This year during the barramundi closure we decided to do an experiment – catching reef fish on barra lures.
It was after the moon when the deeper reef fish often go quiet, so we decided to give the shallow flats a go.
The weather was an absolute glass so sight fishing was the order of the day.
Using barra lures we caught a selection of reef species.
I took my mate Benny, a Cairns local, to have some fun.
And as the weather was so pristine, Karen came along for some snorkelling.
The reef is very close here off Cairns, and even closer at Cooktown.
“Where the rainforest meets the reef” is a catch cry for the area, therefore the scenery does not disappoint.
Flowery Cod, Footballer trout and Spangled Emperor were some of the casualties.
However, we should have also brought the fly rod as we saw good size Milkies and Permit on the surface.
Catching numerous small reef snapper species on shallow diving barra lures is a ton of fun.
Cast for cast is a great way to get kids interested in fishing as it is action-packed.
All you need are some shallow diving barra lures such as this minnow are dangerous.
The pick of the bunch are stocked in our online lure shop containing all our favourites. > SHOP LURES HERE.
Gear Used
Baitcaster
Rod: Quantum Smoke Inshore 621BC
Reel: Smoke SHD200 HPT
Lures: Various shallow diving hardbodies (barra lures) – visit our lure shop.
Line: 30lb Rovex braid with 60lb Ande mono leader.
Spin
Rod: Custom 10kg spin stick (20 year old)
Reel: Cabo 80 Spin
Line: 30lb Rovex braid with 60lb mono leader.
Knots used.
Perfection loop to attach lures.
Related: 7 Best Barramundi Lures & Where to Use Them.
Catching reef fish on barra lures video of the day.
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I hope you enjoyed the video of our day catching reef fish with barra lures.
In addition, here are a few more free resources you may find helpful and entertaining
