaits, and we can finally get back to exploring all our beautiful country has to offer. For many of us this includes visiting the unique Murray–Darling Basin to discover and enjoy its internationally significant wetlands and 18 imperilled native freshwater fish species including the iconic Murray cod 1. One thing the Basin doesn’t yet have is the pest fish tilapia, and we’d like to keep it that way. Tilapia are noxious pests and rank in the top 100 most invasive species worldwide 2. Tilapia have a wide range of environmental impacts in Australia and internationally. Tilapia directly impact most native fish like golden perch, silver perch, Murray cod and freshwater catfish by eating their eggs and young,…

Fresh chicken fillets are generally cut into bite size pieces and pierced near the top on the circle hook. Don’t bunch the bait up; just leave the hook well exposed. When fishing cheese, it’s exactly the same, just be sure to choose a cheese that is not crumbly as it will split and fall off the hook. Mozzarella is stretchy and great for the job. Dim sims will stay on if simply pinned and cast lightly into the flow. They are not a hardy bait unless secured with either bait mate or a mesh bait sock. In saying that, they regularly produce big fish. Processed meats also work well and once again are cut into bite size strips and pinned on the hook with a single pierce.…

There are some items in our lives that we save long and hard to buy and sometimes we feel disappointment when our hard-earned purchase turns out to be not what was expected. Boats come into this category. Not everyone enjoys boating, whether it be for fish or family water sports days. I know of plenty of anglers who avoid boat fishing for their own reasons. Caravanning comes into the same category … sort of. There are people who hate the idea of towing anything, especially a caravan. But these people want to travel about and see the country, so instead of a caravan or a camper trailer, they buy a motorhome. Some of these folk then promptly hook a small car to the back so they can get around without…

“I see a huge buck in the mob with very long antlers. Hang on — there is a very impressive chocolate buck in the mob as well,” … but alas, let’s start at the beginning. After a hearty counter-lunch, we travelled in convoy for the two-hour drive to the property. Upon arrival we were greeted by our host Barry, who is always on for a yarn and a joke. We unpacked our gear, and over a cuppa made plans for the afternoon hunt. We are fortunate that our hunting club, Australian Hunters International (AHI), has access to a beautiful property in the Hunter Valley that harbours both fallow and red deer. A quick rollcall of our hunting party in chronological order: Robert (snr), myself, Grant, Robert (jnr) and James. Robert…

ARB INTERIOR PROTECTION FLOOR MATS Expertly designed to catch and hold debris, ARB Floor Mats are a waterproof solution that includes secure foot placement and a snug fit to cover all areas of your footwells and even utilise the vehicles retention clips where applicable. The moulded deep-dish design makes them easy to clean: simply wipe or hose off any debris, dry and then place back in the vehicle ready for the next adventure. The thermoplastic elastomer material provides an odourless solution which has seamless edging to provide secure grip and protection across all of your typical high impact carpeted surfaces. ARB TENT LIGHT The perfect addition to any camping setup, ARB’s Tent Light works seamlessly with a large range of rooftop tents and awnings. Simple to set up and featuring…

It only seems like it was yesterday that the debate to establish a net-free zone around the Rockhampton region was taking place. It was a sensitive time back in 2015 with the commercial and recreational sector divided. I believe the great Johnny Mitchel was spot on with a quote from one of his DVDs when he said: "Some are worried about losing a livelihood, while others are concerned about the future.” Confrontations both on and off the water were common. Tempers flared and any common sense or rational thinking was thrown straight out of the window. At that particular time, myself and a few others were managing the biggest fishing page for the central Queensland area on Facebook. It was a very delicate subject and one hell of a topic…

Like most keen anglers, some of my fondest childhood memories revolved around shore-based fishing on the weekends or school holidays. In my case, it was my father and uncle who introduced me to the world of angling, mainly around the local area, where bream were the main target species. A few other uncles who lived further away were also very keen and, whenever they visited, things often turned fishy. Living on the shores of the Tuggerah Lakes waterway, just north of Sydney, we also spent time through the warmer months chasing prawns, either with a scoop net or a larger haul net. Prawning was a very popular summer activity back in those days. Prawns are still abundant in the lakes and still harvested by the commercial sector, but sadly these…

Goolwa is a laidback township of roughly 7000 residents, situated on the last big bend of the Murray River, before the Murray mouth drains into the South Ocean. Aptly named, Goolwa is the traditional Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal word for elbow. The setting of Storm Boy, the Colin Thiele cult classic book/movie that was recently remade in 2019, the area really does have its own unique vibe, from wind-swept surf zones, through to a semi-sheltered estuary and freshwater lakes. With all this said, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there’s a kaleidoscope of fishing options waiting for you at Goolwa! Pleasingly, the area is an easy escape from Adelaide, located around an hour south of the city, on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. I’ve been living down this way for…

