Barra season underway

Garry Barmby from Angling Adventures reviews some of the top spots for barra fishing.

NORTHERN TERRITORY
Bullo River Station in the northwestern corner of the Northern Territory was made famous by top-selling author Sara Henderson. Since 2001, the privately run cattle station has belonged to Sara's eldest daughter Marlee and her Austrian-born husband Franz Ranacher.

Bullo River Station has experienced an excellent wet season and their first clients for the season are about to arrive. "This location is cheaper than most locations with four to five star facilities," said Garry.

ET's Escape Sportfishing Lodge is on Groote Eylandt, the largest island situated in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 630 kilometres from Darwin by air. The island belongs to the Anindilyakwa people, and is part of the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve.

"Fishing catches around Groote Eylandt for most species in March have been excellent," said Garry. "With the addition of a mothership in early May this location will have to be just about the best all round species destination in Australia."

The new 50 foot Escapade with an aluminium displacement hull will accommodate eight anglers and three crew for extended barramundi trips to the remote Roper River and provide overnight accommodation for charters to the more remote regions around Groote Eylandt and the many islands that make up the archipelago.

The 65ft mothership, TSMY Swordfish, operates from Darwin and has not changed its costs for 2009. "Seven days fishing, ex Darwin at $4620 per person makes for a cheap trip with first class facilities and fishing," said Garry. "A great wet season in the area makes for an exciting prospect for the season ahead."

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Macka's Barra Camp is located on the banks of the lower Ord River on Carlton Hill Station, approximately 55 kilometres from Kununurra. It is a purpose built fishing camp with all amenities.

"By mid March Macka was already catching 45 to 50 barra a day," said Garry. "This is probably the best location in Australia to catch a metre plus barra."

QUEENSLAND
If you like run off barramundi fishing without numerous fishing vessels around, Lance Butler operates Northern Australia Sportsfishing and Eco Tours from Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria. Small groups, from one to three people fish the local esturary systems around Karumba and the Norman River with Lance as their guide.

www.anglingadventures.com.au