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A happy NSW customer with an 18kg mackerel taken on a Halco Laser Pro at Bass Reef, fishing with Arafura Blue Water Charters

Matt Flynn's Northern Territory
fishing report: August 28, 2005

Also available in the Darwin Sunday
newspaper, Sunday Territorian


It's an exciting time for outdoor lovers - the waterfowl season kicks off this week, the Darwin Boat and Leisure Show is on at Marrara today, and the build-up barramundi frenzy is about to begin as the weather warms.

Pig hunting is also excellent at the end of the dry season as waterholes dry up and pigs concentrate into smaller areas.

The NT Waterfowl Hunting season runs four months this year from Wednesday to December 23.

Before shooting check that your shooter's licence is current. Shooters must also obtain a waterfowl hunting permit.

Steel shot must be used on NT hunting reserves as lead shot has proven to be toxic to waterbirds when ingested - some shotguns are not suitable for steel shot - visit your gun store for advice.

Public shooting areas include Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve, Howard Springs Hunting Reserve, Lambells Lagoon and Harrison Dam Hunting Reserve.

If you wish to go pig hunting you must obtain permission from a property owner.

The boat show is on at Marrara today, with the latest boats and accessories on display - a great chance to see all the things you love under one roof.

If you are in the market for a boat or a new rod and reel you can compare various models side by side at the show.

Fishing personality Rick Huckstepp will give informative talks during the day.

A rep from Queensland's Polycraft - makers of ultra-tough polyethylene hulls - will be on hand to answer questions.

In the meantime, it's time to dust off the barramundi tackle because the annual build-up frenzy along the coast may start on the next set of big tides.

The barramundi did not really slow down this year as it was fairly warm dry season, but whatever the case the Sept-Oct period always produces red hot barra fishing in the coastal shallows.

Build-up barramundi fishing can be as good as the run-off period, and the fish caught in the saltwater are chrome and superb on the dinner plate.

The weather will also calm down over the next few weeks, allowing offshore trips.

Big golden snapper are usually on the bite in Sept/Oct off Darwin, feeding voraciously prior to spawning - many fish caught in deeper water in October are leaking milt and roe.

While the heat may be uncomfortable in Sept/Oct, our tropical sportfish love it.

Keep Manton Dam in mind this year - it is expected to fish well.

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