Folks,
I'd like to hear some ideas on what gear is required for the mighty Barra in the salt.

Rod sizes for trolling and casting?

What low profile reels would be good?

What size braid?

What type of leader material, size and knots required?

Reliable lures for both trolling and casting?

mmmm, Barra. I went to the Mary River chasing Barra earlier this year with some Darwin locals. We were using either 30 to 50lb braid with a 40 to 60 lb leader. 6-8kg rods and low profile baitcasters are fine as long as they are the better quality baitcasters, Zillion, Curado etc... as they have a bit better drag than the cheaper versions.

The leader material they were using was black magic or the preferred is Jinkai

As far as lures go the RMG Scorpion, Reidies, B52's, Rapala Xrap, 6" white plastics (casting at creek mouths) Rapala poppers if they are on the surface. Any of the long slender lures are fine. We were using the above that go down to 3 meters. Greens, Whites, Elton John (ie: bright mixed colours)

Where abouts are you going to Steady.

I'm heading back up there at the end of October camping at Coburg Peninsula in Arneham Land, hopefully get permits to camp on North Goulburn island, chasing GT's, Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, Barra, Black Jewfish and Fingermark Bream (Golden Snapper).

Cheers...Brett

most of your cod gear will be suitable steady as long as its salt water friendly. i used mine for the 12months i was up there with no dramas.

rods 6-7ft rated to 10-20lb with lure weight around 1/4 to an ounce would be fine for both casting and trolling. although on some occasions when the barra are a not on the chew they will sometimes respond to much smaller lures and you may struggle to cast these with the heavier outfits. doesn't hurt to throw in a small/med spin combo of say 2500 size reel and 10-17lb rod if ya have room..

both profile reels are fine as long as they have a decent drag (4-5kg is about the norm).mine were loaded with 20 and 30lb fins which never let me down. although some people do choose to go heavier.

i always used bout meter and half of 60lb leader mostly jinkai for casting and trolling. some do use up to 80lb. knots i use either double uni or improved albright.i found the albright passes through the guides better when casting.

barra clasics in all depths are my prefered lure but gold bombers are a must have also.some halco crazy deeps come in handy for the deeper water.also throw in a few softies of all colors and sizes. big is good!don't forget some for the surface poppers,crawlers,fizzers they all work when the fish are on. if here is any chance you'll fish any billabongs or any fresh water with lillies scum frogs are a must.

having said all that if ya gunna be near a tackle store where your going ask them whats been working and buy from them. barra lures where much cheaper up north than they are down here and have much bigger selection in most cases. .....cheers JR.....

Thanks guys.

Looks like I'll be heading up to Victoria River, NT for two weeks based in the Timber creek area next May with a group.

You'll have a ball in Vic river. I go up at least twice a year, was the only one out of 6 to not get a metre barra last march!! 85cm had to do. And next march/april, we're all roadtrippin it for a month, Daly, Vic, Mary and try to coincide the trip with the opening of the south around easter..