Prawns in mainly fluoro colours, like the pink, orange and chartreuse. They have been a game changer for me around the snaggy stuff when rigged weedless (I use Atomic 5/0 Seeker 1/4oz). These prawn imitations aren’t all that well known in the area, which means not too many fish have seen them before. I also believe that powder coating your jigheads can aid in getting the fish’s attention. We use Protec Powder Coat in several colours.
expect to hit the odd tree just subsurface. Wherever the river narrows, drop down off the plane, trim the motor up to shallow drive, and poke through carefully.
Apex River Park is conveniently located on the banks of the Dawson River, and has amenities for campers. Image courtesy of Betty Seeney.
A saratoga takes to the air. Image courtesy of Brian Dawson. Gear A lighter baitcaster outfit is a very versatile tool for this style of fishing, and if you’re intending to fish the overhanging timber and trees
During the annual Muddy Water Classic comp, boats run up and down the river everywhere, and this does have an effect on the resident fish. It doesn’t shut them down
then a shorter 5’6” rod will be perfect. A budget option is the Atomic BCL, a light, tippy rod that is great value for money, or alternatively you can go for the Samurai
Refraction in the 12-16lb, for its accurate delivery. Matched to either the now discontinued Shimano Stile, or the Abu Zenon, I have found it to be effortless and easy to cast, with all the drag I need for this style of fishing. However, if I had to take just one outfit it would be the Samurai Infinite 6-12lb baitcaster, which has always been my favourite for this smaller, jumping fish lure stuff. I like to match it to a Shimano Engetsu. When it comes to line, 15-20lb braid and 15-30lb leader works best around the thicker timber type situations, more for abrasion resistance. Electric motor Electric motors are not essential, but will definitely
make the job much easier to do enjoyably. You should absolutely take a spare prop for your big donk, and
Team work definitely makes the dream work.
It was a foggy start to the 2023 Muddy Water Classic. Image courtesy of Janelle Kitchen.
entirely but it does push them down a bit deeper and make them less aggressive. If you’re there at a quieter time of year (which is most of the year), you’re bound to have a more peaceful time. Dryer times of the year are when the water is at its cleanest. MUDDY WATER CLASSIC It’s become a tradition for me to head to Moura for the Muddy Water Classic, a family fishing competition that raises funds for stocking fish into the Dawson River. Species available are
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