The lucky local and interstate fishos netted $170,000 in prize money (one angler won double the dough), and three Territory charities shared $17,000. Each time a Season 8 $10,000 fish is caught, an extra $1,000 is donated to an official Million Dollar Fish charity - Cancer Council NT, Shoreline and Starlight Children’s Foundation - as nominated by the winning fisho. The chances of pocketing a million bucks have never been higher, with nine fish worth a million dollars now released in five fishing regions: Tiwi Islands, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This includes the Season 8 Million Dollar Fish, as well as those from every other season, which are still eligible to be caught. There’s still plenty of time to hit the water and catch a red-tagged barramundi, with…

In 2022, Barra or Blue took off and had a fantastic year both on the blue water and chasing barra. The season saw an amazing variety of fish being caught The owner, Lincoln Kirby, is a fishing guide with over a decade of experience and has the local knowledge required to help you land your next catch. Clients have the freedom to customise their fishing charter to any fishing area within a 200km radius of the Darwin area, from catching a barra to bluewater options. The team of experienced guides give their clients the best of the best. Regardless of the location, once on the water, clients are guaranteed a fun, great day out, and of course, fish! The guides target the fish as requested, they cater to client needs…

DRIVE IN, FLY IN, OR BOAT IN! Crab Claw Resort is a picturesque coastal retreat nestled within Bynoe Harbour, a little over an hour’s drive from Darwin. Visitors can access some of the best fishing and crabbing in the NT in the pristine harbour, nearby Fog Bay and the Arafura Sea. Bynoe Harbour is the perfect place for the experienced fisho as well as the first timer hoping to make it onto the brag board! The sealed boat ramp allows you to quickly launch your boat, with plenty of parking for your car and trailer. The ramp is near our cabins making it easy to lunch and retrieve your boat as the tides allow. Crab Claw Resort is the perfect balance of fishing, family friendly fun and relaxation! RELAX AND…

The Build-up can be one of the most rewarding times of year to chase big barramundi. But you would be kidding yourself if you think they are going to come easily. There are a lot of factors that come into play that will not only affect the mood swings of the barramundi but will also poke, prod and push your very own mind and spirit. Hopefully, I can provide some insight into how this cranky old fart goes about putting a big barra on the deck. Firstly, the Build-up usually starts in September and can extend into late December when the first monsoon burst usually happens. And it’s HOT. Simple jobs like walking from the car to a shop will have your whole body start to expel water. Even your…

In recent years, the great fishing available in Leaders Creek has not gone unnoticed by Darwin fishos. Particularly down around the mouth, some monster barra have been caught, and often a hefty black jew joins the party. More recently, two new additions have made Leaders Creek even more attractive: the creation of an artificial reef labyrinth off shore on the way to Cape Hotham, and the sealing of the Gunn Point Road, thus providing quick, all weather access. With Leaders Creek Fishing Base right at the concrete boat ramp, you can park your car and trailer securely, you can take advantage of the handy accommodation, and you can even purchase some basic supplies.…

R1 DALY RIVER The first round ushered in a wave of anxiety for the TEBS committee via the challenge of a possible cyclone, little rain, and the unknown condition of the Daly River, coupled with one of the largest turn outs for the competition with over 50 boats and more than 100 anglers. The year also saw an increase in the use of modern technology such as live imaging sonar. Indications were this will become the norm for future rounds. The exciting arrival of new sponsors this year, Quality Marine and Garmin, along with sponsors who have stuck by us even with the COVID roller coaster adventures, such as Bigfish, Riedy’s Lures, Fishing and Outdoor World, Bendigo Bank and NAFA magazine, ensured our not-for-profit volunteer-based competition continues to cater for…

At 2,574km, the Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa. It flows through and between several countries but primarily Zambia. It’s the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean. Just about any literature you might read about the Zambezi River will tell you it’s most-noted feature is Victoria Falls which is the largest waterfall in the world. However, if you’re a fisherman, and you’ve chucked a lure or two into clear, fast-flowing reaches of the Zambezi, you might reckon its most-noted feature is that shiny, fearsome-looking creature: the African tigerfish. IT’S PROPORTIONATELY OVERSIZED, RED FORKED TAIL, WITH A BLACK EDGE, IS AN EYE-CATCHING FEATURE, BUT NOT NEARLY AS EYE-CATCHING AS ITS LARGE SKELETAL HEAD, DEATHLY-BLACK-PUPILED EYES AND RIGID BONY MOUTH WITH EIGHT INTIMIDATING…

