North Australian FISH FINDER forums

goin to bathurst to fish around the trench somewhere tonight returning saturday night. first time out there, not in my boat. any words of advice?? i think the plan is to try to get some live baits on the fly gear and troll baits for some sails (dont think we have the gear to get one in the boat but be good for a show). then maybe bash the bottom somewhere or if it blows up head up a creek and chase some jacks and barra??? have a few gps points but wondering if any has in advise tide wise or water depth to try and find a sail?????

harmsey

G'day Harmsey, Geoff Corry just returned from taking his clients for a weeks mothership fishing over on Bathurst Is. He said the creek fishing for Barra was terrific. They averaged 17 fish per hour per client on the 1st 2 days, then went on to chase jacks & thredies, jewies & goldies. It was like that for the whole week. Unfortunatly he said the tides are wrong for a trip over now, they are good from next wed. He said you might struggle for sails, and would be better served postponing your trip for a week if you can. If you need any advice, give him a quick call on 0412 012 712.

Good Luck
Brad

Brad,

Don't just set your sights on Sails as you will find that Marlin are there, and I believe in more numbers than the Sailes.

My tip would be to work the dog leg area of the trench (it's obvious when looking at the charts) with lures at about 8-9 knots. Marlin like it fast, and sails like it a lot slower. You will catch sails when going fast and Marlin slow, BUT when targeting sails you go slow and Marlin you go fast. I believe that there are more Marlin so speed is one of the keys when fishing the trench.

As far as Barra fishing the islands, all the advice I've had from previous guides of the Barra Base (and there are plenty of them) is that neeps are best. To be honest if the weather is bad when you are there go creek fishing, if it’s good go billfishing… work with the conditions and have fun.

Catch ya,
Tam

thanks for the advise tam and drifter, kinda go over for a look more then anything so we can hit it good next time. will have a play for sails and marlin in the trench and if there is enough water to fish for barra, will fish the incoming for safety as we are in a 6.5 trailcraft and would hate to have to push her off a sandbar. will report on the trip when i get back. thanks again

harmsey