A triumphant first session targeting a challenging species, in the salt water section of the Burnett River.
On Monday the 13/2/23, Don and I set out with a plan in the front of our minds after recent reports, had given us great excitement and hope to try our best to target the elusive Burnett River Barramundi.
We hit the water at first light, the plan was to catch live baits early and try out a few likely areas to catch a Barra off guard with a mullet as a snack.
Things however didn’t go so easy, for an hour we had struggled to find the mullet required, only managing small 2 to 4 inch ones, great baits for bream and jacks, the chase continued until we finally managed some bigger and better baits in the 6 to 10 inch size, a better snack for the big barra.
Secondly, the terminal gear was the next most important issue, having learnt from targeting large freshwater barra there was a need for good terminal gear. Rigging up with 30lb Braid and 80lb Leader and using a single treble hook at the end. Don’s set up was a little on the light side, thus a re-rig was needed. Convincing Don the need for stronger rig would increase the chances of landing the once in a life time Big Barra, Using only an older rusty treble, stolen from another lure that had to do. The rigs were ready. Having the baits in the tank it was off to our likely location.
Spot 1: Conversation with local gun Barra fishohad put me in high hopes of this spot, to try our luck leading into the top of the tide, also the electronics showed more than 15 Barra in this area, so we dropped out 2 lines and 2 large mullet, an hour passes and no luck, high tide was quickly approaching, it’s 1130 hrs and time for a move.
Spot 2: Resetting our large mullet baits, it only took 5 minutes, Don’s rod buckled over and line quickly screamed off. The conversation was swift, Don called if for a shark take but I was so very hopeful, I said NO, that could be the one…maybe…it was our Burnett Barramundi. Our discussion was cut short and there were no more questions on what had eaten the 10 inch mullet as Don’s Giant Barramundi hit the surface launching itself over 6 feet straight up into the air. A visual I will find hard to forget.
It was into action, as Don remains connected.
I haven’t moved so quickly, clearing the deck, lifting the anchor and getting the motor running as the fish had already peeled off 150 mts of line.
My instructions to Don, let it run, let it run, lighten the drag! As we slowly chased the Barra, reassuring Don as he slowly retrieved his lost line. Coaching him along the way.
At 11:48 now a 116 cm Burnett Barramundi hits the net as Don blows his previous 80’s model Personal Best out of the water. With a great heave ho, Don helps lift the net over the side of the boat. On the floor of the boat rests a truly giant and spectacular capture, reaching into it’s bucket mouth we see how lucky Don had been to keep tight during the battle. The light gauge treble on the 80 lb leader was only just pinned into the top of the barra’smouth by just 3 mm of a single hook point, only pressure keeping the fish attached.
Flabbergasted, did that really happen.
With all intentions on releasing this big fish we quickly measured, tagged and photographedDon’s capture, then right back into the river to start the recovery swim. Unfortunately, after time we were unable to revive this beautiful creature. However, it didn’t go to waste as the Saltwater Barra having high quality fillets and are incredibly tasty. It was shared amongst several people.
Without a large esky and ice it was decided to end the session there and to head home with a great story, one of Don’s now personal best Barramundi.
Congratulations Don, this is a single fishing day I will never ever forget.
