Day 59 21/05/2011 Darwin sightseeing.

Day 59 21/05/2011 Darwin sightseeing.

It was with a high level of excitement and expectation that Peter dropped Zac and me off at Stokes Hill Wharf, we were going on our Barramundi fishing charter and we were expecting to catch the big one.  I was also really hoping not to get seasick on the little boat, I felt even worse when I saw that we were going out into the harbour on a boat not much bigger than the tinnie we used to own…oh my gosh I hope breakfast stays down.  As we charged out across the harbour I didn’t get a chance to worry about breakfast I was just focussed on hanging on and not bouncing out into the harbour. 

Our guide Glen took us down into a very quiet estuary and we started to learn about barramundi fishing, there was only Zac, myself and one other man Tim on the charter, it was very personal and great fun.  Never before have I fished for 4 hours stopping only for a drink and a quick bite to eat at lunch time and you could not wipe the smile off Zac’s face.  We had a number of near misses with the elusive barramundi and I am sad to report that we did not land one. 



Zac with the Mangrove Jack



I also learnt that it is believed to be bad luck to take a banana on a boat.  This came as quite a surprise to me but once it was discovered that I had two banana’s in my bag I either had to eat them or throw them overboard, well I certainly couldn’t bring myself to throw them overboard!!  The boys were convinced it was because of the banana’s that we didn’t catch any fish for the first hour……

I can tell you that there is a barra out there with my lure’s hook in its mouth.  I hooked a huge fish, almost fell out of the boat but after jumping, twisting and flipping into the air the barra snapped my lure and got away.  The boys on the boat were more disappointed than I was!!  Barramundi are an unusual fish as they hang out in the shallow waters in the estuary waiting for the bait fish to flow out of the mangroves on the outgoing tide. I’m sure I hooked my fish in no more than 30cm of water as we could actually see the back of the fish in the shallows!! Glen assured me that the fish was about 70cm long but I could not tell, all I knew was that when it took off with my line I felt my wrist snap and I almost went in the drink.  I was so shocked I calmly announced “I think I’ve hooked one!!” 

Zac caught a barracuda that we let go and I also caught a Mangrove Jack.  The mangrove jack came home and contributed to our dinner. It was great fun fishing with someone that actually knew where to take us and gave Zac lots of tips and information. 

Whilst we were fishing Pete took Callum and Claudia to the local waterslide and swimming pool.  They had a great couple of hours going down slides and swimming.  They proudly told us that they even got Macca’s lunch – this is a first for the trip!!

Overall a great day was had by all and we headed back to the van for a well-earned swim and sleep.