My trip to Australia wasn't at all about fishing. I was on a work-holiday visa and the idea was to see the country and discover new cultures. But it didn't take long for the passion to resurface.
After a few months of work and saving money, I was able to treat myself to a good time and what would be my home on wheels for the rest of my stay.
I would have loved to have seen this kind of thing on the spot, but unfortunately my budget only allowed me a break!
My road trip began in Melbourne in the south-east of the country. I'm going to drive along the coast to the West and then up to Darwin in the North. I've got plenty of time on my hands, and rather than using guides or trying to get precise information, I prefer to go it alone with my map. I find that the pleasure is all the greater when the path is not all mapped out. You still need to be patient and accept setbacks...
Freshwater fishing
Our first encounters with the local fish fauna were in freshwater with Australian perch. There are two species, the "golden" (large mouth) and the "silver" (small mouth). These fish have eating habits and behaviors similar to those of our common perch. The lipless will be the most consistent lure on these species.
A classic linear recovery, rather fast, worked very well. It also enabled me to quickly gain ground in these unfamiliar environments.
I had a great time exploring rivers in search of these fish, and then went in search of something a little more exotic in salt water.
Australian salmon and angler's paradise
In the south of the country, Australian salmon were my playmates. Using mainly wobbling spoons, I surveyed the beaches, the fish's hunting grounds. The sharpest spoons were the most effective. Slowly brought back to the bottom, they gave me some great attacks.
Further north, towards Broome, the waters are warmer and the coast more rocky. It really is an angler's paradise. Especially since most of the time, it was surface fishing for maximum pleasure.
Violent attacks and intense combat in a dream setting...
I'm by no means a specialist in these species. But my main technique was to bring in big poppers very quickly. Sometimes blind in open water, but more often than not on a spot that stood out. Whether it was a rocky point with foam, an acceleration in the current or a coral zone.
The equipment is really put to the test here, and not just during combat. Bringing in a big lure tires out the mechanics. Specialists use top-of-the-range equipment, but it's possible to have fun without breaking the bank by over-dimensioning the reel. Sure, it's heavier, but it's a good solution if you don't have a big budget or if, like me, you only fish occasionally.
After a good day's fishing and some hard work on reels and lures, we return to freshwater for an emblematic fish, the baramundi. This fish lives only in the north of the country, in places that are home to other beasts of prey!
Numerous failures
I continued with my idea of going it alone, but a guide for this species is almost indispensable. I had quite a few failures and after several small fish, I was finally lucky enough to catch a decent one. With a popper, to top it all off. I'd given up on it, so this one is a real treat!
I caught it flush with the opposite bank. The fish was attracted by the lure. I didn't even have time to popper it before it was swallowed!
And so ends this unforgettable road trip. I hope it has inspired you to try casting a few lures if you are lucky enough to visit the beautiful country of Australia.
