"What a difference a grade makes"

The weekend arrives with the added bonus of an early mark from work on Friday. "Should I start the housework and gardening early or put the added time to a better use?" Difficult?? Go fishing was the choice made after mulling over the options for at least one second. Next decision was where? With the winds having blowing solid all week the fresh seemed the go with 4 mile springing to mind even though the thought of the track being in the same condition as a couple of months ago was a bit of a hurdle to overcome.

Swag packed, beer iced in the esky, fridge raided for food, boat hitched and the last (hint,hint) of the Rogie Dodgie flies removed from the safe and put into service and it was off down the Arnhem Highway to 4 mile.

All smooth going along the highway and was even able to collect a tray full of firewood courtesy of the wind blowing over a dead tree along the way providing custom lengths of timber.   4 mile track was reached with a decision being made along the way that if the track was too bad 2 mile would end up being a new destination. “What a difference a grade makes”. Road smooth, creeks dry 4 Mile Hole in less than an hour! Not another boat, tent or car to be seen!

Launched the boat straight away and proceeding to the right of the launch area, second cast Tarpon scales in the boat. Fished for about an hour and caught Tarpon, Archer and Catfish. Not what I was after, but fish!

One of the numerous Archers

Set camp, got the bush TV tuned in, tested a can or two to see if the ice was working and settled in for the night under a sky full of stars listening to the donkeys on the other bank making their presence known.

Bush TV at its best.

The next morning was pleasantly cool with a low level mist drifting effortless over the water surface setting a picture postcard scene. Proceeded to cast, and cast some more, into the edges for a very poor return for the amount of effort being put in. Changed flies, changed lines, held my tongue at a different angle all to no avail other than a few Tarpon, Archers, Long Tom and two small golden coloured Barra. As the sun got higher schools of Tarpon started breaking the surface mid-stream so went to a sinking line and white clouser and had a catchfest on these.

First on the water

During Saturday a few other boats and campers arrived, including other “mobsters”. All those spoken to were experiencing the same ailment of “hard to find fish”.

Mobsters living the dream

Mobsters in action

Sunday turned on another magnificent morning to venture onto the water before anyone else and to make things even better Toga and Barra came out to play.

Small, yes, but it's a BARRA

Even though the fishing has been better, 4 Mile Hole is still a great place to go and at some  time soon the fish will turn on for those lucky enough to be there.

Remember, “You’ll never never know, if you never never go”.

As this weekend passes into memories my thoughts turn to the next one and where to? Tides are looking good for Barra and Threadies on the flats in Bynoe over the next couple of sets of neaps. Guess where I’ll be next weekend if anyone wishes to tag along.

Tight lines

Jim Churchley

Maybe Kakadu Management should employ some Aboriginals to do the signage. Theirs last for 20,000 years or more. By the way, this is a Croc warning sign!!!!