Harden Up On Barra by Stephen booth
There is no argument that soft plastics for barra is booming. The ubiquitous Squidgy Slick Rig is in everyone's boat, while the surface frogs and Berkley Hollow Bellies are making an impressive start to the 2008/09 season.
But not every barra caught in an impoundment is taken on a soft plastic. Many are taken with hardbodied lures that are cast or trolled and it is with much trepidation that an angler should hit a barra lake without a selection of quality hardbodied lures.
If you are into hardbodied lures for barra, then hold on tight because the range of new lures, colours and diving depths is enough to get even the most diehard soft plastic angler excited.
So let's look at what is new on the hardbodied lure market for barra. And as my mates say, let's all take a couple of teaspoons of concrete with a mouthful of V and harden up!
THE LURES
ARAFURA SHALLOW
DISTRIBUTOR: LIVELY LURES
The new Arafura Shallow is a 120mm long lure that is built on a solid polyurethane body to resist the amazing pressures placed on big barra lures.
The lure is purpose built for fishing around shallow weed beds in impoundments, in billabongs and lagoons and also for fishing the run-off creeks when the barra are right up in the shallows smashing bait. The Arafura Shallow can be cast or trolled with equal effect and already has an impressive 126cm Monduran monster to its credit.
Like all Lively Lures, Alan Dolan has designed this lure to be fished straight from the pack and the lure sports 1/0 trebles and number 4 split rings that are rated barra tough. But one of the best things about this lure is that Alan has taken the time to consider terminal upgrades and the Shallow Arafura will comfortably work with heavier rings and bigger hooks. Look out shallow water barra.
LASER PRO 120 H78 RED NECK
DISTRIBUTOR: HALCO
Everybody knows redheads attract serious attention from most predatory fish. On that theme, here is the latest new offering from the Halco Tackle stable - the H78 Red Neck.
The H78 Red Neck is a striking new colour to come on range, featuring very bright, highly reflective, holographic gold sides with a brilliant, cherry red head.
Fishing results with the new Red Neck have been especially pleasing on bright, sunny days where the high visibility colour literally glows like a neon sign, triggering immediate feeding activity from most species in the vicinity.
Available in standard and Deep Diver Versions (1m + 2.5m), the red neck colour scheme is sure to be a hit with barra everywhere.
SCORPION 150, 125, 90 R32 NATURAL WONDER
DISTRIBUTOR: HALCO
The R32 Natural Wonder aka "Swamp Dog" features Halco's unique speckled holographic background with a very appealing olive green back that turns to golden sides with a black scale print. One look at the colour and you will be hooked.
Initially devised with native species such as barra in mind, the new R32 was declared a stand out performer for its target species by anglers involved in the testing process.
Available in depths from 10cm to 8m, this exciting natural wonder colour will appeal to all anglers whether fishing clean water barra or dirty water barra, in impoundments or in the salt.
LUCKY CRAFT POINTER 78DD
DISTRIBUTOR: EJ TODD
Among the Pointer family, the Pointer Deep Diver has a large body, producing a unique action when strongly jerked.
Diving to the 5-7' zone the pointer 78DD sits right in the face of most snag dwelling barra. Unlike the Staysee, which is subtler and hides its presence, this lure appeals strongly to the fish and throws them into a state of confusion and is the number one power bait in the Lucky Craft family. Made in Japan means it will swim perfectly every time.
LUCKY CRAFT STAYSEE 90
DISTRIBUTOR: EJ TODD
The Lucky Craft Staysee is a deep diving, suspending rip-bait that stays in a nose down position between rips. This ensures a deep diving action with every pull.
The Staysee's unique combination of rattles creates a gravity suspending action that also aids in long accurate casts. Offered in a wide range of colours, there is a Staysee that is right for any environment. So when fish are stubborn but still chasing deep bait, try a Staysee. Your luck will definitely change.
