GERARD’S ART IS ALL IN THE KNOWLEDGE
First-time anglers and seasoned amateurs alike turn to Alure to help them fish where the fish are. With more than three decades of experience fishing the Northern Territory’s incredible Top End coast, charter operator Gerard Wilkie has built a reputation for putting his clients onto fish.
Gerard launched Alure Fishing Charters NT in mid-2021 with his 7.5m twin-engine vessel, capable of fishing between four and six adults comfortably and built to target the Territory’s lesser-known fishing hotspots. With a top speed of around 50km/h, his immaculate boat is quick to arrive at fishing grounds.
Whether it’s chasing a million-dollar barramundi on the picturesque upper Adelaide River, or pelagics and table fish off Dundee Beach and Leader’s Creek, Gerard has an impressive knowledge of local fishing grounds, the tides and weather conditions. He is happy to put in the time teaching new anglers the art of how and where to cast, how to stay connected and landing net techniques.
Gerard says he prefers working with private charter groups who can allow him to set the itinerary around his knowledge of the seasons, what species are biting and the best fishing locations. He is popular with small groups who book multiple day trips to build their skills and enjoyment. “I like to focus on areas where the bigger charters do not operate and in waterways that are a bit of a stretch for recreational fisherman to reach in smaller boats,” Gerard said. “With the right conditions, Leader’s Creek offers a great base to explore the Vernon Islands, Cape Hotham and the offshore Tiwi Islands which fewer people tend to target in my experience.”
In an ideal day of bluewater action, Alure will target table fish such as golden snapper and black jewfish whilst giving clients a shoulder workout on bigger pelagics, including golden trevally, queenies and mackerel.
Gerard is among the Top End’s most experienced Adelaide River guides where he can combine great saltwater barramundi fishing with big crocodile sightseeing in metre-plus barra country. When chasing barra, Gerard will assess your fishing experience in advance to determine whether to use premium overhead baitcasters or the traditional egg-beater type of reels matched with high-quality rods and tackle.
Gerard explains: “The crocs, the birds, the wildlife of the Adelaide River are something truly special and we also have the Territory’s only freehold island on a river, Goat Island with a Lodge. We can break up the day briefly for a cold drink or something to eat at Casey’s Bar.”
“The Adelaide River is unforgiving for those without local knowledge; you need to know how to navigate the rockbars and how the fast incoming tide works to produce the best fishing windows – the greater your experience, the better the fishing result will be.”