2026 Darwin FLyrodders SALT competition write up.

 Prefish outings

So, I had a good prefish on the Wednesday just me fishing as my team mate would arrive that evening – with a late start by 8am I was at the eastern side of Knife island here I found a heap of Macks and Queenfish pushing bait against the sandbar that extends towards Milne Inlet where I had launched. Nothing in size but a species or two ticked at least .

Once several of each was caught on candies, I tried a few other flies to see if size, shape or colour might be a current trigger for the fish but the old silicone surf candy was the go – particularly in the #1 size, they did take the larger versions but swarmed the #1 which is about 5-6cm long

Leaving the pelagics biting and as the weather was pristinely calm, so I thought I would work the edges of the mangroves on this eastern side.

Unexpectedly, I had two takes in the open water between two trees by small barramundi (my usual nemesis fish!!), had one on for a few minutes of mayhem before it threw the hook on a spectacular leap into the air.

Nice to know they were keen for the flies I had tied. In this case a snook fly from the US, an Everglades Minnow – well my version of it. An olive colouration shown below.

I then chased fish on some flats at the back of Kiara rocks but the water was too dirty. And given heat, my age, my lack of skill called it a day.

Thursday Prefish

Thursday was to be a pre-trial of all the spots we hoped to get our species, but the tide was always dropping and had little movement. We used Peter’s boat as he wanted to use up the fuel in his tank that had sat there for quite a awhile

We did get a heap of tarpon and salmon in a back creek hole in just a few minutes (this is significant for during the comp). Then we chased some pelagics around Simms reef for a few of each, snapper eluded us for the day which is weird as nearly every rock bar in the past has had even 16cm snapper on it of some species – fingermark, golden, stripies etc

So, 5 species for the prefish – barra and snapper avoiding capture and release.

But our confidence was high to get our seven species during the comp days - with the right wind and tide of course

Competition Day 1

Started well in Peter’s boat but the then the electric died at 9am making the rest of the day very hard. A seal had broken in the housing and the motor got fried!  We did manage 5 species each, even some better fish amongst the captures

It is amazing how reliant fisherman have become on our electric motors; peter and I reflected on the smaller first electric motors we had used and how far they have develop since then – I just love spot lock and the ability to follow a line on the maps – fantastic technology!

With me struggling to get my five and Peter getting his easily, we go to a spot we fished regularly years ago, and Peter keeps me casting, while he driving the motor along the edge of the rocks - while I cast and cast. I eventually get my fourth species – with Peter’s keener eyes - a flock of birds is spotted, and we go over and get the final few species we needed for five species each.

So, as a team we are again in the middle – like aways. But most teams got five species which I haven’t seen before. I believe this is due to the club members sharing tactics and locations with others which is good in the long run. I told one newish team to the comp about the bottom of Knife action I had seen during prefish and they had found them that day – one of that team also got that barra I hard troubled (well it might have been the same one in the same location from my prefish!~), I also told them of an out of the wind location in which they got a few other species as well as a very nice Mangrove Jack.

Day1 tides were not perfect and the wind atrocious in the afternoon, so it could have been better conditions.

Competition Day 2                                                                                     

We are now using my boat with its slow leak but at least the electric works

Again, we miss the tarpon and barra. But we certainly did cover some ground – you see we get to ramp early and drive 20 minutes to our first location. And here Peter asks where is the remote for the electric – bugger@!!! I had left it on the bed in the room back at the motel we were staying in.

So, we pass a few competitors as they head out as we head back in. Peter drops me off at ramp, and I drive “carefully” back to pub motel and get the remote. I get back to the ramp and had to wait 17minutes before Peter got back to ramp after trying to catch a few while I was gone (no phone reception)

We finally get to our first location and 4 boats already there. We struggle to get fish, while everyone else is getting them regularly =- eventually we get salmon but no tarpon. This isn’t good. Later Peter gets his five species but I am lagging behind as usually and sinking into fly fishing despair as the lack of fish.

We did try for barra our one of our favoured locations but the water too deep and dirty. We persevere but no luck on the barra, even though we saw (too late) 8 or so barra scooting away from us. I catch several larger species we needed that are long enough to get bonus points so I have shifted up to 6^th from 9^th individually. Peter also moves up from 11^th to 9^th. As team we jump one position in the team standings with the numbers and size of our catch for the day.

 

Day 3

Half day today – tough to get the seven species give shorter time frame on this last day of the comp. We head straight to back creek hole but 3 boats already here. I get a blue salmon 3rd cast then an hour of nothing. Til Peter managed two tarpon in two cast but those around got Salmon and it was telling on Peter’s mood.

After too long at this location, we worked the side creek entrances on way out of Creek and peter finally and luckily gets a blue salmon but definitely too long in the hole however eventually 2 species for Peter, 1 for me so not a great start for me.

And now we will be late for the action and right tide flow at our next location. So straight to Simms at highest revs but action was over according to those leaving when we arrived. Peter manages again with persistent casting gets a good Mack, I get several wolf herring which while good points due to their average length are not the species that we need for max points. I get bitten off by several Macks which is frustrating

With limited time and Peter with 3 species we head to a further rock bar fishing years ago and on Day 1 where we got a heap of queens and snapper on but today it was as dead as a cemetery. After a half hour regretting the long drive to this spot - Peter up high on front deck spots a solo queenfish, a big one! His cast is almost over it with the fly line but it didn’t spook thankfully.

It quickly snatched at fly, hooks up, then rapidly peels off. But then the fish keeps cavorting about in the one spot and we know a shark is after it. I take over the electric control and I tell Peter to let it run and soon 150m of backing has ripped off the reel and better still it has left the shark which has lost track of his meal. We move toward the fish at an angle getting line back, Peter focused on the fish, me steering the electric eventually we get it into the net and Peter is whooping it up as this is the classic sight fishing saltwater scenario we do this for. This one went 78cm which might even be the biggest queenfish for the competition.

