Just the excuse I need to go fishing “The freezer is empty
of fish”. With neap tides and only a 1.5 metre of movement sounds like perfect conditions to stalk the flats without the worry of running out of
water.
Arrived at Bynoe and pitched camp at Sandpalms. As usual
around 4.00pm the gathering under the “Tree of Knowledge” was in progress and
the advice of “no run no fun”, “neaps no good to fish”, “moon phase wrong”, “save
your money on fuel” was freely given.
Despite the encouraging words decided not to pack camp and go home!
Despite the encouraging words decided not to pack camp and go home!
Launched early Wednesday morning and traveled the 20kms
under the light of a rising moon to “Jim’s Flat” which dries at just under 4
metres.
 |
| Rough conditions on "Jim's Flat"! |
In the end cut the day short and was back at the camp for a
cold beer by 1 pm, - must get a bigger esky - there were Barra everywhere, but very spooky, to be
sight cast to in crystal clear glass out conditions. 8 Barra boated (all legal size), largest went
74cms with only those less than 65cms for the esky. The great clarity allowed
for the added bonus of choosing your Mud Crab to pick off with the fly. In some
ways a lot easier to catch than the Barra, nowhere as flighty, watch Graeme
Williams do it he’s the master at it.
 |
| A "Roggie Dodgie" fly catches everything! |
 |
| Back home by 1pm |
Next day it was much
the same routine but Salmon to be the target so moved around until Threadies
were located and picked off three at 70cms and got smoked into the mangrove
roots by 3 others. Wasn’t chasing the Barra but my cast was a 2 metres off target from
the Salmon and closer to the Barra that wasn’t seen – bugger!
 |
| First of the day. |
I managed to hang onto 1 Barra and 1 Salmon for my freezer. All the others were distributed to others not as fortunate as myself or able
to get out and experience what the NT can offer.
 |
| A Barra - Bugger! |
I wonder how many people have spent the last few days at
home because they had convinced themselves that, “no run no fun”, “neaps no
good to fish”, “moon phase wrong”, “save your money on fuel”.
Unlucky people!
Unlucky people!
Wandering around Kakadu waterways this week.
Remember, “You’ll
never never know, if you never never go.” Get out there and fish.
Tight lines
Jim Churchley
Don't you ever work Jim ?
ReplyDeleteJim's Flat????? I thought ALL the flats were named Wayne's Flat' and ALL the creeks were Jim's creek, I will have to review the maps...and Crusty, he has a new office, the boat!!
ReplyDelete