Having had my saltwater fix last weekend time to satisfy the
fresh withdrawal pains. Trip out to the Alligator Billabongs found the track
just graded so easy travel but two boats at my planned destination so the search
was on for another “less crowded” spot.
Found a Billabong with one other boat/camp that was in the throes
of being packed up after three days and only 2 catfish! Not deterred, the offer
of a shady camp spot with a mountain of firewood sealed where I was to set
camp. While the couple were breaking camp I launched the boat for a fish before
setting up camp. Traveled twenty metres, had four casts and had two Archer
fish in the boat from the snags.
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| Great fish to catch on fly |
Then travelled to the shallow areas on the
flood plain and found Barra tailing in the 29 degree water. About ten casts
produced three Barra with one in the mid 60’s which was kept for the couple
vacating the site. This fish offering produced mountains of ice, cold beer and
offers of anything else that was hiding in the car fridge!
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| First of 50 to the boat! |
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| Who said Billabong Barra were black? |
While we all travel to these spots for fishing there is just
so much more than just fishing. At this time of year the Billabongs are just
alive with activity. Wallabies, Sea Eagles, Water Buffalo, Crocs, Jabiru, Feral
Pigs, Wild Horses, Egrets, Brolgas, Ducks, Snakes, Frogs to name just a few,
none stop activity around you to fill in the quiet fishing moments. We really
do live in “God’s Country the NT”.
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| Never far away! |
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| "This is my waterhole"! |
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| Non-stop bird life. |
With the increase in water temperature reaching 29.5 degrees
late afternoon the Barra have started to come alive with 50 Barra boated over
two days largest going 68 cms, at least 40% of all those caught were legal
size, fat and very silver fish. Good eating!!
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| Another. |
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| Not just Barra on offer! |
Now is the time to get out to the Billabongs before it get
too hot and it is still comfortable to camp (great sleeping weather under the
stars at the moment).
Remember; “You’ll never never know, if you never never go”.
Get out there and fish!
Tight line
Jim Churchley
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