Townsville, Queensland

Why I am starting the field notes

G'day, I'm Brayden.

I've spent the last six years chasing Mangrove jacks and Barramundi throughout North Queensland.

I‘m far from an expert, but I've spent enough time on the water to learn a few lessons, make plenty of mistakes, and catch a few memorable fish along the way.

 

Lessons From Six Years Chasing Jacks

I have been chasing mangrove jack for the last six years. The reason I love chasing mangrove jacks is their attitude, they fight hard and then when you get them in the boat they snap at you. Over the last six years I have learnt a few things

What I have learnt over the last few years is the retrieve rate is very important and also the depth that the lure is running. I have also always believed that you will only ever catch jacks while flicking banks or snag bashing.

Which is not the case as I have caught Mangrove Jacks while I'm out chasing Barramundi in the middle of the creek in trees.

 

Three Mistakes I See All The Time

The three biggest mistake that people who are new to mangrove jack fishing make.

• They retrieve the lure to fast which sometimes can get a bite but I have found if you run the lure nice and slow they bite better.
• They do not let the lure sink for a few seconds, and they start retrieving straight away.
• They use lure that are too big. In some cases, Mangrove Jacks will bite bigger lures but I find the 4" size is the perfect size for me.

 

What I still want to learn

There is a few things I want to learn about the mangrove jacks a few things over the next few months is learning topwater, glide bait and swimbaits for the bigger jacks. I would like to learn to target them on the flats aswell.

 

What Field Notes Is About

The main reason I am doing the field notes is to document my learnings through out the journey. I also want to share them with the people that want to learn the secrets to be more consistent on the mangrove jacks.

Next Field Note: Finding productive mangrove jack structure.

Cheers,

Brayden

Livin Rugged