We also get a few more queens and then snapper we needed. I get one striped snapper bit in half by a reef shark.

 

We still need a trevally each. Me with not enough species, I also still missing mackerel, tarpon and barra, while Peter needed a Trev for 6 species and catching a barra for the seven species for the grand slam - in the time left, with this tide – it might be ‘a bridge too far’.

We head back to Simms where we got some trevs the day before, I need a Mack too  

I get a few chances of Macks but no luck, instead only catch 50-55cm wolf herring. We move back to the edge we got trevs Day2 and we spotted a huge shark, and I mean huge 12-15feet in length moving along the northern flat off Simms reef. As it comes our way we hope it has a few trevally that will be hanging off it as happens sometimes, thankfully it had 8 or more handing off it.

I am in no man’s land having just broken off my fly on the reef and trying to tie on a fly while it moves closer. Thus missed the opportunity - but ever ready Peter cast past the shark and four or so trevally peel off an attack his fly. He is instantly tight to a large brassie trevally - as it runs we hope the shark isn’t hungry. After a long and strong fight, it is in the net at 65cm

 

And now Peter has 6 species for the first time that we have been fishing the comp, 14 years and more, so I abandon all thoughts of catching more fish for my species count. As Peter needs a barrà - and it’s not a regular catch for us with only 15minutes spare to target them before we need to get back to boat ramp to hand in our scoresheets – and late score sheets don’t get counted!

We head to a bank that is along the way back to the boat ramp, one we have never fished much but we know the tactics to use - bottom of tide with last bit of water draining out of little side screeks. The wind was holding back, the tide just right – would there be a chance, maybe but we only had time for a few casts.

I guide the boat on the electric for the best casting option, Peter places the flies in the dirty water just as the bank drops away from the mudflat. Sadly, he was not ready when the first cast gets hammered in the milky light chocolate coloured water. The fish has instantly launched skywards and in that one action flipped the fly out of its mouth before Peter could react.

The mood in boat is not a good one he was so focused on the actual possibility of a seventh species but lost the first chance he had to get seven species. I encourage him by saying “come on 5 min left let’s target another creek-let”

He is using one of my Snook Everglades Minnows, this in pinkish colours - see below

On the very next creek 50m down current, on the first cast Peter is on tight to another barra. I get the net ready and Peter with extreme care guides it to the net. Plus, it is his first Barra on fly during the DFR SALT comp, this one at 68cms.

Talk about whooping it up, he was so loud and should be extreme given his persistence all day, all comp on the water - he truly deserves the result.

I do too but maybe me next year??

So, Peter in the individual team standings goes from 9^th on Day2 to 2^nd with his bonus points for seven species. Sadly only missing out of first place by 9 points, considering he lost a several fish to reef sharks earlier in the day. I am so stoked for Peter and his milestone of catching 7 species, especially within the half day timeframe on the last day. He is always seeking to improve, always casting and casting (and also encouraging me to keep doing the same!). Team wise we got fourth, but if I had got more species on this last day, as I had the chances – maybe higher up the teams’ results – maybe! But it’s a lot of water and a lot of fish - and a lot of maybes!

So that’s it for another year – we shall increase our confidence by finishing in the top teams at the Fresh May2026, then prep for the 2026 salt with much more confidence!

Fly choices and tactics for the Darwin 2025 Saltwater Competition October 3rd,4th&5th

The 26th Territory Saltwater Fly Fishing Challenge is being held on the 3^rd, 4^th and 5th October 2025.

This is a challenging fly fishing contest held in the fish rich waters of Bynoe Harbour, 1.5 hours drive south west of Darwin city. This vast natural harbour, with its myriad of fishing options, is a fly fishing haven. There are ample mud flats that provide outstanding run-off sight fishing opportunities. The usual rocky outcrops, islands, creeks and tidal estuaries provide numerous surface and deep water fly fishing challenges. the waters hold a vast array of species.

This is a catch and release tournament that focuses on seven specified target species : 

1. Barramundi, 
2. Salmon, 
3. Tarpon, 
4. Queenfish, 
5. Trevally, 
6. Mackerel and 
7. Snapper. 

The Challenge is to land all of the 7 species in one day. You can submit scores for 20 fish per specified species, and you can also get points for every thing else you can convince to take your flies.

Tides for the 2025 competition will be rising neaps with not much tidal movement, chosen for the best flats fly fishing opportunities, but this choice in turns limits the mackerel and other pelagic type species who like more water working through the harbour system and its ‘choke’ points or current confluences.

Day 1 tides

Each day's success is about choice of species to target and the location you will target them - and then adjusting your plan if you are hanging too long in one location without catching a target species.

My initial plan is probably start with targeting mackerel and queenfish first up where some water is flowing with candies, poppers and craft fur baitfish fly patterns.

We (my team up with Peter) feel confident to get these two species based on previous comps but we want to get them quick so we can move onto other species to give us more time if possible on the flats. these are species with which you can rack up lots of points if they are about, but last few comps the mackerel have been scarce - so again the dilemma of the choice of comp points based on catching lots of fish or focusing on species based points comp  - comes in to the planning and choices to be made throughout each day of fishing.

Next it will be a quick move to a few rock bars for snapper, trevally, with some shrimpy patterns. for the flies in image below the top right is a redfish crack type with large shrimp eyes, going clockwise we have another redfish crack type fly, then a shrimp pattern on a jig hook and main ingredient of a brush with micro legs, then a great fly I have used in past for bonefish on Xmas island but upsized for Darwin rockbar applications - based on a fly called a Ghost Sprimp, lastly the iconic 'Squimp' which at times can be very effective in all sorts of situations. (others in the past have used the most simple plain white clousers all day and done well points wise but where is the fun in all the possible tying prep prior to the comp in that idea!)

Then depending on timing of tide we will be on our way to the flats for barramundi and hopefully a threadfin salmon = these hopefully caught on 'redfish crack' type flies above and on the best flats fly in the 2024 Salt comp for us – based on the US Snook type fly – the Estuary Minnow, this as tide drops out of the mangroves and barra move onto the flats to target baitfish etc emerging out of mangroves – we will have an hour either side of the low being the best timing for these two species,

Below is a barra caught on an Estuary Minnow (olive) in last year's comp. Ended up being largest caught for the 2024 comp at 62cm. Hoping for bigger this year (dont we always hope and dream!)

Lastly (or maybe earlier on Day3 due to tides progressing), some back creek holes for a tarpon, also a chance of a beach salmon if we did not get a blue or a threadfin salmon on the flats. These locations up the creeks are better at top of tide but best to target the other harder species so its a dilemma of choice when to move on or arrive at next location.

I have in past comps managed several good sized tarpon at first light, but at other end of the harbour - but travel times are reduced is we stay in the region we fishing in last years comp. 

The tactics on these back creeks bores me to tears, cast tiny flies on sinking lines, wait ages for it to sink to bottom of hole (20-30feet), fast retrieve, repeat until you get a tiny one (most are) but it does help you get the last of the 7 species if no other option works and time is limited.

And you do want to target the seven species in a day from a competition result perspective as the points for seven species is considerable. Only 9 or so anglers have done it before in the competition’s history  so it aint as easy as simply planning to catch the seven. Though one angler did it on each of the 3 days in a previous comp.

So that’s the plan – pending weather conditions, prevailing or changing winds, it is also the start of the wet season so early and large amounts of rain can greatly affect the fish species and numbers caught!

But at least the flies are tied!  

Now I just have to catch the fish!

(I do have another 8 boxes of assorted flies in a giant big box that i might need 

           - just in case !! - hahaha)

 

 

20240524 - Darwin Harbour in my latest boat

Well, after a slow first time use of the new (used) boat on Corroboree Billabong 30 mins down the road from my place, I was hoping for a bit more action in the second trip.

The first trip was very quiet at Corroboree Billabong a short time after the Darwin Fly Rodders Fresh Water Open of 2024. Water was quite dirty, the wind up - adding to the problem of having not cast a fly in a while. But managed for the 4 hours from 8am-lunch - 6 toga to 62cm, mostly around the 50cm mark, plus the regular catfish from the tactics/method I was using, and 2 small tarpon (used larger flies to avoid such but tarpon can be greedy too it seems). I did jump a decent barra that spat the fly at me mid leap that got me saying bad words! During the session experiencing as well as the usual case of multiple Saratoga dropped, man! they have bony mouths!!

Interestingly, the toga caught and brought to hand - seemed to be taking the fly off the bottom after letting the fly sink once out of the grass banks, hence the multiple catfish I caught. Had no hits high in the water column. However surprisingly, several times toga could be seen “rolling”, not quite the right word, as they aggressively ‘attacked’ something on the surface, this well out from the bank and weeds – never seen them do that before – almost trout like as they attacked the surface – for whatever the reason. Another point of interest was hardly any lilies for this time of year, water still quite high too – the banks mostly grass. Will give the billabong another go later this month or next.

So, to the second trip of the “Tubby”. Well, that’s the name it seems all the owners of this boat have used and I have no desire to change it.

The boat, I am told, was originally Daryl Pead's, past member(?) from the Darwin Flyrodders club. I got it from 2 owners onwards from Daryl - it even still had a DFR club sticker on the console! The last owner was a nice fly fisher in QLD, who posted it for sale on the Australian Saltwater Fly Fishing Forum website.

It has a few things to adjust, repair, fine tune but good stable boat -ready to start fishing. It is a Galeforce 4.8 fibreglass hull, running a 75 Honda and a Minn Kota 80lb up front. It has a decent casting deck on the front and a small casting deck on the back. It has heaps of storage space, a rod locker that fits fly rods – and most importantly it was in my price range. I was going to spend far more $$$ and go a new Top Ender 481 - then add all the electrics, etc but this “Tubby” already had everything I needed in my main focus of fishing – Fly caught species in Darwin and Bynoe harbours, and the billabongs – all 30-40mins from my house.

Bringing the boat back from QLD was fortuitous with me ‘volunteering’ to bring my oldest daughter’s Landrover back to Darwin from Newcastle – which influenced my decision to buy this boat. Picked up the boat a day after flying down to Sydney, then train to Newcastle to get the rover. The three and a bit day’s drive – was filled with dreams of using the boat on Darwin local waters.  

So to the actual recent trip report.

Wind up already when launching at 7am. The boat with only my 113kilo leaning at my back corner behind the console but once on the plane the boat travelled well.

I go straight to the red Buoy given the high tide had just turned – which is usually a good place for queenfish, as well as the occasional mack or tuna – but after a few periodic slashes, the wind and wave had me looking elsewhere.

I will have to get the minn kota looked at as for an 80b model it should have handled the ripping tidal flow – could be batteries – just find electronics is not an area I have any knowledge of. As too the sounder which I may have wired up incorrectly – channel wise.

So I head off to Lee Point to give the motor a good run – it handled the side chop well, when passing a the ferry and other larger boats it travelled well through their wakes. Impressed me even!

Nothing at East Point or Lee point once there but was a bit early in the falling tide for a couple of spots I like at Lee Point. After a half hour waiting for something to happen I headed back into the harbour.

Once to East Point – thought I would check out the Red Buoy again – the wind and chop has abating, so why not.

Once there, there was another boat chasing the birds and slashes 50-60 metres north of the buoy – this spot is right where the upwellings of the tidal flow current from spot we call the hump. 100 foot of water becoming 50 feet of water is a short area. The predators hang out here for disorientated baitfish in the swirling water. The other boat left after I landed 5 fly caught fish to his none on lure.

This time I managed 20 or so queenfish 60-90cm for the 3 hour session, wasn’t really counting as was purely enjoying being on a boat in Darwin harbour in the sun with tight lines and fish that weren’t too fussy about the presentation. The fly was the dependable Silicone Surf Candy (see a previous blog on how I make these) – get it near the melee of slashes and you were on – well nearly every time.

I kept a couple for crumbed fish with homemade wedges and salad for family dinner. Sadly, nothing else about - no tuna, no macks, hardly spotted another fish - lee Point, east Point were blanks, wind was annoying 8-10knots but manageable seeing I was the only one in the boat casting loosely about.

Lost about the same in number of queenfish to the sharks - mostly the bigger queenfish - as the little ones can be muscled in before the sharks home in on them. If a bigger fish went deep you could tell when the shark was on it – then slack line the usually result. I let them run loose line, but most times the sharks got them. Sometimes the Sharks, seemingly on purpose, usually waited till you were about to net the fish to shred the predator now shark bait right beside the boat.

Some of the sharks were huge – taking a 70-90cm queenfish in what seemed one bite. Most ten to twelve feet long and fat as in the belly – so they should be eating most of the queenfish I hooked!

After several fish being taken sequentially – it was time for home. So lure fisherman – 0, Swoffer 20+, sharks everything else and eventually their home ground advantage saw me leaving.

Also the “Tubby” was tested more, identifying a few more things to get checked out on the boat as you would expect with a used boat purchase – but very happy with it overall.

What’s next – fishing with my youngest daughter next trip out. She is so excited, so I hope the queenfish are still there to help her catch her first saltwater fish on fly (she already has a few billabong tarpon on her scoresheet).  

Here is a short video clip on the harbour action from this blog. 

A week to go before bonefish heaven is visited!

 Imagine an east coast mirror like silverish coloured sand whiting on steroids but the average size is 3kilo and 45cm long, and the biggest are up to 9kg in weight, these monsters can be close to meter in length! 

Oh my, oh my! Bring that on – will probably bust off every time on these bigger versions but the visual fly take in shallow gin clear water, the hook up and that first blistering run will be enough! (regardless of the low chances, always hoping to get one larger version one to hand!)

This is what bonefish are, found in tropical regions all over the world, particularly where I am going as my 60^th birthday present – thanks to my wife who has planned a trip for the family to the Cook Islands and after a 45minute flight from Rarotonga on the main island, you will find us in Aitutaki for a week in early April, while a friend looks after our house and all our animals.

It is incredible to think that I will be in Aitutaki and casting the flies in the images attached to these fish. To say I am excited is saying something!!! I have dreamed of this location and its oversized bonefish since I started saltwater fly fishing 40 years ago. It was on my bucket list for so long, I was beginning to see it as the holy grail of my fly fishing – one I might never attain. I don’t care about the dogtooth lurking just offshore, nor the oversized GT’s at the entrances to the lagoons – just the bonefish!

This spectacular fish is also called "ghost of the flats" as they disappear into the water, you most times only see their shadow on the sand. Last time I chased them was on Kiribati 20 years ago but Aitutaki bonefish are on another level - not the numbers but average size wise! Presentation needs to be right on target, the flies the right size and colourations
So, sorry to bore you if you don’t fly fish but updates and videos to come

For the last 8 months since my 60^th birthday and my lovely wife telling me what she wanted to do for me – I have been research and planning the trip – particularly the flies – so many wonderful anglers with so much wisdom and experience that I have drooled over. I started with a heap of fly recommendations – whittled them down to my ideas of what I would need and could tie. Significantly adding my touch of 3D printed bits for prawn and crab flies. (I teach high school CAD skills and 3D printing in Darwin)

below are the flies ihave tied – squimps, charlies, gotchas, specials, crabs, and heaps of shrimp imitations, guide recommended yellow white clousers and more. Mostly in sizes - #6s, #4s and #2s. I tied way too many flies for a week but hey – it’s what fly fishers do, particualrly those who are avid fly tiers as well!!

I have included one or two flies for larger species - just could help myself but I won't take my 10w, as if I can't get them to hand on my on my 8weight rods - at least the first few minutes will be fun!

 

A fly fishing trip to Aitutaki is in motion - first thoughts....

So, I have been a bit of ‘dick’ lately – relationships, work, mental wellbeing - an absolute mess (all a regular thing I am told by my more direct older children!). So much so, that when the wife said she wanted to go to Aitutaki for a week and she had organized a day’s guiding with one of the original guides for me as a present for my soon 60^th birthday – I told her she was dreaming. That she should have asked me if I even wanted to. All I wanted was a couple of pairs of new crocs.

Why would I not been keen to go, especially given my full-blown passion for fly fishing?

Well, my depressed old age dementia poised mental state for one but there is also that the world is turning to a woke focused apocalypse, that I am in so much opposition against. being around people is getting too hard to put up with. Then there is the ever increasing living costs. The world is going nuts, with far worse to come along the slippery slope it is travelling down. I feel I just want to curl up in a foetal ball and wait for the world to implode at times - let alone go an overseas fishing trip!

But NO, the wife has plans. Loves planning holidays, maximizing every second of every moment. Plus my sons wedding events fit around this trip to Cook Islands to fly fish. "Perfect" my wife's brain goes - now she can fit in a holiday along with the wedding rather than just go to Sydney for wedding and simply return to darwin the next day. Spend a few thousand more than just return flights and acoomodation to Sydney. Too much for me to even think about but not my wife - she goes into planning overdrive with possiblities.  

However, my one and only son is telling me to settle down and suck it up – so here we go to Aitutaki, Cook Islands during school holidays April 2024 – such a hardship! So terrible to have the opportunity to target an average sized bonefish at Aitutaki - said to be 7-8 pounds but there are also rumours of fish as large as 20 pounds that have been circulating by marketing posts. 

We will be staying at accommodation near Ootu beach which has some nice looking flats nearby, if the satellite images are anything to go by.

I did tell my wife that I will be solo fly fishing most days as she did say I "could go fishing while there". Given that she always sleeps in til late morning anyway – as I rise with the sun most days, I can get in a few hours each morning before she even gets up. We have also organized via a series of emails to a day guided fly fishing with a guide who has been around for a while now, Butch. 

Butch seems to be my sort of no nonsense type of guy based on the info we have swapped – simple leaders, simple flies, only cast to sighted fish – and I am not worried about size or numbers just the opportunity to fly fish in an amazing location. The rest of my time on the island will be fly fishing the flats solo. I think I can work out enough at least to catch a few by myself with the knowledge learnt from the day with Butch and my 40 plus years of fly fishing for countless species.

First thing, as with anything I do, is research to gain some knowledge about the location, its targeted species, and fly fishing methods.

This research is done to find what would work for me by filtering through what others have done before like rods, lines, leaders - to identify methods to suit my skills and goals. Then there are the fly types, size and colourations others have used – oh the flies, so many flies! Americans seem so particular about every nuance of an exact brand material and colour of their flies – but rest of world, not so much. 

Me? Fly choice it is about function, as if Butch uses predominantly yellow over white clousers – I won’t have to go to pedantic measures about sticking exactly to fly material recipes – size, movement, the right tone of colour should get me regularly into taunt lines with (big) bones on the end of the leader. But I want to - give me half a reason to tie a thousand flies and I will! (please hold me back!)

I will take three 8w TFO rods and 3 reels - all won at Darwin Fly Rodders club competitions – one setup is a spare, as will be only taking two on the water when self-guiding on the flats. Will take three lines for the 8s – a full floating, a sink tip floating, and an intermediate. Butch mentioned his line favourite – a Rio flats Pro stealth tip, a floating line with a clear 2m intermediate tip.

However, fly lines have really jumped in price by 50-60% lately - almost $200 for this fly line in Australia (July 2023) – will have to see how the budget is after getting all my material for the flies I want to make. I have a good full floating line and an intermediate line that could suffice but…………… always best to listen to the local guide’s suggestions.

I am not worried about fishing for big trevally that some target at lagoon openings - as I can get them of locally. But feeling I should take a 10w and a fast sinking line for offshore tuna, and 20 or so of appropriate flies for such. But not a key target as again great longtail tuna fly fishing in and near Darwin. 

So may give the 10w a miss, might just focus on the flats fishing only – so undecided about this. 

Strong hooks the first thing settled on – Gamakatsu SL11-3H #4 3x strong, the most recommended. Those will be smaller flies than I am used to in recent years. Ordered some #2s too, as Butch mostly uses #2s for his yellow over white clousers with medium brass eyes.

It is amazing the number and type of flies considered essential by some. Same could be said for my most frequented fly fishing destination - Darwin saltwater. For that I take a giant fly box in the boat with several boxes in it every time I go out to target fish and yet I end up always using just few of the regular flies.

For Aitutaki I plan on only two medium sized fly boxes – as I am a fly tying tragic – so maybe only 100-120 flies in each. Though some write ups of previous trips by others I researched, say they used only 5 flies of the one type for a week of targeting bonefish. My fly tying itch would not even closely be sated tying only five flies – arrgghhh!

Aside from 20 or so of #2 yellow/white clouser suggested by my future guide Butch, I will still tie up several of each of the following – Gotchas in 3 or so colourations, Scampi in pink over tan, mantis in an orange based version and then a tan one, CXI specials in mauve, olive, orange, pink, and tan, and a few Aitutaki Specials (some web pages call them - Aitutaki Secrets) - these are the flies I will focus on tying for my use.

Of course, varying the eye weight on the above selection with 70% being made with brass bead-chain and the rest medium brass dumbbell eyes.

Then I spent an evening searching/shopping for materials and hooks, best deals or bulk buys etc. Also ordered a couple of double sided clear topped fly boxes. Got those orders in early, so the items arrive in the appropriate timeframes.

Need to organize a backpack for leader material, fly boxes, pliers, etc. I won’t worry about a net for self-guided opportunities – rather take my time til fish tires out or simply beach the fish once hooked. Nothing fancy like a Simms hip bag at $400+, just something suitable to the task. Think I have an old slime line computer laptop back pack bag that will do the job for this weeklong trip to bonefish heaven.

Need to think about some wading boots but might save the dollars and use some old sports shoes given the actually total amount of time I will actually be fly fishing. Also need some lightweight fishing pants – I just use my old outdoor cricket pants locally – but do I have to look the part of a seasoned fly fisherman? Especially when flats fishing for bonefish is such an iconic location. Some of the guys in the videos I watched, were dressed to impress with every bit of fly gear, vest, shorts, flats boots etc – but I am sure I am past that. Basically, I just want to catch a few bones (maybe a big one, or two if the stars align) and let them swim off after a photo/video and really don’t care how I look doing it.

8 months to go! Excitement is building - especially and despite that I was such a ‘dick’ about it when the wife couldn’t keep her secret my 60^th birthday present any longer!

2023 DFR Territory Fly Fishing Open - Team Dragg'n Flies results and tactics

So, two pre-fish outings told us – the fish are smarter than us!     Doh!

