It began with a flight into Darwin, arriving around 1am. While I am not quite sure why this seems so common I am sure that it is an un-Godly hour and a time that nobody should be commuting.

With a 5.30am pick up, we didn’t have the promise of a lot of sleep. Arriving at the Darwin Airport Resort (www.darwinairportresort.com.au) to be confronted by an armada of fans oscillating on high ceilings, in the middle of winter. The Resort was beautiful but there was no time to soak in the ambience, we needed sleep.

Day 1

The alarm rings and the usual grogginess that accompanies so little sleep was soon dispersed by the overwhelming desire to get out on the water. Our guide arrived and even though we had spoken on the phone a couple of times there was the usual apprehension. As a guide has the ability to make or break a trip, irrespective of the fishing. Meeting Geoff allayed any fears immediately and I knew we were going to have a great time.

The drive from Darwin to Dundee Beach was about 1.5 hours, and our anticipation was high. We pulled in to Dundee Lodge and went down to where Geoff’s boat was parked. After a few quick checks we headed back to the bowser. Dundee Lodge is a modest place with humble accommodation, petrol pumps, postal facility and that mandatory Australian icon the great Australian Pub.

We stepped from the Cruiser as Geoff strode around to the passenger side to give a “G’day Mate” to an unlikely visitor. It was Jimeoin McKeown, one of the best known Irish comedians www.jimeoin.com (www.jimeoin.com). All the way out here in the middle of nowhere. As it turned out it wasn’t as unlikely as Jimeoin not only frequents the place, he is a resident, owning a property on the waterfront. After quick hello’s we continued about the business of getting on the water. Boat readied and launched we were away.

We were heading across the Fog Bay to Point Blaze. Right off the bat it was hard to miss Geoff’s ability. Not only did he read the water, weather conditions and area, better then almost any guide I know he also provided us with driest ride I have ever encountered in a boat of that size (in some vessels that isn’t such a tall order thought those vessels are also useless in this area due to their size). Every moment reinforcing my aspirations of a successful trip. The wind was a little blustery whipping up a slight chop.

Finally after months of waiting we were here Geoff throttled down to a very low troll speed and we began to flick lures at the shoreline. It was a beach with a rocky bottom. We worked the Rapala’s back to the boat. Their action was mesmerizing, the anticipation overflowing, as everyone of us had a “YeeHaa” just waiting to escape. The response was delayed and our enthusiasm quelled as we followed the coast in search of our target. Proceeding alone the shoreline to a small rocky outcrop, Point Blaze. Its volcanic origins quite apparent, this fish holding structure extended sporadically offshore some 30 metre’s. As we began to work the rock’s over, our interest peaked even further as the silver flashes behind our lures began. One, two, then three, four and they continued turning off just before the hit. Then thump, a swipe, no hook up, then another. Our three artificials worked the water, the action quickened.

All of a sudden from nowhere (as they all seemed to appear) BANG and I was on! Our trip had officially begun, as a 54cm Queenfish began to take drag. The cut through the water as the Queenies headed for the ocean. A short battle ensued before the fish was brought to the boat, a tail lift aboard and before he was released Jaye jiggler was on. Another Queenie and the pace was quickening. The hook-ups came thick and fast. Although even with 30lb leader material the bust-off were as frequent (or more frequent) then the captures. After 2 Gold Spotted Rock Cod, 1 Blue Threadfin and 11 Queenfish the action ceased as quickly as it had started.

We proceeded into the heart of Fog Bay. We were following the Turns and Frigate birds. While there were not a lot around we did manage to find and follow a few. Geoff’s keen eyesight put us onto a school of Tuna about 1km off. With a quick change to metal slices, we began jigging, as the school had now gone down. The sounder showing we were still above them. After jigging for a short while we were told to wind up as the school had moved. Locating the school again 50 or so metre’s off we began to jig again.

Apparently the reason for the difficulty was the clarity of the water (or lack of it). The wind whips up a little of the bottom from the inshore gusts, making fishing conditions considerably more difficult. After no luck, and the school moving again we had one last attempt at them. This time Geoff dropped the line himself. Bounce, drop, bounce, drop, BANG. The spin stick doubled over and cool as a cucumber he handed me the rod and said “I think you’ve got something on!” Allowing the rod to tire the fish, I slowly worked the fish from the bottom, the tussle lasting about 10 minutes before he hit the surface. I had a smile from ear to ear, and while don’t count it as my catch, I will never forget it as that was my first Tuna. The conditions beginning to get a little worse, we headed for the Finnis River.

