The first-ever Samaki Saltwater Barra Open delivered everything anglers could ask for: big Barra, tough conditions, plenty of laughs and a finish that will be talked about for years to come.
For much of the tournament, Team Samaki’s campaign looked destined to be remembered as a case of “sponsor karma” gone wrong. After a slow start and a challenging Day One, Josh Lowry, Tommy Wood and the crew were simply hoping to stay positive and keep fishing hard.
Then, with just hours remaining, everything changed.
A Slow Start and a Big Reset
Following a less-than-ideal Day One and a memorable night at the local rodeo, Team Samaki entered the final day knowing they needed something special.
“We just needed to reset from Day One,” Josh explained. “One fish can make or break a tournament like this, but honestly, I didn’t think it was going to be our team.”
Despite the odds, the team stayed committed, trusting their electronics, their process and their ability to find big fish.
The Fish They Were Looking For
Throughout the session, the team had been tracking a large Barra on live sonar. The fish was clearly special, but convincing a giant barramundi to eat is easier said than done.
Cast after cast, the fish followed but refused to commit.
Tommy switched to a new lure, a Samaki Live Shrimp 165mm in Leeder Prawn colour, and continued presenting it to the fish.
The first cast got a reaction.
The second cast drew another follow.
Then came the third cast.
The lure landed perfectly, sank into position and tracked directly in front of the fish’s head.
This time, the Barra committed.
“As soon as its head came out of the water, we knew it was a monster,” Josh recalled.
What followed was pure chaos.
Adrenaline Through the Roof
With cameras rolling and the team shaking with adrenalin, the fight unfolded in front of everyone onboard.
Heart rates skyrocketed.
“We looked back at our Apple Watches afterwards and you could literally see the spike,” Josh laughed. “I was shaking. Tommy was shaking. Nick was shaking.”
The giant Barra eventually slid into the net, and with it came one of the most memorable moments in their tournament careers.
For Tommy Wood, it was a genuine fish of a lifetime.
“My previous PB was 119cm,” Tommy said. “I’d never even seen a Barra over 130cm in person. To catch one like that in a tournament, with the boys, was unreal.”
The Winning Fish
Once safely in the net, emotions exploded.
“I’ve never felt so much holding a fish,” Tommy said. “I was absolutely losing my mind. I just couldn’t believe it.”
The Barra not only delivered a personal best but catapulted Team Samaki to victory in the inaugural event, securing the title and the $5,000 winner’s cheque.
The Tackle Behind the Win
The winning fish was caught on a setup that perfectly showcased the Samaki, Decoy and X-Braid partnership.
Winning Setup
- Rod: Samaki C-12 7’3” Heavy
- Reel: New Samaki Prototype Baitcaster
- Line: X-Braid 50lb Upgrade X8 Green
- Leader: 100lb Castman Absorber leader
- Lure: Samaki Live Shrimp 165mm 1/2oz model, Leeder Prawn colour
- Terminal Tackle: Decoy Y-S81 stinger treble and Decoy components
Perhaps the best part?
The winning lure came straight from the competitor prize packs handed out at the event.
“That lure was actually from the prize pack we gave everyone,” Tommy explained. “I tied it on because we’d seen it work well in Darwin. It ended up catching the fish that won the tournament.”
Building Something Special
The Samaki Saltwater Barra Open was designed to bring together passionate anglers, showcase modern Barra fishing techniques and create opportunities for anglers to chase the fish of their dreams.
Based on the success of the inaugural event, it achieved exactly that.
“It was an awesome turnout,” Josh said. “Great bunch of anglers, great atmosphere, and hopefully we can keep making it bigger and better every year.”
For Team Samaki, the event delivered far more than a tournament win.
It delivered memories, friendships, and a fish they’ll never forget.
And for everyone who witnessed it, it proved one thing:
In Barra fishing, you’re never out of the game until the final cast.
Watch the Winners Interview
Watch the ABT winners interview here:
