Every angler needs to know these Bass to Barra fishing trail tips
Guide
By Sarah Bristow
Consider yourself an avid angler? Then a trip along the famed Bass to Barra fishing trail belongs on your bucket list. Weaving its way from South Burnett to Hervey Bay, through 1000 kilometres of freshwater lakes with plenty of fishing potential, this is a nine-day pilgrimage for anyone remotely a fan of throwing in a line. Dropping in on the likes of Lake Barambah and Lake Boondooma among others, this is your chance to bag a Barramundi, catch a Mangrove Jack or lure a Saratoga, there’s also plenty of potential for redclaw, bass, yellowbelly, and more.
But you’re best to arrive armed with some local knowledge and technique suggestions to ensure you’re able to catch a personal best. We’ve gathered a handful of top local tips that every angler should know before they embark on the Bass to Barra fishing trail.
1. You can always rely on the reef
While freshwater lakes near Bundaberg typically overflow with barramundi, that tends to change when the temperature drops - a cold snap (weather below 25 degrees) can send the barramundi inland. On a day like this (or when you simply find bites on the line scarce) make way for the open waters of the neighbouring reef where fish are in no short supply. The warm ocean waters up north make for ideal fishing conditions. Particularly around Fraser Island, and the tip of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll be able to have a go at catching the likes of cobia, mahi mahi, reef fish, and wahoo, even marlin if you’re lucky.
2. Note the barramundi hot spots
While the Bass to Barra trail is famed for its barramundi catching potential, some places are more abundant in the fish than others. If your heart is set on catching one, don’t miss out on a chance to try the waters of Rockhampton - its Fitzroy River is now a net-free zone, and ideal for catching wild barramundi.
If you do happen to take your journey further north towards Cairns, you should plan to stop in on the equally favourable fishing spots of Peter Faust, Kinchant and Teemburra Dams near Mackay.
3. Talk to the locals
No advice is better than that of a local, particularly when it comes to fishing and finding secret spots to explore with your rod in hand. Your venture along the Bass to Barra trail promises to be all the more successful when armed with the advice of local anglers. Your best bet is to hire a local guide for a day’s adventure, or even drop in on local tackle stores (and pubs of course) scattered along the way - it’s here you’ll gather the best local secrets for your next expedition on the water.
4. Make way for the impoundments
The reason why the Bass to Barra trail is so beloved by fishermen is really thanks to the impoundments that scatter the way. While fishing these waters take plenty of skill and patience, they promise some of the most rewarding days out on the water, particularly around Lake Monduran and Boondooma Dam, two stand-out favourites among fishermen. Just be mindful that before you fish in any Queensland impoundment you may require a special permit.
4. Don’t be afraid to give a kayak a go
Get creative with your fishing experience and try something new, throwing in a line from your kayak. The lakes that dominate the Bass to Barra trail are thankfully particularly kayak-friendly - glide your way across the freshwater allotments, trolling your lures all the while. After some tips for kayak fishing? Key is to cast a sturdy lure, one that dives down a metre or so beneath the surface, and five metres out the back
