The Northern Territory is bountiful with plenty schools of fish; both reef fish and sport fish. You can find many species of fish such as coral trout, tuna, mackerel and red emperor fish. One of the most popular species to find in Northern Territory water is barramundi. Lots of anglers travel a long way to fish in NT because it is challenging for them to fish a large fresh barramundi.
Barramundi
Barramundi, or Asian sea bass, are large fish that have been recorded at maximum total lengths of up to 180 centimetres and can weigh more than 40 kilograms. They can survive both in fresh and saltwater but barramundi living in salt water are better to eat than fresh water because it is muddier.
They live in areas of warm water, ranging between 23°C and 35°C, from Ashburton River in the west, Darwin in Northern Territory to Mary River in Queensland. Not only are they found in Australia, but also barramundi can be found in the Indo-West Pacific region from Southeast Asia up to China.
Catching Barramundi
Catching barramundi requires plenty of experience. Fishing without researching can completely waste your time. You will be back home with small local fish and sun burnt skin rather than barramundi. It is better to fish barra if you know exact the time and place to do so. Barra live in both fresh and saltwater. You have to know special spots and know about the specific tidal levels and timing is important. Knowing these things i.e. when the tide will come out helps you catch them more easily. Techniques of fishing are another factor to consider. Because barra are large fish, you have to know about trawling technique, jigging, lure casting and know about live bait.
If you are new to barra fishing and seeking a new experience, you might need locals such as anglers choice fishing lodge to guide you. Local anglers know best about the water territory and they can advise on techniques for you to catch them more effectively.
Where to Fish in Northern Territory
The waters of Australia are home to abundant schools of barramundi. Northern Territory water is where you can find them. The beautiful coast in NT is a great choice for anglers to go fishing. Here are some places that you should know about before booking any charters to catch barramundi.
Darwin Harbour
Darwin beach is the best place to find barramundi in the rainy season. Even if it is not the best time of the year to fish, you can still find the barra around the estuaries of Darwin Harbour, around the mangroves of Shoal Bay and at Bynoe Harbour.
Daly River
250 km away from Darwin, Daly River is one of the top barra catching spots. Here you will find big barra which, on average, weigh up to 20 kg.
Daly River is the place where The Barra Classic and Barra Nationals Fishing Competitions are held. There are many fishing companies operating here to help you with finding barra and they can often provide you with comfortable accommodations.
Arnhemland
Arnhemland is a remote area where Aboriginal Australians live. You can expect to have the best catching experience here with a lot of big barramundi in Arnhemkand’s tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries and coastal waters. Beautiful accommodation is provided for anglers to experience luxury fishing.
Kakadu National Park
Fishing in Kakadu National Park requires a guide with a license. There are four water lines here; the Wildman River, the West Alligator River, the South Alligator River and the East Alligator River.
Not only is it the best place for fishing, but Kakadu National Park is also popular for crocodiles, beautiful billabongs, birds and the diverse eco system.
Arnhemland
Arnhemland is a remote area where Aboriginal Australians live. You can expect to have the best catching experience here with a lot of big barramundi in Arnhemkand’s tidal rivers, mangrove-lined estuaries and coastal waters. Beautiful accommodation is provided for anglers to experience luxury fishing.
Kakadu National Park
Fishing in Kakadu National Park requires a guide with a license. There are four water lines here; the Wildman River, the West Alligator River, the South Alligator River and the East Alligator River.
Not only is it the best place for fishing, but Kakadu National Park is also popular for crocodiles, beautiful billabongs, birds and the diverse eco system.