In recent years, there have been three species of fish that I’ve travelled out of the NT on a regular basis to catch. The first one, the African tigerfish, is covered in a feature article in this issue following a trip to the Zambezi River in Zambia last November. It was the first trip back there since Covid struck. A trip to buckle over a rod again on the second species, that pig dog of the freshwater, the Nuigini black bass, is still on hold following the pandemic. The last time I chased black bass in PNG was in 2019, and I went there twice that year. I hope to organise a return trip shortly. Although they look about as different to each other as a Ferrari does to a…

Loved by owners and hated by the opposition, Toyota’s first LandCruiser trayback saw light when Thiess Brothers began importing the FJ25 model in 1958 for use on the Snowy Mountain project. And while there are heaps of haters out there, the facts are that after 70 years there is still nothing that compares to the iconic trayback in today’s line-up. Thiess Brothers formed a new company that concentrated solely on the importation and distribution of Toyota vehicles, taking over from the original Melbourne-based company, B&D Motors. I worked for Thiess in the Black Rock Open Cast mine in Mount Isa in 1963, a time when the city was in turmoil from the effects of one of the longest and dirtiest industrial strikes in Australia. But contractors were unaffected, and when…

BEAT THE HEAT My first thought on beating the heat goes back to a hunt my brother Craig and I did in outback New South Wales. We had been given permission to look for pigs on a property about 250 clicks north-east of Broken Hill. It was mid-November when we set out on the long drive from Adelaide. The thermometer was reaching 40 degrees when we hit the small opal mining town of Whitecliffs. It reminded me of those places you see in the western movies: dusty streets, a lone dog patrolling the shade, and hardly a soul in sight. Further down the road, we arrived at the property, met the owner and settled into the rustic shearers’ quarters. We hunted along a winding waterway through the property. There were…

Many a novice in thongs, rushing onto a rock shelf at the sight of others catching fish, “has gone arse over head” as Dave would put it. Cleats bite through the slime and grip on the rock below. When I was a little tacker, weekend outings for our family were catching bream and flathead on Botany Bay in our Uncle Bruce’s half cabin launch. Fishing had been in our family’s blood for generations. As kids we were taught to tie knots, cast lures and even make our own rods. We lived in Randwick and used to walk to the beaches and rocks between Bondi and Coogee. By the time I’d reached my early teens, I was a fishing-tragic and they were rare at my school. In high school, my ravings…

Unless you’re a keen hunter, as well as an angler, you might not have ever come across the term “fair chase”. However, this “honour code” has been widely used in hunting circles — particularly in North America — for well over a century, and it’s often incorporated into hunting certification courses, club rules and the like. Fair chase is also a registered trademark of the Boone and Crockett Club — a non-profit organisation that (amongst other things) champions conservation, promotes ethical hunting practices, and maintains the records and scoring systems used to assess and compare “trophy” game animals all over the world: rather like the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) does for angling. So, what does “fair chase” actually mean? At its most basic level, this concept calls upon hunters…

IT’S WORTH REMEMBERING THAT A SMALL WORM BAIT CAN ATTRACT A LARGE MULLOWAY! In no particular order, these are some of my all-time favourite baits. No doubt a few of these baits would also be in your top 10! CALAMARI One of the more common squid species in our waters, calamari are particularly abundant around inshore reef, kelp and bays along the east coast. They work exceptionally well fresh, alive or even frozen, but it’s way better to catch your own than pay high prices for potentially second rate calamari. It’s a particularly deadly bait for mulloway and kingfish. TAILOR As a kid, I soon learned what a great bait tailor make. We caught plenty of them in the local lakes and they remain a mainstay where I live and…

Honda offers an unmatched 7-Year Domestic Warranty. This gives the added confidence of knowing that coverage is the same on the last day as it is on the first… something no other outboard manufacturer offers. These engines provide responsive, smooth and reliable power in a lightweight design. Honda’s advanced four-stroke technology results in efficient clean and quiet operation. KEY FEATURES: • Extended running time - Each engine has an integrated large capacity in-built fuel tank. Hidden away under the cowling, this additional 1.5L of fuel gives the operator longer continuous running time; the longest running time available in their class with up to 43 minutes at wide open throttle. Equipped with Honda’s decompression mechanism, the BF4, 5 and 6 are a breeze to start at whatever temperature the engine may…

‘We know people are likely to come back if they have a good experience.’ Despite enduring the worst wet season in living memory, Fishing & Outdoor World (FOW) continues to do well. The Covid pandemic shutdown had an impact on tourism, and this was reflected in retail sales, although FOW weathered the turmoil better than many. Store Manager Ronald Voukolos says the fishing is okay and explains: “Rain, hail or shine, people still fish. We had a marginal dry season, but anglers have learned how to better fish these conditions.” The Territory has endured a poor wet season. Ronald explained that a La Nina event was blamed for this: “Our wet season has been close to the worst ever, and in some areas, rivers are drying up,” he said. “The…

