Barramundi fishing
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a little bit of a unique fish in the sense that they can adapt and live in either saltwater or completely fresh waterways. They are a fish species that any angler in the north of Australia is craving to catch.
When born a Barramundi will always be male and they actually change gender when they are around 15lbs in size.
The best size for eating is generally considered between 60-75cm and anything over this size should be returned to the waterways so they can breed for future generations. Although, catching and releasing one of these fish over a metre is something all anglers strive for.
Top Barramundi Fishing destinations
These fish are iconic with the northern regions of Australia but can also be found in areas in the south of southeast Asia as well as Papua New Guinea.
They are found in both fresh and saltwater areas that include estuaries, rivers, dams and ocean.
How to fish for Barramundi
A common and enjoyable way to fish for Barramundi is to cast at or around some structure areas. Barramundi love to stay hidden in old fallen trees, drop-offs and snaggy areas and then attack when something swims by they like.
You can also fish for them with both live and dead bait methods. Barramundi love moving water and you will need to organise a fishing trip to suit the water tides when in saltwater.
Good to eat Barramundi
Barramundi is a delicious fish to eat. They are one of the nicest and well-respected table fish in the north of Australia.
The fish from the saltwater areas are considered much nicer to eat though compared to the freshwater species.
Regulations for catching Barramundi
Barramundi has an open and closed season in Australia and fishing outside of the correct season will result in large fines.
There are also restrictions on fishing size and bag limits which can vary depending on the state you are fishing in.
Other Fish Species similar to Barramundi
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Blackspotted croaker also known in Australia as black jewfish (Protonibea diacanthus) grow to lengths of 150 centimetres and weigh up to 45 kilograms. Their colour ranges from dark bronze to a salmon-brown on the upper section. Its sides are silver and have a yellowish underside.
MORE INFO >Blackspotted croaker
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The Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus) also has a couple of other common names such Leopard Coral Grouper or Leopard Coral Trout. It is a close relation to fish from the grouper and coral cod families. They can grow to a length of 23 and 62 cm and the general average has been noted at around 40 cm.
MORE INFO >Coral Trout
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The sooty grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus) is a fresh water fish from northern Australia. The species inhabits the rivers of Queensland and the Norhtern Territory where they feed on plants, roots, crustacians and small fish. They can grow up to 54 centimetres (21 in) long and weigh over 6 kg (14 lb).
MORE INFO >Sooty Grunter
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The yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) is a type of amberjack found in the Southern Hemisphere. They can grow up to 180 cm (70 in). Yellowtail kingfish can be caught from New Zeeland, Australia to Chile.
MORE INFO >Yellowtail Kingfish
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Best Barramundi Fishing Charters
TOP END SPORTFISHING
Darwin, Australia (Australia)
30,00 ft
6
G&T Fishing School & Charters
Hinchinbrook, Townsville (Australia)
19,03 ft
3
Eco Mundi
Cairns, Queensland (Australia)
14,76 ft
2
G&T Fishing School & Charters
Townsville (Australia)
19,03 ft
3
CY Fishing Charters
Albany Island, Queensland (Australia)
19,69 ft
1
Spring Tide Safaris
Darwin, Australia (Australia)
21,00 ft
6
Reel Escape
Port Douglas , Port Douglas (Australia)
19,69 ft
4
Reel Therapy
Port Douglas (Australia)
20,01 ft
6