Tackle, setups and applications for a Bynoe SWOFFING weekend

When planning a weekend of SWOFFING at Bynoe.......

Bynoe Tarpon 52cm - tenth cast of the day while targeting Barra

 .........a few thoughts on the tackle, setups and applications for a weekend of targeting saltwater species on fly

Since moving to Darwin five years ago, half my 'on the water' time has been at Bynoe Harbour. It has some great SWOFFING opportunities. 

Most trips to Bynoe Harbour has me attempting the Bynoe Grand Slam, which involves catching 7 specified species in a day. It is hard to accomplish however highly possible every trip, even though only seven or so SWOFFERs have done it. That Bynoe Grand Slam includes the species: a barramundi, a species of salmon (usually a blue or threadfin), a species of mackerel, a species of snapper, a tarpon, a species of trevally, and finally - a queenfish. 

I have come close with six species in a day but missed my nemesis the Barramundi. The first four species of the slam that day came in seven casts at the one location just after dawn. However, each fish of a Bynoe Grand Slam can usually require different tides, locations and tactics for best chances of success. 

And here is the issue for this weekend - what rod with what line, with what leader setup and what fly for the highest chances of success?

The rods used and how they are rigged differ from angler to angler, and the species targeted -- as too the location being fished, let alone weather conditions (like wind direction and strength) and the size and aerodynamics of the fly you are casting. Then there is the depth you want to fish the fly which impacts the fly tying and weight used where and how on the fly. Add to this matching the right flyline to the rod and situation.

I grew up with fly fishing for trout from an early age using 4-6weght bamboo rods handed down to me from my grandfather. When I first started SWOFFING 35 years ago the tackle stores and magazine article writers recommended 10w rods for fish I would now catch on 4 weight rods on the east coast of Australia. Things have changed greatly as to the technology in the rods that give the SWOFFER so much more as to how we use the rods.

I usually have four rods rigged up ready to cast when on the water, all tucked down the side of the boat under the gunwale and the descriptions below will be how they are rigged for the weekend:

Wild Barra Thing and Pink Barra Thing on Intermediate line

Rod #1. 

Will be my favourite TFO 7w rod rigged up with and clear intermediate line for the flats fishing applications and a barra thing fly tied on the leader (and a few scampi/squimp and crab patterns in a fly box in case blue bastards are around) 

Sage RPLx 8W Floating Line and Crease Fly

Rod 2#. 

Next rod is my 30year old Sage RPLx 8w, still going strong, that will be rigged for surface fishing with a floating line and a crease fly or a gurgler

TFO 8w Full sink line and Clouser

Rod #3. 

For the deep water applications a TFO 8w will have a full sinking line and a clouser on the end of the leader. For the early morning session will be a bead chain closer fly with a touch of green, later this will be changed to a clouser all white in colour. Bead chain eyes chosen as weight of sinking line will be sufficient to attain the depth needed (3-5m).

Targus 10w Full Sink line and BA-BC fly

Rod #4. 

Lastly, for the bigger fish that might happen by I will have my 10w rigged up with a SA tropic express. Alinr with an intermediate running line and 30 feet of fast sink tip. Pity they don't sell this line any more, love it. Just ordered some Rio leviathan line to replace the ones I have which are getting a bit tattered - hope it is as good.  I also will have a spare reel for the 10w with a floating line on it and a BIG popper ready to tie on in case of sustained surface action and big fish.

Still no word on my boat being fixed

Might have to see if a deckie position available on someone else's boat!