I NEED A HIRO

Land-based sensei HIROAKI NAKAMURA shares his hard-won knowledge on catching the mighty barramundi without a boat

We had a very good rainy season.

Continual heavy rain mainly between the end of December and the beginning of March partly washed away sand and mud that have settled at the bottom of the small creeks and shoaly waters.

The small creeks and shoaly waters became shallower in recent years because of the poor rainy seasons.

Many rocks that fish were using as a refuge were buried in the sand on the bottom during that time.

Now the water depth has increased by about 15cm. That should be welcomed. So small barramundi are increasing in my usual fishing locations.

They are easily caught on lures when the productive fishing window is opened.

On Wednesday I went fishing at Mindil creek. There was no moon. The tide was 7.20m at that moment. The tide water was going out. The water was very clear. Attaching a w-hook as an assist hook to the tail of a Zerek Live Shrimp 127mm, I could obtain a good fishing result even from very cautious barramundi.

This revolutionary idea and lure were given to me by Mr Mark Jagla.

Anyone can verify the effectiveness of this improvement.

THE LOWDOWN

Zerek Live Shrimp Size: 127mm Colour: 03 Where: Shallow water 30cm-50cm Water: Very clear outgoing Assist hook: W-hook with an assist cord Line: Fins 30LB Leader line: Sunline FC Rock Fluorocarbon 40LB Knot: The Slim Beauty Reel: Shimano Calcutta 200D Rod: St. Croix Triumph TRC60MF 6’ Mediam Power Fast Action 10-17LB 1/43/4oz. Clip: Force Ten Stainless Duo Lock Snaps #2 Action: Steady retrieving