How to Fish For Barramundi in Australia

Catching a barramundi is an art in Australia. This is a much sought after species of sport fish in the tropical North Queensland. Everyone has a story to tell about the fish that got away but not many can brag about the fish that did not get away!  Some say it is just luck while others rely on the skills. You too can hook one of these premier native fish of Australia; we will tell you how. It would also make you want to arrange for a fishing trip to the country as well.

Barramundi is also known as barra, Giant Perch, Palmer Perch, and Silver Barramundi among others is a freshwater fish. It is mostly found in North Coast of Pilbara through Kimberly and Northern Territory and Cape York, Queensland as far south as Fraser Island in Australia.  It is also popular in East Asia, Persian Gulf and China. The fish is known to grow in excess of 60kg but more commonly caught in the 10- 20kg range.

The best places to find these barra are in the mangroves and around submerged logs where it waits to ambush its prey. These fish are nocturnal feeders and are usually active in the change of tide or light. Water clarity has to be crystal clear for barra in the estuaries. If you are looking forward to catch barramundi, water clarity is the first thing you should keep in mind. Feeding patterns are dictated by tides; therefore keep an eye on the moon phase as well. Timing is everything when fishing for hat trophy catch especially in the estuaries.  Large and small mullet, tarpon and sometimes other barra are the most effective baits. Unless you hook right baits, there is not a chance of catching that big fish no matter how good the fishing spot is.

The color and the contrast of the lure play a huge role in attracting the fish. The eyes of the barra are set to see upwards at a 45° angle. It is equally important to get your depth right.  Use a 10 feet rod; attach a lure that dives between 7 and 8 feet while fishing for this beauty. The months of September to December when the water is warmer in the north of Australia, the air and water temperatures and the humidity levels increase, fishing is more productive. From late March when the wet season winds down and the water is running off the flood plains- it is also a good time.

Wondering if you can handle to adhere to all these things to do? Don’t worry; you can too with a little practice. Browse through the different websites and you will come across information on how to go about it. But this is just the theory. You do need to get some practical experience as well.  You can hire a professional fishing guide who can help you out with the techniques. You might not succeed from day one but as more and more days go by, you can see an improvement in yourself; we assure you. Good Luck and Tight Lines!

Posted in: Australia Travel Tips, Barramundi Facts, Barramundi Fishing, Barramundi Fishing Queensland, Barramundi Fishing Season, Barramundi Fishing Tips, Barramundi Recipes, Travel Adventure