The 2008 cruising season has got off to a fantastic start with reports back that there is plenty of water out there… “Ruby Falls is pumping!” commented Phil. The fish have also been out to play including the prized Barramundi.
Passengers indeed visit the Kimberley to experience the ruggedness, the remoteness and the rich variety of flora and fauna. However, it is without fail that most have a secret desire to catch that elusive Kimberley Barramundi.
With this common goal in mind, Scott Coghlan from Western Angler with help of Dick Pasfield, an avid Kimberley Fisherman, have put together some helpful hints to assist you in your quest to hook that prized catch:
- Half tide out to half tide in is the best time to fish. The bottom of the tide really concentrates bait and can be the best time to fish, especially for barramundi.
- Neap (smallest) tides are best for lures fishing, because of the better water clarity when compared to the bigger spring tides. Neaps allow a wider window of fishing opportunity, although the action can be more frantic during springs (hence the saying ‘no run, no fun’).
- The large tides produce eddies and these eddies are a good spot to look for fish.
- Watch the tides, they’re bigger then you think. You could be in quite deep water and before too long find yourself high and dry.
- Trolling is a very effective way to find barramundi, particularly if there is little obvious surface activity.
- Look for areas likely to hold barra, such as creek mouths, rockbars, snags, the edge of dirty water.
- Learn to throw a cast net before fishing in the Kimberley, as fresh bait in the form of live mullet is often essential for barra fishing.
- A sounder is essential as the water is almost always turbid and sandbars are common.
- When fishing for pelagic species like queenfish and trevally, that are destined to be released, crush the barbs on your hooks. This will make unhooking them easier and spare you the angst of being impaled on a hook in the middle of nowhere. ..and don’t forget…
- Drink plenty of water, and wear a hat. The Kimberley is a harsh environment and should not be trifled with.
Good Luck, enjoy and don’t forget to send me that photo of your prized catch.
Many thanks to Scotty & Dick for their hints for fishing in the Kimberley. Read about fishing all over WA at Western Angler