Barramundi on Fly – The Basics | Dave Bradley
Most people finding their way into the saltwater world have a few species on the target list, naturally this comes from whatever they see in the mags, perhaps a recommendation from a friend (well back in the day it was). Now we have social media and along with it a whole new range of species and experts to match.
One fish that has become an Australian icon and a must catch on fly, is the Barramundi.
Locations
Some incredible places to target Barra on fly are the cleaner estuary systems such as Bynoe Harbour near Darwin, some of the northern Cape rivers and the big estuaries in northern Queensland. It's in these areas where Barramundi are a specific sight fishing target and when these fish are laying up shallow ,1-2 feet of water, it's about as technical as it gets.
They can also be found in amongst the mangroves and drains of Hinchinbrook Channel as well as some freshwater impoundments such as Peter Faust Dam.
Techniques
When poling the mangroves edges the guide has a distinct advantage with the height of the poling platform but we still need to see the fish with enough time to point it out the fish to the angler. It seems to me even if you are behind the fish and you sit there for too long, they know you’re there. They can be very wary, don't eat a fly and just drift off.
Finding them in the deeper, 3-4 feet of water up in the mangrove roots and branches in places like Hinchinbrook is a much better proposition. They are usually ready to feed and the depth makes them a little more comfortable and less wary. Casting slightly beyond the fish so the fly swims 12-18 inches in front of him with a slow, short bumpy strip will often entice a bite. The bite may be a super slow follow and then a lazy slurp or it could be a major crash tackle – usually the lazy option is the Barramundi way. Then there's the problem that Barramundi do not have teeth, they are implosion feeders. They inhale their food which means they don’t bite down hard and they can easy spit that fly straight out. A short sharp strip strike is the solution, but believe me nothing is guaranteed!
But if it all comes together, it's the best visual bite you’ve seen. Tough hand to hand combat fights, jumps and cartwheels. You want to do it again on the next cast. It's so addictive!
Flies
Flies are often only slightly weighted or unweighted, natural materials are the go with the cleaner the water the more natural the colours. Manic Barra Bunnies are a fly I've been working on and fishing with for a lot of years now. 2/0 hooks and 40-50lb shock leader.
Bradley's Barra Bunny Burnt Orange
Bradley's Barra Bunny Chartueuse
Bradley's Barra Bunny Pink / White
Fly Tackle
My preference when targeting smaller barra is 8 weight rods – Scott Sector and Wave models are a great choice. The Airflo SuperFlo Ridge 2.0 Flats Universal Taper 9' Clear Tip Flyline is worth its weight in gold with 9 feet of clear section acting like a extra long leader in the super shallow flats and snake drains.
Hyped up to go chase some Barra now? Hit up the boys at www.australianflyfishingoutfitters.com.au and make the dream come true.