HDS PRO forms the heart of the Ultimate Fishing System, offering full networking and bow-to-stern boat control spanning trolling motors, autopilots, engines, radar, communications, and connectivity and control of PowerPole shallow water anchors. The new HDS PRO introduces two new chart overlays for ActiveTarget Scout mode and Ghost 360, as well as a new 10-inch display, an angler favourite, with a new form factor and aspect ratio, delivering a better screen in a new package. Active Target 2 is the newest update to the award-winning Active Target live sonar that was unveiled in 2020 and quickly became a mainstay for the world’s best anglers and professionals of Major League Fishing in the United States. Active Target 2 provides higher-resolution views of fish movement and structure and enables anglers to quickly…

FULL DAY HELIFISH: The full day Helifish focuses on the abundant floodplains of the Daly River region as well as the coastal creeks, estuaries and striking red clifis area of Anson Bay. The scale and remoteness of these areas means trips rarely come across others and the fish catches are consistently high with a great variety. More clients have reeled in their bucket-list “metery” on this trip than on any other. The trip includes all fishing equipment, professional helicopter pilot / fishing guide, lunch, cold boiled water and soft drinks. It is approximately 2 hours flying, 6 hours fishing and 5 locations. Make your own way to Darwin Airport Helipad for departure at 8:15am with a return at 4:00pm. Cost: $1560.00pp (minimum 2 pax). HALF DAY HELIFISH: The half day…

The caravan park has powered or unpowered sites for all, accommodating tents, vans and fifth wheelers, with space for boat trailers available. Recently the campgrounds were upgraded with new powered sites and six new family cabins. There is one cabin which is wheelchair-friendly with ramp and an easy-access bathroom. STAY, PLAY AND FISH NT-MARY RIVER WETLANDS REGION Stop in for a cold beer, enjoy a meal, stock up on ice and supplies, or make Corroboree Park Tavern your basecamp, spending a few days fishing and exploring the area. It’s a convenient place to stay, with nearby access to two major river systems, several boat ramps close by and spectacular fishing spots in the region like Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong and the Adelaide River. The Mary River Wetlands region is most…

Fresh ingredients and quality meals are a big part of what makes the Howard Springs Tavern such a great destination. The Howdy menus have you covered for most of the day: lunch from noon to 2pm, early bird 2pm to 5pm, dinner 6pm to 8:30pm. The restaurant also caters for functions such as Melbourne Cup and Christmas. With a couple of days notice, you can order special platters for a special get-together. The whole family can enjoy the great atmosphere. A relaxing beer garden is also on offer so you can enjoy an ice-cold drink or bar snacks outdoors and there’s a playground to keep the kids happy. The Sports Bar caters for all tastes in sport, and features a big screen TV so you can see all the action.…

There were 12 of us on this trip and we were staying at the Royal Zambezi Lodge which is right next door to the Lower Zambezi National Park. The beauty of this upmarket lodge is that there are several different activities catering for those who want a broader experience than just fishing. Activities include: interpretive boat tour, game viewing drive, guided walking tour, canoe trip, local village excursion and spa treatment. You can also just lounge around the lodge, or your own villa which has its own plunge pool. The food at the Royal Zambezi is top notch and you never know where you’ll be eating it. Lunch one day was on an island in the middle of the river. One evening, staff mustered us up to get in the…

SHIMANO TRANX 150 The Shimano TranX 150 is a compact version of the popular TranX 200 and 300 size saltwater rated Shimano baitcaster reels. Designed with saltwater use in mind, they feature Core Protect, Hagane body and 3+1 shielded anti-rust bearings. The Core Protect feature ensures ultra-smooth winding while minimising saltwater intrusion into the reel’s internals. The TranX 150 utilises the reliable SVS cast control braking system with an external adjustment wheel on the palming side-plate for maximum casting control. All the critical components are held precisely in rigid alignment by a durable Hagane aluminium chassis to resist flexing when under extreme pressure. The reel on assessment is the 7.2:1 HG model and, being a compact 150 size, weighs just 190 grams and sits nicely in the hand. Spool capacity…

Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or new to the experience, the tours will provide you with an unforgettable experience. When you choose Australian 4X4 Treks to lead you through some of the most remote parts of the country, you can be assured that you will be in the best possible hands. Their guides are amongst the most highly qualified and experienced in Australia, and the most respected tour guide associations in the country support the business. Australian 4X4 Treks offers the perfect combination of professional and experienced guides, the safety of group travel and a supportive team of fellow travellers. If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting off-road adventure, look no further than Australian 4X4 Treks, and let them take you on your next great adventure!…