The 2009 Barra Classic on the Northern Territory’s Daly River culminated with mixed team Wilson Barradise Boys, comprising Jamie Ware, Greg Herdson and Kord Luckus, moving from second on the second last last comp day to take out final honours with a great last day on the water. They scored 955 points for the final day, resulting in a 360 point win over second place team Mongrels, with skipper Tom McCullough, Matt West and Ben Wall, on 3220 points. Earlier comp leader, visiting team Wrecktem (Paul Simpson, Ralph Gray and Joe Smith) could only manage 390 points today and finished in third place with 3195 points.
The Champion Angler for the tournament was Wrecktem’s skipper, Paul Simpson on 1745 points, only 30 points ahead of Evinrude ETEC’s, Peter Politis. Local angler Matt West was third on 1705 points.
Fishing World’s David Green was a member of 5th placed team overall and runner up (mixed) team, Takin A Punt, which also featured Champion Lady Angler Marion Washington.
According to Green the Daly River was in good condition for the event and good numbers of barra were about. He also lamented the loss of an estimated 110-120cm fish hooked on a Slick Rig prior to the event…
Trolling deep diving hard body lures was the most effective method for scoring good numbers of fish.
“Trolling tight to deep snags was the best method,” according to Green, who added that the standout lure of the event was Halco’s RMG Poltergeist (8m) in chartreuse and yellow.
A total of 1352 barra were tagged and released during the tournament.
Champion lady angler Marion Washington. Pic: David Green
FULL RESULTS
Champion Team: Wilson Barradise Boys 3580 points; Runner Up Champion Team (visitors): Wrecktem 3195 points; Runner Up Champion Team (mixed) – Takin A Punt 3040 points; Runner Up Champion Team (local) – Mongrels 3220 points; Champion Angler – Paul Simpson 1745 points; Runner Up Champion Angler (local) Peter Politis 1715 points; Runner Up Champion Angler (visitor) Jay Wheelock 1145 points; Champion Lady Angler – Marion Washington 945 points; Most meritorious capture – Justin Jones 99cm; Most consistent team – Cave Trollers
Former test cricketer Merv Hughes at the bow during the sail past. Pic: David Green
For more information go to the event organiser’s website at: http://www.darwingamefishingclub.com.au/
Stay tuned for a full report on the 2009 Barra Classic in Fishing World magazine.
