Tropical fly in Austarlia’s Top-end.

Guide Craig Jenkins shares a slice of life from down under with us

I would like to share the passion I have for a small pocket of this large Planet with you. Although reading the reports from the lucky Country is likely to lead to you putting a dent in you finances , don’t worry it wont be too big a dent! . Weipa is one of Australia’s last fishing frontiers. Situated on the western side of Cape York Peninsula it is well known thoughout Australia as a “must do” fishing destination. The message of Weipa’s great fishing is slowly spreading, with ever increasing numbers of clients coming from all over the world. The major draw card for Weipa is the accessibility, with daily flights to Weipa from Cairns international airport. The added attraction for the fishing enthusiast is huge amount of species available all within minutes from the Township. Flyfishing is a great way to encounter these fish and likely to leave European visitors with chaffed hands and knees knocking together with adrenalin! All this under a Blue sky and with gin clear warm water between your feet The scene is about wading the flats & beaches, casting shooting heads to schools of pelagic’s or drifting river flats and casting to the mangrove snags. I love the varity of fishing situations I encounter ,I did mention OZ is the lucky country guess why.
Exploring new waters for first time and hitting a new species can be exciting to say the least. The thought of the unknown draws you deeper into the mangroves, it lets the child like imagination run wild. If you are coming half way across the world to fish in these waters the last thing you need to do is leave things to chance,especially fly & tackle selection. Although most saltwater flies work well there are some that work better than others, understanding the target species is the key to good fly & tackle selection.

What to bring
Outfits used for Barramundi can range from 6 to 10 weights. I like to use a light 6wt rod,Although this can be a challenge to cast weighted flies on 4/0 hooks, which sometimes you need to do.. Lines will depend on the water being fished bit generally floating & intermediate are a great choice

Flies,
Your fly box should include, pink things, deceivers (weighted & un-weighted), clousers, poppers, dahlberges & muddler deceiver.
Good colors include, all white, chartreuse on white, blue on white, green on white and orange.
Hooks sizes 1 to 4/0 with 2/0 being the most common size.

The Barramundi is our first species profile; I look forward to shareing a few more stories with you sometime.
Tight Lines

Craig Jenkins

''Cheers Craig!'' If you would like visit Craigs website then click on the banner below