I NEED A HIRO

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

The Million Dollar Fish competition has started! Jason Smith and his son, Reece, came to Channel Island to fish for the Million Dollar Fish.

Jason used a Gold Bomber for the super-shallow water. It’s a special lure technique with a high level of difficulty. It involves raising a fishing rod held to the top, and holding it up high to the front. I often use that method too.

As a result, Jason caught a barramundi, but that fish didn’t have a Million Dollar Fish tag. Young fisherman Reece knew his father is a much better fisherman than Hiro. Because I couldn’t catch any barramundi there.

I love the culture created by many local fishermen. Darwin’s local fishermen and fisherwomen have a high standard in barramundi fishing and are very generous.

They have an interest in my activity as one who is barramundi fishing. I also have interest in their fishing methods.

Some people feel uneasy with my fantastically dressed style, having knee pads and elbow pads while I am fishing. But I have injured my legs, arms and fingers many times, especially while wading in the murky waters.

To make matters worse, I’m 56 years old and have a minor case of diabetes. I really don’t want to get injured any more. I also don’t want you to get injured, so it makes sense to wear protection.

In addition, we might encounter various dangerous animals at land-based fishing locations.