MEMORABLE DAYS ON LAKE AWOONGA

I can recall so many memorable fishing moments on Lake Awoonga that it is difficult to compare each separate occasion. High numbers of quality barra in a session always stand well clear, yet so too do special times with special people in a unique environment.

Whilst casting lures, a charter client had 10 strikes from really big barra in under an hour one afternoon. He landed 5 of those fish which were all over the magic 20 kilo mark, all of them well over a metre in length. One fish he hooked and lost was around 30 kg and it almost jumped in the boat during one of its wild aerial displays. He had never been barramundi fishing before, and it was a truly amazing afternoon for myself to witness such quality fishing, and for a first time angler to experience such an explosive and exciting fishing session, not to mention his fantastic effort in landing those fabulous fish of up to approximately 26 kilograms in weight.

An exciting charter day with adults and children on a full day trip has seen 21 barramundi landed with 17 over the metre mark. Another trip with 17 fish landed; with 12 over the metre mark was simply eye-popping. A November, mid afternoon charter trip saw 2 anglers have 29 strikes, and totally enjoy themselves in what seemed like an endless supply of barramundi. Leaping fish, laughter, smiles and photos were a constant happening. An early morning session with a friend saw 21 landed. I landed just 2 of those as I watched and filmed my friend for the remainder of the event since it was as explosive as one could ever hope for. Every few casts produced a strike.

A charter trip in October 2008 saw 14 landed in just 4 hours. They averaged almost a metre long. I guided my brother to his first barramundi and his first ever fish on a lure. It was an impressive 129.5cm, 32 kilo Awoonga giant.

Exploratory missions on my own are often required to stay in tune with barramundi movements on Lake Awoonga. 19 fish in an hour and a half one day before dusk always sticks in my mind as a wild fishing session. To be a part of it whilst a magical sunset forms in front of you is ever so pleasing.

Filming a friend land a 30 kilo fish on fly tackle was an inspiring experience on my boat. Our lakes are home to quality barramundi, rather than quantity of capture. Two lure caught "60 pounders" in two consecutive casts is as good as lake fishing needs to be, to carry a ‘world class’ tag. The stories go on, but these are a few highlights that come to mind from about 2000 days fishing Awoonga.

The self satisfaction gained from teaching charter clients to fine tune their fishing tactics, and to then watch them cast, retrieve, hook and land quality barramundi is a feeling I don't often forget. Being a part of the buzzing excitement is also a very valuable and remarkable experience. Barra fishing is very rewarding for both the angler and the guide.

I totally enjoy the opportunity to direct my experiences to benefit others. It truly is a remarkable place.