The NT has a number of awesome fishing spots teaming with monster Barra, just waiting for you to arrive! So if you’ve got your heart set on catching yourself a Barramundi this year, then it’s clear there’s only one place in Australia you’d want to be!
But be warned, fishing in unfamiliar waters can often mean coming home empty handed and failing to prepare for your Barramundi fishing bonanza would not only be a right waste of your time and money, you’d be a total laughing stock to ya mates for years to come.
But don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered… again!
Read on to learn more about our top tips for Barra fishing in the NT and you’re guaranteed to come home with the catch of the day, time and time again!
Where to Fish
It doesn’t take a genius to know that to bag yourself a Barra you need to fish where the Barra be.
Check out the following spots well known for being the best Barramundi fishing locations in the Northern Territory:
- Daly Waters
- South Alligator River (Kakadu)
- East Alligator River (Kakadu)
- The Roper River
- Darwin Harbour
- The Mary River
- Manton Dam
- Arnhem Land
- Corroboree Billabong
Timing is Everything
During the wet season (November to April) fishing the Darwin Harbour should increase your chances of catching a Barramundi, compared to inland areas of the NT.
Dry season (May to November) is the time to hit Hardy’s and the Corroboree Billabong as well as areas of Arnhem Land and Bynoe Harbour.
But, for the best chances of getting a bite, make sure you hit the rivers during the runoff season (February to early June). Places to be include, the Mary and Daly River, East and South Alligator River and the Finniss River, too.
Typically, fishing during the cooler months will often produce less than optimal results, as Barramundi are known to eat less during the winter, meaning no matter how fancy your bait is, they ain’t a bitin’.
Know Your Tides
Possibly the best tide for catching Barra is the run-out tide, as the fish that they like to feed upon are forced out of their temporary sanctuaries, making it prime time for fishin’!
Know Your Gear
While you don’t have to have the absolute ‘top-of-the-line’ gear to get yourself a Barra, you will need equipment that is both sturdy and durable. Remember, in some areas Barramundi can get to 20kgs plus, and weak gear can set you back in a big, big way.
Mikey Cunningham of NT Fishing Adventures suggests using a 30-pound braid on your trolling rods and, to avoid getting snagged, a 50-pound braid for your bait fishing rods.
Cunningham also suggests an 80-pound leader for live bait rods and 60-pounds for trolling.
For more tips and tricks, ensure you check out his site, by following this link!
Know Your Bait
The trick to bagging a Barra boils down to understanding their feeding style.
Barra usually hide in areas like mangroves, drop-offs, and near trees and bridges; waiting with their mouths wide open to capture swimming prey.
For this reason, using live bait, soft plastics or hard body lures are all good options.
If you choose to go for live bait, Barra love poddy mullet and perch, so if you can get your hands on those, you’re off to a good start.
When using soft plastic, take into consideration the prey that is most likely to be in your area. Selecting lures that resemble that prey in both shape and movement will increase your chances of coming home with the goods!
For more information on the best places to fish for Barra, make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide to Barramundi Fishing in the NT!
