PETER FAUST DAM: HOME OF THE MONSTER BARRA

When the Whitsunday's is advertised, all you hear is about is the 74 islands, white sandy beaches and the reef. Peter Faust Dam misses out on all the advertising, Yet it is one of the best freshwater fishing spots around Australia. Peter Faust Dam is located 26 km out of Proserpine and about 45 km from Airlie Beach. There is camping grounds at camp Kanga a few kilometers away, but no camping at the dam itself. Stocked fish include Barramundi, Sooty Grunter and Saratoga. There has only been 3 reported cases of Saratoga being caught tho. As well as great fishing there are also an abundance of Red Claw lurking in the weeds below. Now Barramundi are one of the best fighting fresh water fish, And a prized catch for many anglers. They are large in size and when they get hooked they leap in to the air. Barra from salt water tend to put up a better fight. Catching Barra is a adrenaline rush and a half. They take best to surface lures, and shallowing diving lures. My favorite lure to use is a bubble pop, and the best part about using surface lures is you get to see all the action as it unfolds, Its so exciting when you see this massive fish engulf your lure meters away from the boat. Barra grow over 130 cm and up to 40 kg. A lot of Barra caught in the dam are well over 100 cm and there ready and willing to jump on a line. The snags make a good hiding place, and fishing spot. But when you hook up they will run for cover and wrap themselves and the line around the submerged trees. Trolling or casting lures produce the fish. I do not think many people would use bait in the dam. I alway catch and release in the dam, not only to preserve the stock but i do not find freshwater Barra a very nice table fish. To fish in the dam you need a permit, and its very cheap about $35 for a year and you can fish any stock impoundment dams that runs under the scheme. You can also get a week permit if you are not staying long. There is a good boat ramp for launching and plenty of parking, there is a bbq area for cooking and toilets. So next time you are planing a fishing holiday don't forget the fantastic fishing that can be had at the Peter Faust Dam.