GOING TROPPO

For most anglers living in southern Australia, fishing in estuaries, freshwater and on the coast is best done using finesse, careful presentation and light tackle. The commonest species targeted in these areas include bream, flathead, snapper, mulloway, bass and trout. To catch these species successfully requires as light a line and leader as possible. And while this type of approach is well established in the colder part of the country, the brutal tropics is a brave new world when it comes to terminal tackle, leader and line. The following article is about preparing for trips to the tropics where you may target barramundi, mangrove jacks, Giant trevally, queenfish, mackerel and plenty of other tough tropical species well capable of busting you and destroying lures, hooks and leaders.

“Despite their relatively benign appearance, barramundi are one of the most destructive tropical species you are likely to encounter.”

In tropical estuaries oysters, mangrove roots, sunken trees and reefs are used as ambush spots and hiding spots by a range of species. In most of these areas not too many fish live to old age! Predation by sharks, crocodiles and bigger fish keep most fish quite paranoid and careful. In cooler southern waters predation seems to occur far more slowly,