Tackle Tactics » Pro Anglers » Adam Barnes

Adam Barnes

How did you get into fishing?

My father introduced me to fishing when I was 4 years old and given that we lived in the NSW highlands going out in the boat for a fish with Dad was more than just a trip, it was an adventure. From the waters of Lilly Pilly, Nowra and Forster/Tuncurry, to Tin Can Bay and Budgewoi, those early trips gave way to a legacy that will live in me forever. Live to love what makes you feel alive.

What inspires you about fishing?

In one word "FREEDOM", throw in a good challenge and life's worries just melt away. 4:30am, glassed out conditions, the fresh sea air and the most amazing sunrises you'll ever see, then that most wonderful sound... BOOOOF... and it's game on. The anticipation and thrill of using new lures, rods and reels, and that wave of adrenalin when a fish strikes.

Where in Australia do you fish and what are your main target species?

Living on the Gold Coast and having such a diverse amount of waterways, I've spent the last 30+ years fishing and honing my techniques chasing as many estuary species as I can, while really developing a passion for chasing big flathead and mangrove jack.

What are 3 of your favourite species and why?

1. Flathead - I specialise in shallow water soft plastics and the ability to watch a big flatty chase down, stalk and engulf the plastic is a show second to none and one that most fishos that fish deeper water rarely see. Although flatties are just as readily available in the deep, so the diverse locations these fish can be caught is another big reason they're number one for me.

2. Mangrove Jack - The do or die style of the fishing world, the locked drag and one on one fight needed for these brutes is for me. Every cast into structure is like waiting for the 6th lotto number to drop for a million dollar win, strike, load up and go crazy. Fishing for these guys is one of the most addictive styles of fishing you can encounter.

3. GT - The lightning fast strikes and drag screaming runs, accompanied with a non-stop fighting attitude. The sheer power of these fish all the way to the net is mind blowing every time you hook one. You can never get tired off catching these maulers as long as your arms and back can hold out.

What are a few of your most memorable captures?

The 2018 Gold Coast Flathead Classic has to be my most memorable captures and over the three days boated over eleven 80cm+ flatty, with my PB 90cm the biggest highlight. Entered as a two man team, we fished ZMan soft plastics all on TT Lures DemonZ and TT Lures HeadlockZ jigheads, finishing 1st place two person team / 2nd place overall team / 2nd place individual angler and best team on Day 1, only to miss winning the entire event by 125 points and 1st place individual by 95 points.

Following closely behind this is my recent PB mangrove jack of 56cm, landed at night on a bridge pylon, fishing a ZMan 4" Turbo CrawZ. I then landed two more on the same plastic for my first hat trick of jacks.

Flicking a ZMan 3" MinnowZ next to a pontoon and watching a 65cm GT come out and smash it, on a locked drag for jacks. That line burning zing and bubble trail as the braid cuts through the water at 100km/h is a vision and sound that I'll never forget.

What are your go-to Tackle Tactics products and some tips for fishing them?

My go-to TT products would have to be the TT Lures DemonZ 3/8oz 3/0 jighead rigged with a ZMan 3" MinnowZ. So many species are caught on this set up and it's heavy enough to fish current/deeper water. I go for more of a vertical three pulse lift, aggressive at times, with very short pause times, compared to shallow water, light/short lifts followed by longer pauses and lots of half reel bursts with the rod tip down, keeping the plastic close to the bottom. When fishing for GT and jacks, these lures have a perfect action when fast rolled next to structure or boil ups in the open.

What are your go-to Okuma products and why?

My go-to Okuma product is my Helios HS-S-701M 7' 3-6kg rod and Helios SX HSX 20 reel. Super light and smooth, like an extension of my arm yet powerful enough to stop and turn those trophy fish.

What species are on your bucket list and why?

My number one bucket list species would be the mighty black bass, pound for pound one of the strongest fish to be caught, in some of the toughest terrain and fishing gear you can get your hands on. Buzz of a lifetime.

What is a piece of fishing advice that you've been given that still sticks with you?

Always think like the fish you're targeting and be patient.

Three tips for somebody new to fishing?

1. Go out with someone who has fished the style of fishing that you're into, there's no substitute for experience.

2. Vary your retrieve until you find what works for that day and vary the profile sizes of your presentations.

3. Try to use a profile that fits the environment, for example around lots of weed beds and structure, a shrimp/lobby profile may produce more strikes than a jerk bait or paddle tail plastic.

Tournament / Fishing Highlights

2018 25th Gold Coast Flathead Classic - 1st place '2 Person Team' / 2nd place 'Overall Team' / 2nd place 'Individual Angler' / Day 1 Best Team.

2018 Flathead Social Comp - 2nd place 'Overall Team' / 2nd 'Biggest flathead'.

PB flathead 90cm / PB mangrove jack 56cm / PB GT 65cm (all on ZMan 3" MinnowZ and TT Lures DemonZ jigheads).