A short boat trip and we arrived at the Finnis. The serenity of the flat water was a welcome change from the chop. Every snag beckoned as we passed by to fish further up the estuary. I must admit there is nothing I love more then fishing Australian Estuaries.

Due to the very late Run-Off this year (only four week earlier) the water from the Top End Wet Season was still draining back into the system and the water was still a little murky (this was another contributing factor to the low clarity offshore). We set about trolling for Barramundi, changing gear enabling me to use the Silstar Crystal Blue Power Tip CB-561CAH Baitcaster and Okuma Nemesis NS 200 again.

It wasn’t to long before we turned up a 67cm Barra. While Pete had caught many on previous trips, Jaye and I had not yet fished for one with most of our experience being on Southern Species. While I did have a stint in Baffle and Blackwater Creek’s there numbers were few and I was never able to snaffle one. Between the three of us (not including Geoff) we have almost 70 years fishing experience. So we are no stranger to keeping the line tight on hook-up. Though these guy’s are by far the most impressive species I have ever encountered for throwing hooks.

Their massive aerial displays managed to dislodge more lures then enough. Having seen it all before Geoff had a little snigger as a few expletives were thrown around the boat after each escape.

Score = Barra 7
Team Spooled 3

In order to beat the tides and not miss the tractor to remove the boat from the water we headed home for a well earned beer. We stayed at Dundee Lodge and while it is not the Hilton, it does not claim to be. It is just a bunch of good people living life in the way they want too (away from the cities). To be honest I don’t blame them. But for us folk that unfortunately need the cities Dundee Lodge is a Haven in the bush, a place to come and forget about everything, to not be judged and just enjoy. It is also one of the few places in Australia with no pretensions. I must say I really enjoyed it.

Day 2

An early rise, quick coffee, and we were away. Geoff was taking us further into the Finnis River. We dropped our crab pots at the mouth of a creek (leading into the Finnis) and continued up the river.

Something that is hard to get one’s head around is the shear enormity of the Top End and for that matter everything in it.

Northern Territory tides range between 5-7 metre’s, which means there is a massive contrast between what high tide, and low tide, look like. But not only is the change of tide a total shift in scenery, moving from the lower Finnis with it’s mangrove lined banks to the middle Finnis passing an almost swamp like overhang of vines and trees, exposes the vast plains otherwise unseen. While these plains are covered entirely in the wet season they are home to a host of Australian Flora and Fauna after the run off.

Detouring from the main tributary we proceeded up a drain, by-passing many off shots and taking some Geoff killed the engine and said cast there, pointing to the junction of where another drain met the stretch we were on. I still can’t be sure whether the lure hit the water or not? But an explosion of water announced we were in the right spot and that Geoff had put us onto fish again.

We anchored at the bank giving Pete a chance to walk around with the fly rod. I also took the opportunity to walk around and experience all this from another angle. The water close to the shore was reasonably shallow and quite clear, with a slow drop off. The banks were also quite steep at 60cm or more above water level. All this, meant we were being kept out of harms way.

This was a very memorable experience, pulling Barra after Barra from the same small stretch of water. While they were all reasonably small at 40-50cm (Rat Barra) or Swamp Dogs as the locals call them, this was an absolute blast. I tied on a spinnerbait to see how it would go. I actually brought a fair bit of my Bass gear to see if it would cut it but that is a story for another day. I went for a walk by myself and caught 2 Barra and a Forktail catfish on the spinnerbait, all of these where from the shadows while the Boys where pulling them out of open water (not shaded) on our new Rapalas.

It was time to go as we apparently had a date with another section of the river before we would have to head home. Lashing the boat to a semi submerged tree, this gave us an optimal casting position to a creek mouth. We began to pepper the area. The Boy’s and I were bouncing as we wound in fish after fish around the 65-75cm mark. The water rumbled as one after the other thrashed to free itself from the trebles.

