Macka's Barra - Ord River WA
I'm with a group of mates at Macka's Barra Camp.. which sits on the lower reaches of the Ord River in the Kimberley.
We're gearing up for a big session on the barramundi… and step one is to make sure you've got your rig right.
We're just about to head off on our first foray up the mighty Ord River.
The Ord is
renowned as a top spot for birdwatchers.. but there are plenty
of other creatures to catch your attention.
I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this lot!
We're trolling in the tidal reaches, near some barra-friendly snags… and a good drop-off. Now trolling isn't as easy as it looks. You have to know exactly what depth you're fishing in and use the right lure.
You also need an expert driver like Macka, a nice quiet motor… and a decent sounder to check your depth, find the structure and spot the fish.
The barramundi feed here on the run-in tide… and also fire up just after the top of the tide.
Things starting to liven up… Even the small fellas put your tackle to the test.
Well I don't think this fella will bust me up… but he still knows how to put on a show…A nice young male. I always try to keep these smaller guys in the water, so they stay fit and healthy for the release.
You can't keep any barramundi under 55cms or over 80… Micko's catch is smack bang in the middle…so he can stay aboard. A beauty! And he loved that lure.. That's tonight's dinner sorted out.
Now this is more like it! Micko's husky jerk lure has hooked a sensational fish.
Hopefully, she'll be well over the magic metre. He's a metre ten, and a whopping 40 pounder who put up a great fight.
These Ord River mommas are shorter but heavier than other big saltwater barra… because there's more freshwater in the river - and that means more baitfish to feed on.
She's a great looking fish.
We're heading about 50 ks downstream from camp this morning… on the hunt for live bait. This brackish water is a great home for pop-eyed mullet… And Macka knows how to hit the pop-eye bullseye..
We're soon putting the liveys to good use..
A nice black jewfish - who's not so black.
Black jewfish lurk in deep holes in the estuary systems… and Macka reckons this is a prime jewie hangout.
When jewfish are hooked, that first run is like a bull at a gate… so hang on to your rod! And these black jewies fight even harder…
These guys are a cousin to the southern mulloway, but they're darker along their back… and they only live in the tropics.
We're fishing well into the lower reaches - and Macka reckons the variety of fish down here is incredible.
Here we have a catfish that's so big he's got a mouth like a shark.. now that's a big cat!
My turn for some fun and games. Whatever this is, he doesn't want to show his face. Eventually it surfaces - and it's a saw shark - It's got a face like a chainsaw and it's not impressed with my hook ! I've never hooked one of those before that is a first.
The fun part about these is trying to get the hook out, not an enjoyable job. That snout looks like a deadly weapon! And as we learned later, it can do some damage to baitfish in the shallows.
We've made our way right down near the mouth of the Ord River… about 100 kilometres from base. We're not affected by the tides here, so there's more time for fishing.
I'm still using pretty heavy duty gear… because we're casting amongst some tough looking timber… where even the small barra can cut you off.
First species to fire up is the fingermark.
Fingermark are related to mangrove jack and those mighty black bass of Papua New Guinea. So they love a good battle!
This species is a prized catch because they're one of the best eating fish in the estuaries.
Meanwhile, Linday's onto another great sportfish… a blue salmon.
The name comes from their silvery-blue back.. These fellas will go to great lengths to try to shake off your hook.
People say blue salmon taste as good as barramundi.. but I reckon you can't beat the real thing!
Well done Geoff. A great table sized barra!
Macka tells us the bigger the wet season, the more barra are around. Last season wasn't great - but at least there are a few mommas to be found.
Macka's Barra Camp is on the Lower Ord River in the Kimberley. Macka will give you personalised and informative guiding to all the hot barra spots.. and you can stay at Macka's original bush camp. Prices start at $250 a day.
Air North fly daily from Darwin to Kununurra so you can transfer to Mackas camp. Log onto their website or call their reservation number to find out more.
In Darwin, we stayed at the Palm City Resort. This new resort has motel room and villa accommodation with rooms from just $120.
To find accommodation in Darwin… or for any info on holidaying in the Northern territory, log onto the Tourism website.
Virgin Blue
fly to Darwin every day. Take a look at their great fares and
specials at virginblue.com.au or call 13 67 89.