We found fish where we didn’t expect but not large numbers, we didn’t find fish where we expected at all. Too much dirty water in some places. Too many grass mats on most edges. Not many lily pads about.

But we had two things in our favour to turn around our capture rates during the 2023 DFR FW Open  competition – the first was the wind was forecast to be under 6knots for the one and half days of the competition unlike the wind gales about 15knots plus during the pre-fish outings. The second, other anglers pre-fishing one day prior to the competition, found more receptive fish to take their offerings. At least it was something.

Friday nights briefing was sussing out the top teams and how they were going. We did not hear any whispers about schools of small barra – which we couldn’t find at all during our pre-fish outings! Though we did hook a couple during our pre-fish outings – definitely not enough to cement our expectations of a place in the top few 2023 teams, if schools of barra were found by others we would be totally out of the placings - unless we had stonker days on Saratoga and big Tarpon.

After the obligatory rule reminders, safety first etc - we got given our competitor bags of sponsor goodies, our lovely newly designed competition fishing shirts (though a bit pink – it was a nice shirt!) – and the all important scorecards – hoping we need those!

Half the anglers hung around sharing stories, flies etc – while me and as ugly as I am – I needed my beauty sleep. Also, for me on competition days usually finds me up quite early, checking leaders, flies boxes etc - for the 20^th time or so it seems.

Next thing its 5:20am and a knock on teammates door gets us going shortly thereafter. We launch at the ramp just as the glow of pre-dawn is seem to the east.

We head to the ‘rock hole’ region in hope of some barra there or nearby in spots we have got them previously – but nothing first half hour, then one tarpon, then nothing for an hour!

Bugger – Plan A, sucks big time! Plan B maybe?????

We persevere fishing a few bank edges where we have got some nice Saratoga during previous outings but very poor results for team – worse still nothing for me and now it is 9:30am – so much for coming in the top half of the team listings!

We head to the opposite end of billabong to try out something new, because Plan A and B are not working!

And luckily we hit a hot patch. Then another, then another – I start rapidly landing Saratoga one after another with a few tarpon inbetween. The sartoga seemed to have flicked a switch and took our flies with free abandon

Given the poor catch rates of the first couple of hours - amazingly, by 3pm I have 20 saratoga and a full line of tarpon - sadly still no barra.

While Peter catches up to my total, I catch two more Saratoga for upgrades, and also upgrade my tarpon line 10 or so times.

With just enough time to get back to the ramp to hand in our scoresheets - Peter eventually has 17 Saratoga and a good full line of tarpon. That’s one less Saratoga than he caught last year.

I also have 7 catfish on my scoresheet – a clear indicator of my Saratoga tactics of dropping fly off edge of weeds and letting it fully sink to bottom of water column before beginning final retrieve. A lot of my biggest Saratoga were also caught way down and just as I lifted fly off the bottom. I even got a sleepy cod or two.

It ended up a great day for me – given the mid-morning timeframe of my first fish to the net!   

Key lesson learnt during Day1, was that when we found a few areas with 5-7 lily pads every 20-30meters apart, it was what really made the day for us with quite a few multiple double hook ups along a particular 3km long or so stretch of weed bank. Once with several other teams nearby, we caught 7 toga between us in less than 20 minutes while the other teams got one or two from what we saw. 

We noticed that the Saratoga seemed to be quickly re-orientating to the lily pads after many weeks of only long grass based weed beds to hide under – so we frothed the water with our flies - 2 meters to the side before the lily pads, then the pads themselves, and then for 2 meters past the patch of lily pads as we slowly travelling with the electric along the edge of the weed beds.  once we pulled three good sized toga from the one small patch of lilies.

This learnt lesson formulated into our PlanA for Day2, this involved us targeting several  locations at bottom of billabong we had used over the last couple of Opens, first up. Then hit this weed bank patch hard again in Sunday’s last session.

From a competitive fly fishing tactic perspective - we focus our fishing efforts specifically on the Saratoga as a priority – the Tarpon are purely by-catch. To help accomplish this, we use slightly larger hooks to avoid the effort of getting a 15cm tarpon to net, measured and only to have to upgrade it later. Time that is better spent targeting the Saratoga – as more points, bigger fish. Also we avoid to a degree, wear and tear on the leader that you get from catching Tarpon. 

Yes, the tap, tap of the tiny Tarpon picking at the fly and not hooking up can be disconcerting and distracting but the thought of another Saratoga with its strong deep body based flexing tail sweeps on the end of a taunt fly line makes it the target of choice. Its is easier to finish off a line of tarpon with a small nymph pattern in last hour of the day, if desperate enough and needed. (both days we never needed to specifically target tarpon).

We get back to ramp just before 5pm, feeling a lot better than I did at 9:30am when no fish measurements on my scorecard, that’s for sure!

Most, but not all, competitors are tight-lipped about their captures but we do hear of a few good 65cm plus toga being caught, so Peter’s biggest Saratoga of the day of 58cm was not going to cut it for that prize.

We get the boat loaded back onto the trailer and head back for a shower and rest before the gala dinner the saturday night of the Open has become. While not formal dress, the meal is gala quality. What a three course meal it was! Awesome presentation and flavours! Not your usual ‘pub’ food that’s for sure.

The day’s results are then shown. One team had found some barra schooled up and caught a line each of the iconic fish. We had 39 Saratoga for the day. So, we ended up in the top few teams and individuals. In the details, I was in third by quite a few fish from second, Peter was in sixth. While as a team we were in third. The two teams in front of us were previous winners of the open and very, very good NT fly fishers.

Not knowing where the schooling barra were, might be the deciding factor for us advancing any further than third placed team. But we were keen for the next session of the Open. Day1 was 10 hours long, Sunday would be only 6 hours. What kept us still hopeful was catching the majority of our fish in 6 hours on Day1, after 2.5 hours of almost no fish– so could we do it in just the 6 hours of last day of Open. We thought we could.

