What an epic adventure for a group of BMYS members and friends! Tim Hipkin, Les Sabo, Richard Devlin, John Bacon, Dr Peter Drake, Russell Darbyshire, and Wayne Suter set off in the early hours of Friday, June 20, for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip to Northeast Arnhem Land. After flights from Melbourne via Cairns and Gove, the crew boarded two light planes, landing at a remote Aboriginal community airstrip where tenders ferried them out to the 69-foot Iron Lady, anchored offshore.
Onboard, Skipper Dan Bergamo welcomed everyone, introducing the crew and giving a rundown on ship protocols. Rods and reels were set up, lures sorted, and the team quickly settled into the rhythm of life aboard the Iron Lady. Their first evening ended with a stunning sunset over the Goromuru estuary and a freshly caught barra dinner paired with fine wine, setting the tone for the adventure ahead.
Day one on the water saw the group mastering new lure fishing techniques across the estuary. The day ended with impressive results, including 120 barra and seven other species caught, with Richard Devlin landing 18 barra and John Bacon 13. Laughter and tall tales filled the evening over a delicious meal, while everyone swapped fishing stories.
The next few days were filled with exploration, from hidden gutters and mangrove channels to remote estuaries and sheltered reefs. The persistent wind added challenge, but also excitement as members hooked their heaviest barra yet, along with fingermark, threadfin salmon, Spanish mackerel, coral trout, and even mud crabs. Notable highlights included Russell battling a five-foot bull shark for over half an hour and multiple barra over 90cm landed by the group. Two crocodiles were also spotted; one safely brought aboard and released.
Throughout the trip, members rotated through tenders and guides, exploring uncharted waters and honing their skills. Evenings were spent enjoying freshly prepared meals by the onboard chef, toasts with wine and spirits, and plenty of laughter. The camaraderie was unmatched, with everyone enjoying the adventure together.
The final leg of the trip included a visit to the Yirrkala Aboriginal community, where the group was warmly welcomed. They experienced the vibrant local arts scene, shared in cultural insights, and delivered fresh trevally to local families for an upcoming tribal event. The connection to the land, water, and community added a rich layer to the adventure beyond fishing.
After eight unforgettable days of fishing, exploring, and adventure, the group returned to Melbourne with memories to last a lifetime. The trip was a perfect blend of skill, luck, laughter, and friendship; a true testament to the spirit of BMYS members.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, keep an eye on the weekly email for future fishing trips and boating excursions. There are plenty more epic experiences to come with your fellow BMYS members.
