A GLADSTONE fisherman has been crowned the 2014 BCF Barra Champ after winning the annual barramundi fishing competition. Sun Valley angling aficionado, Scott McAuley, netted the title with a whopping 127cm barra.
This is the second time Scott has won the competition, which is now in its third year. The event has become a staple on the angling calendar, attracting contestants from across Australia.
The inaugural Barra Champ in 2012, Scott spent a gruelling three days fishing for his 127cm monster barra in the Calliope River.
The avid angler has caught hundreds of huge barra in the past and holds a personal best of 134cm. Scott said the key to success was determination – and patience.
“I was really keen to reel in the winning catch and didn’t want to take any chances!” he said.
“I actually submitted three entries to increase my chances and ended up taking second place as well.
“I fished day and night until I landed my winning catch. There were at least another dozen guys out on the water with me, so my competitive side definitely kicked in.”
BCF Marketing Manager Ben McConnell said the tournament was going from strength-to-strength following its inception three years ago.
“The competition has grown steadily in popularity since the inaugural Barra Championship in 2012 and now attracts fishing enthusiasts from across Australia,” he said.
“It’s a game of skill, you’ve got to be strategic and have the right gear and fishing spots to be in the running.
“At this competitive level of fishing, lady luck on your side will only get you so far – you need the best of the best tools and tackle if you want to hook the biggest Barra.”
As the official 2014 BCF Barra Champ, Scott wins the ultimate prize of a BCF fishing pack valued at $1000, the Barra Champion Belt, 25 per cent off all in-store purchases and Barra-ging rights during his reigning year.
Fancy a crack at being next year’s Barra Champ? Scott McAuley offers his top tips for landing a winning barra below:
1. Trust your sounder
Never underestimate the advantage of a quality sounder with side scan to pin point where the barra are sitting. Drive until you see fish and don’t chase until you do.
2. Be quiet
Big fish will spook easily. Consider investing in an electric trolling motor so you can increase your ability to sneak up on unsuspecting fish.
3. Don’ t target the structure
Big barra tend to sit in eddies and areas of current where there is plenty of bait.
4. Bide your time
The best time to target big barra is late at night when everyone has gone home and the water is still.
5. Lure them in
Land the lure in the right spot. Throw in a couple of twitches and retrieve using a slow rolling technique along the bottom.