With numbers of those in front and numbers behind, both individually and as a team, were not the deciding factor that we could control, rather we controlled only what we could catch in those six hours in the last session was – this had to be our focus. Only then could we measure our captures against the very good anglers ahead and behind us. So too, whether they again found barra first up – then also catch the other species needed after that.

So, with imagined captures of gigantic fish in the morning, we get to bed to be up early the next day.

Morning of Day2, we launch at a similar time, heading down the billabong instead of up it like on Day1. We head to our favourite “toga alley” to begin our last session. Our goals for the last fishing session were at the minimum: 12-15 Saratoga each and full lines of good sized Tarpon.

But we didn’t set the world on fire in the first hour.  Eventually though we manage a few Saratoga and tarpon. with sun quickly moving across the sky, we need to maximise capture possibilities. We get up on the plane and move to the long length of weed bank that we fished three years ago – in the middle on the south side of it, is a GPS mark we call ‘50-60’ because of the size fish we caught there once. Not many lily pads but enough. Surprising us both as in just a short space of time we get multiple hook ups, many fish surging our capture counts.

We focus, like yesterday afternoon, on only the lily pads, zooming along with electric on high speed between patches of lilies. We get almost half a line each of Saratoga before the lily pads fad out to only grass reed beds. So, we motor back up the billabong to the location we caught multiple fish the day before.

At this new location back towards the boat ramp, Peter hits a hot patch in the next few hours and finishes off his line of 20 Saratoga, for his second last fish we had a double hook up, I netted Peter's Saratoga first, hanging mine out the back while I did so, and then just as I went to net mine it popped off. Bugger - needed that one!

I was at that time 5 short of full line of Saratoga and am still constantly dropping Saratoga, when we finally stopped casting, I was also one short of a line of tarpon. But I was done physically and could not find the energy, even mentally, to cast another time

I could have fished half an hour more and we would have still made it back to ramp in time to hand in out scoresheets, but we had exceeded our goals for the day and felt safe to maintain our spots individually and as a team. Peter was totally pumped in gaining his first full line of Saratoga since we started fishing together, this should see him moving up the ladder board from sixth for sure.

The ramp was packed on our return. The few non fly fishing boats must have wondered what was going on with 15 fly fishing team boats trying to get out of the water at the same time.

Next was a clean shower, put on the competition shirt for the obligatory all teams photo and also get stuck in to the finger food provided. 

We did hear a whisper that the two teams in front of us had average days – so maybe we were in with a chance.

The best of species – Barra, Saratoga, Tarpon, Most Meritorious, and the Catfish crown - were all awarded, then the individual scores and standings were called out and prizes awarded. When we got down to the final three competitors, it included Peter and I – so Peter had moved from sixth at end of Day1 to at least the top three on Day2. Turned out Peter with his great day on Saratoga, had secured first place (second year in a row. Go Peter!), and as a team we were also first place, again for second year in a row. While I maintained my third place from Day1 but on Day1 I was several hundred behind the guy in second and now at end of Day2 was only 37 points behind him. I needed that one more fish it seems!! Sooooo close!

Interestingly, it was only 76 points between first and third – basically one Saratoga! Bugger, maybe next year for me to be Champion angler. But for us it is all about the team results - yes we do like our individual placings, but team first always. We fished well this 2023 Open, accumulating our biggest amount of points so far........., 

But know we can fish better and we will almost certainly work out the barra as a more regular capture. And from now on, I will always fish right to the end of allowed time - that’s for sure!! One fish! aarrrgghhh!!

Still overall, we were totally stoked to say the least, with so many great fly fishers competing with us over the one and half days - we felt quite blessed and lucky to get a repeat of 2022 as the winning team, and for Peter as Champion Angler in 2022 and 2023. Thanks to the many fly fishers through the years where we have benefitted from their advice and suggestions.

We are already planning and keen for next year! 

Actually, I am ordering up some of just the right materials for our regular flies already, even have a few more flies I am thinking of tying up and testing in 2024's pre-fish outings. How about this mudeye pattern (photo from other tiers on FB) shown here but weed guarded and on a 1/0 B10s

So another good comp results for our team, and individually

What’s next – time to chase some longtail tuna over next few months, maybe tease up some sails and marlin wide off Dundee. Then we need to start prepping and regaining knowledge of Bynoe Harbour for the 2023 Salt Competition happening before the start of the wet season. Not forgetting the ‘Strong Foam Arm Crab’ (photo from other tiers on FB) I have recently been tying to tempt ‘Blue Bastards’ with – need to make the time to chase those too!

Keep those lines tight swoffers!!!! Especially in the waters of the NT!!!! yeeehaaaah!

2022 DFR TFFO - club report

 Each year the Darwin Flyrodders hosts the Territory Freshwater Flyfishing Open held on the iconic Corroboree Billabong which has over 50 kilometres of navigable waters.

This 2022 DFR TFFO, was the 30th Anniversary of the competition.

The premier species targeted are Barramundi and Saratoga, with others such as Tarpon, Sleepy Cod, Longsome, Archerfish, Catfish also eligible for points for length.

The premier species earn double points.

Our base for the Competition is the Corroboree Park Tavern on the Arnhem Highway which is only a 15 minute drive to the launching ramp. Just over an hours drive from the edge of Darwin.

While some teams fished a few days leading up to the comp, others have relied on past experiences and weekend pre-fish outings over the last few weeks.

16 teams of 2 fly fishers each, had registered this year, however COVID stopped one team and one other angler from participating.

Teams range from first timers with the fly, to beginner fly fishers, to the super keen and very experienced competitors (you the guys who fly fish way too much!).

