3 minute read
Conditions are key to success
It's the last month of winter and most impoundment barramundi anglers are looking to get their gear ready for the spring season.
It’s no secret that the spring bite is typically great, however things can definitely start firing up earlier from the later part of winter.
The biggest thing in your favour during this period is that the fish start to group up in large numbers in the warmer backwaters of Lake Monduran.
This means a better barra-to-bait ratio, which has been one of the biggest contributing factors to the tough fishing over the past six months.
It is important to remember that the fish are still going to be quite lethargic and, in most cases, will be enticed with small and slow presentations.
Nice sunny warm days are the greatest key to a successful winter mission at Monduran.
As the shallow water becomes significantly warmer than the deeper areas from late morning into afternoon, the fish will begin to move very shallow.
In anywhere from 0.32m of water, you’ll find good numbers on fine clear days.
Wind is still important and will dictate where the greater numbers of fish will be holding.
Consistent wind pushes warm surface water into the bays, so this is where you need to be looking.
Between the hours of about 9am and early evening are your best bets for finding active fish.
My go-to lures at this time of year are small lightly weighted plastics such as Shads Lures 5”.
Look for very natural colours because they will appear far more enticing to a barra in clearer water.
It is important to fish these lures very slow and that is why I tend to fish a 1/8 weight on these plastics.
Casting up over the weed flats or up against weed edges will give you the best chance of crossing the path of a feeding fish.
Another proven technique to try is using small jerkbaits, such as the Jackall Hank Tune Squirrel 79.
These lures are very effective when fish are holding on structure, and they can be fished very slow.
Again, natural colours are important because the fish can be particularly wary of this style of lure in clear cold water.
It is important to not fall into the trap of throwing big heavy lures about, as many inexperienced winter anglers do.
These lures will almost certainly spook all the fish in the area.
The line class I often run at this time of year is a quality 30lb braid and 60lb fluorocarbon leader.
I find the Daiwa J-Thread 60lb is nice and thin, as well as being quite supple for a fluoro leader.
This is very important when fishing small lures that can be affected dramatically by stiff leaders.
Good luck to anyone thinking of making the trip up to the lake over the next month.
Remember to be persistent and confident in the techniques you are employing because the fish are always catchable.
