John Brydon with a lovely locally caught red emperor.
Weather windows for reds and marlin * from P61
up, have bright and darker plain colours. Keep your rigging simple for the little ones – 5-7” skirts, 1.5-2m 80-100lb clear leader, good quality ball bearing snap swivels, double hook rigs 8/0-10/0 saltwater fly hooks – I don’t use doubles or wind-on leaders because, in my opinion, the less connections the better. A good class is 10kg tackle, as it still gives you fun but gets the fish in reasonably quick. If bait fishing, use only light-gauge circle hooks – these give better hook ups, with next to no damage to the fish. I only use monofilament, as braid doesn’t give any stretch when these fish jump. Always tow a hardbody – they get a lot of by-catch and hook enough marlin to warrant having one in the spread.
Always keep the boat idling forward because it keeps a constant pressure on the line. Watch out when marlin get close – while they may seem tired, as soon as you grab their bill, many go absolutely nuts – double hook rigs and a crazy fish isn’t a good mix. Once again, a big thank you to Pete of Yeppoon Sportfishing Charters. If you don’t have your own boat and are keen to have a crack at a marlin, drop Pete a line on 0477 073 809. Well, that’s it for me this month. The countdown is on for the Humminbird Fitzroy Barra Bash, brought to you by the Frenchville Sports Club. So, I’ll be prepping for this event over the next couple of months. Catch you next time.
All smiles, Tom Lunney with a ripper pair of red emperor. Page 62 – Bush ’n Beach Fishing, September 2024
This year’s Fitzroy River Barra Bash promises an unforgettable blend of sport and camaraderie.
Countdown to Fitzroy River Barra Bash
E
XCITEMENT is building for the 2024 Humminbird Fitzroy River Barra Bash, the premier event of the year for fishing enthusiasts. Hosted by the Frenchville Sports Club, this year’s tournament promises an unforgettable blend of sport and camaraderie. From October 9-12, anglers from across Australia will converge on the Fitzroy River to compete for over $90,000 in cash, prizes and giveaways. The Frenchville Sports Club chief executive officer reflected proudly on the event’s legacy, saying: “We are very proud to run the Fitzroy River Barra Bash each year.” With each edition, the tournament has grown, attracting more participants and spectators. The 2024 event is set to be the grandest showcase yet. Rooted in community pride, the Frenchville Sports Club aims to celebrate the thrill of fishing while benefiting the local community. The tournament not only highlights the region’s prime barramundi fishing but also serves as a vital boost for local tourism and business. The success of the Barra Bash relies on the support of its many sponsors. We extend our grat-
itude to Frenchville Sports Club, Humminbird, Tourism and Events Queensland, Rockhampton Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council, XXXX, Barra Jacks Rockhampton, Bluefin Sports, The Agency, Bates Fishing Co, Berkley, Bidfood Australia, Bush ‘n Beach Fishing Magazine, Capricorn Enterprise, Coca-Cola, CQ Today, Custom Building Improvements, Daiwa Australia, Diageo, Dobyns Rods, Edge Rods, Guided Fishing DownUnder, Horizon, Icey-Tek, Lucky Craft, Mad Dog Productions, Matai Sports, Morrison CQ Agencies, OSP Lures, Rapala, Samaki, Shimano, Spotters Sun-
glasses, Sunline, Tonic Polarised Eyewear, Venom Rods, Yamaha, Zerek and Zonca Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Supported by the state government through Tourism and Events Queensland, the 2024 Humminbird Fitzroy River Barra Bash is a highlight on the fishing event calendar. Visitors are encouraged to explore the diverse tourism experiences this beautiful region offers. For more information, visit fitzroyriverbarra bash.com.au or contact event organisers Sapphire Newton and Dean Lill at fitzroyriverbarra bash@fsports.com.au
Anglers from across Australia will converge on the Fitzroy River to compete.
www.bnbfishing.com. au