All were released (for the entire trip) with the exception of one (dinner) for this day and one other. Double hook-ups and lots of YeeHaa’s later, we had landed around 24 Barra, but it was time to go.

As we cruised back down the river it’s easy to forget about life, the mortgage and any other worries you may have, and for pure escapism I highly recommend it!

Heading back to Dundee Lodge we arranged to have our two Mud Crabs and Barramundi cooked for dinner. If you have never had either of these fresh. Put it on your “To Do List”, an experience that really shouldn’t be missed. Shop bought Muddies or Barramundi just doesn’t cut it.

Day 3

Against instruction, we requested to go to the freshwater reaches of the Finnis River to chase Sooty Grunter (Black Bream). We hitched up the boat and went for a short drive. After launching the boat and motoring away it became easy to see how tourists both International and local could be lured into a false sense of security here. It looked little different from any other freshwater river. Be it Nepean, Hawkesbury or Blackwater creek. But be assured there are some big predators here.

Geoff was telling us that a couple of years back a little girl was taken by a crocodile in this stretch of water. As a fishery it looked the part. Being from a Bass background our mouths were watering at the snags. After casting at snags all day and after many change of lures. We concluded Geoff had been right when he said ”It’s the wrong time to fish it.” Late in the day after losing a soft plastic to a snag. I said “There’s no fish in here!”

Geoff picked up a broom (soft plastic and Fly remover) removed my plastic from a snag. Held the four foot piece of broken line and jigged it over the side of the gunnel, 3 seconds later he pulled up a Mighty Mouth, holding it in my general direction with a smug look on his face.

So not only do you get a great guide but comic relief as well.

Day 4

Our last day at Dundee Beach, the water was clearing and it was decided we were going to hit the Barramundi in the River. Wanting to see if the Mac Tuna were on outside, we motored out for a look. The wind wasn’t too bad inshore but was a little too blustery outside. Geoff mentioned that the water even outside in the open ocean is usually flat enough to ski on (if your game). After having a quick look around we came back in, passing a Dugong that had been caught in a trawlers net and drowned. Taking photos of the animal and the boat (for evidence) we continued back to the Finnis. Little did we know what we were in for.

After the response we got from the Barra I swear Geoff paid them.

We trawled one of Geoff’s favorite spots. The Rapala’s were extremely popular, going over like lollies to school kids. After losing some outside and some on these bruisers we were forced to use an alternative. Lucky for us they were on, so we continued to batter the snag. With the top of the water looking more like the wash cycle of my wife washing machine, thrashing Barra continued to pound our lures. With a score that looked more like an inning of the Australian Cricket Team we pulled 52 Barramundi (70-80cm) from that snag.

Tired and weary we headed home to Darwin Airport Resort (www.darwinairportresort.com.au) for a well earned rest. The Resort was a wonderful place to rest those bones after Geoff had worked his magic. I recommend the Buffalo and Crocodile dish which they have just won awards for. Superb.

Conclusion I believe it’s the people that make or break any trip and I would like to say that the people that we met, definitely made this one.

From the staff at Darwin Airport Resort (www.darwinairportresort.com.au) (this is a Must Stay) who perform their jobs brilliantly, nothing was a bother and they always wore a smile.

To Dundee Lodge (Dundee Beach) and all the staff there from Darren the Barman to Flo the cook, Jethro the tractor driver (launch & pickup) to Philby (one of the locals), every single one of them made us feel welcome.

Then there’s Geoff Corry of Barra Base (www.barrabase.com.au) (BarraBase). This bloke is an absolute legend and while I only knew him briefly prior to our trip, I now feel like I’ve got a mate for life. His sense of humour is brilliant, giving me and the boys a laugh a minute.

I am still not convinced that he doesn’t have a set of gills under that shirt though. Having an uncanny knowledge of fish and where to locate them. If you only take one more guided trip in your life make sure you take it with Geoff Corry. If you cant afford it. Sell the dog, the car, the Wife or the Hubby, whatever the case may be. You’d probably get more for the car though ladies. Be sure to book early though as he books out well in advance.

Oh and make sure you tell him, MUDEYE sent you……..

Spooled would like to truly thank you all for your support.

Barra Base (www.barrabase.com.au) (BarraBase)

PH:- (08) 8932 3968
Mobile:- 0412 012 712