NO ANGLING target can compare with the attributes that barra are born with. Consider such virtues as aggression, strength, jumping ability and potential size, and I’m sure most lure tossers would agree that barramundi are the Holy Grail of almost all Australian anglers.

During the past 15 years I’ve suffered from a severe case of barramundi fever. I’ve chased and caught the damn things in Queensland, the Northern Territory and in Western Australia. I’ve gone through all the usual learning curves, travelled literally thousands of dusty and corrugated kilometres in the hope of another trophy barra and I’ve spent countless thousands of hard-earned dollars in pursuit of these magnificent fish. At last I’ve found a way to satisfy my hunger for an occasional barra fix that is close to home, affordable and, importantly, exclusive!

Barra heaven is only three hours north of Brisbane and 90 minutes north of Noosa by road. Helicopter transfers are available for those with limited time. This season sees the opening of six magnificent villas overlooking mango orchards and the 40-acre lake containing many thousands of barra and bass. Also nearby are a series of ponds that contain barra only, from 1kg up to a staggering 15kg and over!

While the place is worth fishing all day, the best angling is to be had at dusk. These big barra blast poppers off the surface in no uncertain terms. Some of the hits are frightening to say the least, and the resulting hookup and fight will keep any angler very happy indeed.

Last season the best barra I saw caught at this amazing place, known as The Rainbow Villas, were in the 14-15kg class. This summer a 20kg fish will be caught and I hope I’m there to land it! The Leacy family has created this fantastic fishery on the back of a stonefruit farm and they aim to keep the place exclusive, which will keep the fish keen. The six fully self-contained villas will be available for the corporate sector for conferences and the like. Small groups, including families, can also be accommodated.

If you want to enquire about corporate functions and experience some serious bass and barramundi angling, you can contact the Leacy family direct on (07) 5486 5582. If day trips are more your style, you can e-mail me for more info or give me a call on (07) 5447 7092.

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1) A beaut Sunshine Coast barra from a well-stocked pond at Rainbow Villas.

2) Visitors can fish this southern barra farm on guided day trips, or can opt for an extended stay in one of the self-contained villas.