Boats vary, equipment varies, and tactic options are endless, but all are there for the awesome comradery that sits over all of the DFR activities.

And while “THE” top secret location might not be revealed - tactics and flies are shared readily amongst the competitors. Though, any discussion about where the barra might be this year - is spoken of cryptically and very softly – well at least prior to lines in!

So, Friday evening, the first night presentation is at the Corroboree Park Tavern location, where all competitors are staying at. It is where the pre-comp instructions are given and the handing out the team bags with all sorts of goodies from our many sponsors. Deckies are reminded not to lose the scoresheets (it has happened!), and to assure proper attire is conformed to (fishnet stockings I am told? Not sure that’s an absolute!). And one angler, just like every year is reminded that he needs to adhere to the closing time for each day’s fishing! You miss the scoresheet cut off, once! and the club will never let you forget it! Then again, every club has one of those “guys”, don’t they?

Pre-dawn Day1 of comp, sees boats readied in darkness outside of sleeping arrangements, some take a quick stop at the tavern, who have opened the kitchen early and especially, for those that want bacon and egg rolls, and hot coffee. Awesome start!

By the crack of dawn four or five boats are found prepped and ready to launch at the billabong’s main boat ramp 15minutes from the accommodation. While several of the hard core keenest fly fisher teams are already zipping along the still waters out to their chosen starting point.

Lines in at 7am. Lines out at 5pm. With lots of casting in between!

That evening the talk on arrival back at the tavern is about lots of fish, monster jumps of gigantic toga that jump metres into the air to dislodge the sharpest hooks and flop gracefully back into the pristine billabong water - free to annoy, maybe even inspire the next fly fisher to come along.

Saturday evening presentation starts with a special meal, fancy food just for the TFFO fly fishers. It was spot on in flavour and amount! (as always). But most of the super keen anglers are waiting on the Day1 results!

Biggest of the key species is presented first. Barra, then Toga, then tarpon with special awards for biggest Catfish.

Then the team standings are given in two halves, ooohhs and aaahhhs are heard as the scores are displayed. Then the Individual standings are also displayed in two parts 15 fly fishers on each slide of the presentation. It will be an interesting shortened Day2 for some fly fishers – as it is tight at the top of the table standings.

Not many barra caught but a few, there were countless tarpon and plenty of average toga. Most of the 30 anglers are catching fish – even the first timer of using the fly - has snaggled a fish or two. Well done everyone!

Day2 is same lines in but out by 1pm. The competitive teams are again on the water predawn, and while still very keen to catch fish the other anglers are also soon on the water to fully froth the water with their efforts and carefully crafted flies.

Lines out mid arvo and boats packed up for the drive home. But all are eager for the afternoon presentation of the final results.

Finger food first – awesome again!

But the results are what the fly fishers are here for this afternoon.

Again, biggest of species first for 2022 DFR TFFO

Biggest Barra 65cm – Roger Sinclair

Biggest tarpon 40cm – George Vlazny

Biggest Saratoga 66cm – John Murdon

Most Meritorious – first bara on fly -   Michelle Slow

The encouragement award was presented next. This to a fly fisher who during the Open, amplifies what the TFFO and DFR is all about – having a go and learning through the process. This was to Ian Hayne.

Due to tremendous amount of work by the DFR club committee members with our sponsors – especially in such a crazy COVID cause economic time frame – all fly fishers get a prize corresponding to raffle numbers picked from a hat.

The first individual fly fisher prize award presented is the “Back Stop” award. This is given to the angler who supports and pushes upward at the rest of us – this year it was first time fly fishing angler – Ian Hayne

Each Fly fisher is presented with their pre as the presentation rises through the results. Finally, four anglers left. Some these four had good days, others better days, some struggled. Who would finish where?

By the time the presentation got to the last four competitors, those left were some very good anglers who have placed repeatedly in the TFFO over the last few years. Two of which have been overall yearly club champions too.

One of them had caught five more toga than one of the anglers above them, would those five fish be worth enough points to leap the other anglers.

Hmmmmmm, very interesting. Pressure building, hearts are pumping – aaarrrgghh!

Fourth place fly fisher went to BC with 3414 points

It seems like an eternity till third place was announced – well done Shane McCarthey, with 3562 points

Richard Carter was individual runner up with 3710 points

And Peter Cooke was champion fly fisher for the 2022 TFFO with 3918 points

All the team standings were then announced for which results are based on two anglers combined points. After the other 13 teams shown the top teams were presented with their awards and prizes.

Runner team was ‘Two Casts’, with Robyn and Shane with 6116 points

The champion team was ‘Dragg’n Flies’ of Peter and Richard with 7708 points

Total fish caught during the DFR TFFO, were as follows:

Well done everyone!

As one angler has said:

“This is one of the best comps I have fished in as comps go (the DFR salt comp is, I believe, the best fly comp there is!)– and that’s not because of the results this year. As except for a person’s secret barra location on the billabong – most will tell you what they are trying, using and even suggest areas to focus your fishing. The banter, laughter and culture of the club is awesome. Yes, always a few loud ones, some quiet ones, but over all a great group of fly fishers, iconic location and target species, and an exceptional couple of days fishing and learning with like-minded fly fishers! Bring on TFFO 2023”.

So, congrats to all the fly fishers participating. It was an awesome 2022 DFR TFFO.

Thanks to DFR TFFO committee and DFR leadership team, and the countless and greatly appreciated sponsors.

How will 2023 DFR TFFO go?

So many options, such good fly fishing to be had!

Who would live anywhere else - Top End, NT what a great place to fly fish!

Come and visit us! Contact the DFR club for help and information.

For images of some of the fish caught this year - watch the video of the 2022 DFR TFFO 

 Again, thanks to our awesome sponsors!