In light of my recent successes at Newry Islands I headed back out today with yakNOOb (Duane) to hunt down another winter barra. An early start was required to catch the tide and Duane was of course first on the scene, by a long shot. Quickly setting up in the predawn light we were soon heading out on the last of of the low tide, being confided to the channels by expanses of mud flats. The morning was very still with calm and clear conditions we trolled soft plastics heading out to the deeper water around the islands.
We weren't in a hurry and wanted our lures down deep when we started picking up weed, I brought my trolling line in and got ready to cast. Using my Daiwa Tierra rod with a ½ oz jighead and squidgy shad I started to cast, several casts in and pay dirt. I could see the bait fish being herded, I cast past them, let the lure sink of a little and started a twitching sytle retrieve and the barra wolfed down the offering and leaped up once the hooks set. This fish was strong and the fight was intense with it jumping several times, once nearly landing in Duane's lap.
There was no real rush and I let the fish fight a medium drag taking line with every lunge, but as the fight wore on I started to be concerned about the leader and started to finesse in the fish in closer. It has to be said that saltwater barra out play their fresh cousins 10:1 - this fish really was very stubborn and maintained it's fight by changing direction, lunging and aerial leaps. I got a good look at the fish and saw it had fully swallowed the lure and that the leader looked in okay condition. Another lunge and back up to be gaffed and brought on board.
Again very happy with the catch and to top it off got to show the passing boaties what they were missing... hehe. Dispatching the fish and storing was done quickly and we headed out with more purpose as the incoming tide was now against us and we had a fair way still to go. Heading for Acacia island we skimmed over the shallows cruising towards Rabbit Island and then turned east out past Newry and Outer Newry Islands out into the open water. What a fantastic day the weather was perfect, but our effots trolling and casting went unrewarded, I really wanted Duane to find something big to work on but it wasn't to be.
I enjoyed the next 1 ½ hours trolling around the back of outer Newry, across to fish reef for some casting before heading towards home. It was nice to have someone with a sounder with me and Duane identified some nice deep holes and steep drop offs that will be likely places on a full low tide. I'll be back... Arny style. Duane put in 100% today, using some sound strategies and tackle but still couldn't generate any interest. But he did get a good introduction to a dynamic fishery both in quality of fish and scenery.
It was going over the flats that I picked up the smallest golden trevally I have caught this year, still it put a spirited fight but being on the heavy outfit didn't stand a chance in the snagless environment.
Trip Reports 
