GETTING LOCK-JAW BARRA TO BITE
Berkley pro team member Ryan Tully has put the Shimma Shrimp to the test on a brace of northern species, and has a few pointers to offer on how they can help get those stubborn lock-jaw barra to bite!
Since the soft vibe market started in Australia not a lot has changed in the way vibes look. Of course, the size, weight, hook configuration and tail shapes have developed and varied by different manufacturers over the years, although none have tried to re write the book and create something different. Until now. As the old saying goes everything eats a prawn and Berkley have created a masterpiece.
The new Shimma shrimp are slightly lighter in weight than your typical soft vibe so that they can be used in more situations than just a deep drop off or hole in the river system which is where vibes are most commonly used.
They’re still made in the popular sizes of 65, 100 and 120mm, with the biggest weighing 20g they can be cast across the shallows with a high rod angle when slow rolled or using a lift and drop retrieve in deeper water. During a lift and drop style retrieve, the Shimma Shrimp will fold its tail on the lift and as it drops it will splay its tail out in a glide action back to the bottom that simply brings fish unstuck . When retrieved at a slow roll it is similar to a normal vibe with a side to side action pulsating vibrations through the water.
Souped up is a way to describe the terminal parts of the Shimma shrimp with Owner split rings and ST 56 Owner trebles on the larger 120mm models it’s sure to impress the most discerning of anglers and will stand up to the strongest of fish.
Many of us northern anglers know how hard it is to get schooled barramundi to bite a lure when they are so focussed on one bait type especially when they’re feeding on prawns. You’ll find them on the sounder and end up with a big donut for your efforts. With the three sizes available in the Shimma Shrimp you are sure to find something to match the hatch.
I have been using the Shimma shrimp in various locations from the mouths or rivers fishing for flathead using a slow wind, to gorge fishing in parts of the Burdiken river for barramundi in heavy current using the 120mm, and to creek sooties and jungle perch with the 65 and 100mm. Anyone chasing bream and bass down south to Barramundi up north will find the perfect size to fit their needs in this must-have new range.
Good luck and good fishing!
By Ryan Tully – Berkley Pro Team
Ryan is a well-respected angler who resides in the northern region of QLD, spending all his free time fishing and exploring waterways in search of barramundi, mangrove Jack and many more. Ryan is addicted to topwater fishing, and believes a frog & toad is one of the most productive ways to get a bite.
