Fishing Therapy Season Guide.

Following is a brief run down on what times of year to expect different types of fishing.
March- May / Run-off
This period is called the Run-Off time. After the wet season rain stops the flood plains drain back into the Major River and Billabong systems. The fishing for barra is at its prime!
Catches of 20+ fish per day are not uncommon and this is when the majority of Big Barra are caught. Quality of fishing is also good with top water popper and flies making for spectacular sport. Mouths of the rivers have schools of Threadfin and Blue Salmon eager to take lures and flies. The inshore reefs are at their best for targeting Jewfish. The Jewies grow to twenty kilo and during the right time ten or so in a couple of hours. Offshore reefs around Darwin and Melville Island can hot up with species such as; Mackerel, G'T's, Queenfish and Golden Snapper.

May- August / Dry Season
Much to some people's disbelief Darwin and the Top End experiences a cold season as well. The peak holiday season is this time but it unfortunately brings the coldest weather. Barra's metabolism slows down with cooler nights and they become slightly more inactive. Catch rates are down a little but quality of fishing is great with the clean weather. Sight fishing to fish cruising sand flats is a dry season favourite. Mild 30-degree days with little humidity make these days enjoyable. Species to target during this time: Barra and Threadfin on the flats of Bynoe and Darwin Harbour, schools of Tuna around Darwin, Billabong fly fishing for Saratoga and 30 lb Barra from Melville Island. Last year saw 50+ big Barra between 20 - 50 lbs caught on lures during this time at Melville Island.

September ­ November / Build-up
With the warming of air temperature comes the build up to the wet season. The water warms and the fish become very active. The Billabong fishing becomes a casting proposition instead of trolling, there is nothing like a 15-20 lb Barra slamming your lure and covering you with spray at the same time. Fly-fishing the Billabongs is also great, check out Flylife magazine Issue 16 for Dean Butlers account on Billabong fly-fishing. Saltwater Estuaries also warm and the fishing reflects the temperature rise. A day's estuary fishing should see many encounters with Barra, Threadies, Jacks and Golden Snapper. During this time Melville Island offers world-class sport fishing with lure casting catches of 60+ fish a day and tackle busting pelagics.

How to work tides
Tides in the Top End can make or break an anglers holiday. Learning the tides for the area you are fishing is as important as the choice of lure and fly. Over the last four years 'Fishing Therapy' has been keeping a comprehensive diary on areas that fish well on certain tides. This is critical in finding fish quickly, being in the right spot at the right time will maximise your fishing. For example fly-fisherman with Trout polaroiding experience have been amazed at the quality and quantity of Barra on the flats ­ this happens on neap tides. Also the schools of Tuna enter inshore waters because of the clear conditions caused by minimal tide movement. Spring tides produce opposite conditions ­ when tides drain out to under 1.7m the mud banks and gutters become exposed. This forces the bait to sit at the mouths of the gutters until the water begins to cover the shallows once again. This is a prime time to cast flies and lures to any Barra's ambushing the bait. At 'Fishing Therapy' we understand tides and guarantee to advise you on the best times for your desired fishing.

Tides in the northern part of Australia are huge if compared to down south. Darwin by all means doesn't have the biggest tides in Australia, but on the springs (biggest phase of the month), 7 meter changes in 6 hours defiantly has a lot to do with where the fish will be.

Over the Neap tide period ( up to 2 meters difference between high and low) Darwin's ample harbour is flushed by clear water. The Neap tide period is over a week at opposite times to the new and full moon. So to put it simply, there are 18 days a month of good tuna fishing. It's not unusual to see up to 20 schools of working Tuna from the CBD of the city. There's not to many cities in Australia that world class sport fishing can be had consistently on the doorstep. Fly Casting to sighted schools of Tuna or casting Poppers from spin tackle is A-Grade fun!

Flies on some days seem make a difference but the overall observation is that the presentation is more critical than the offering. As long as the fly is White and about 3-4 inches long, it will be taken if cast in front of the feeding Tuna. Small Flashy Profile patterns, White Lefty's Deceivers and sparsely tied Tuna Ticers all work well. Once the cast has been made often the best retrieve is none. Simply keep your fly line tight and wait for the strike. If the strike doesn't come immediately, start stripping as fast as you can, always remembering to keep you rod pointed directly to the fly.

One problem that arises frequently is while the boat is still moving forward after the dash to the feeding fish, the cast must be made. This means it will give the angler no option but to strip quickly to keep in contact with the fly. A helping hint for this problem is for the angler to cast directly off the bow of the boat. This at least won't cause a big belly in the line, and can be rectified by starting the retrieve immediately. Line organisation on the deck of the boat is something that needs thought before the cast, but as the saying goes "The best laid plans" well, some luck is also needed.

Covering any object that may jump out and grab the fly line as it whistles towards the horizon is a good idea. If you are in search of this style of fishing be sure to book your trip on the right tides

The major plus of this freshwater dinosaur is just that...... Freshwater.

Regardless of the tides in the Salt, Saratoga can be targeted any day of the Year. Fishing for this superb looking fish is one of the Guides favourite pass-times. The surrounding wetlands of the billabongs are stunning.

You will loose count of the breath taking bird species and large crocs. Mixed in with the crocs, birds, Saratoga and Tarpon are also some large Barramundi. A visit to fish the famous billabong areas, is only 1-hour drive from the city.

Many clients choose to spend a couple of day's saltwater fishing and a couple on the Billabong

We can also arrange:

• fly casting lessons
• helifishing
• education in wildlife
• specialist packages to suit your schedule

You provide:

• sunglasses
• wide brimmed hat
• sunscreen
• camera
• long sleeve shirt