Barramundi are THE iconic Australian fish species. They eat lures aggressively, jump high, pull hard and are great eating - making them the perfect target for anyone fishing the northern half of Australia.

There are two very distinct seasons when they are most active. The “build up” (Sept, Oct Nov) as it’s known in the Northern Territory is when the barramundi tend to congregate and feed aggressively - as water temperatures start to climb. Casting a lure at them can trigger almost instant action when these fish are in the mood to feed.

The other prime period is known as the “run off” after the wet season (Mar, April May). Barramundi at this time of year will target baitfish that have bred in the warm shallow flats and will pick off these baitfish on the run out tides. Larger fish are generally the target at this time of year and there is nothing quite like the jolting strike from a metre long chrome silver saltie.

Where To Catch Barramundi

Prime locations for targeting Barramundi in the wild stretch for thousands of kilometres. The northern Qld coastline, particularly from Townsville north, including all of Cape York is great. Rivers along the Northern Territory coast all hold good quantities of Barramundi as do the major river systems of the Kimberley in Western Australia.

Barramundi are ambush feeders so look for submerged rock bars, fallen timber where river banks have collapsed with trees fallen into the water and areas where baitfish congregate like river junctions and smaller drains empty, as barra rarely venture far from their food source.

Gear & Techniques To Catch Barramundi

Some techniques that work well include, using vibration baits like the Trembler 70XS cast near or jigged vertically around structure. The rattle and vibration from these little lures can drive them crazy and result in hours of entertainment.

Casting TBarra 80STD, or Laser Pro 120STD (in the two hook or three hook MT versions) once again around structure is every fishers dream.

Barra can also be very effectively targeted trolling lures which dive deep and fast, which is where the Poltergeist 80 and 110 plus the Scorpion 125 and 150 range excel. Slow trolling these lures near structure into the current can produce epic sessions on this truly iconic species.

It is also very important to note that every state in Australia has different rules regarding when you can fish, how many you can take and what the size requirements are (including a maximum size in some cases), so always check the state regulations where you are fishing before heading out.

Expert Barra Tips

• Have lures available in a variety of colours and depths, to match your circumstances.
• If casting lures, don’t be afraid to pause the lures for several seconds at a time; often the bite will come during the pause or immediately after it.
• If trolling, always troll into the current.
• Look for places holding baitfish; the barra are never far away.
• Where-ever there are barra, there are also likely crocodiles – be croc aware.