Fly Fishing for Barramundi
Many of us enjoy wading mountain streams during the warmer months in search of wily trout. Even if the fish are a bit lethargic it is a joy to be surrounded by the spectacular wilderness scenery found in Australia’s south or New Zealand.
As the weather cools and the winter sets in many fly fishermen put away their rods, light the fire and settle in with their fishing magazines to wait out the cold weather.
But for many keen anglers its time to switch focus to the warm climates and waters of Australia’s tropical north and go Barramundi fishing around the Kimberley, Darwin and the Top End or North Queensland.
Barramundi Fishing is a very popular style of fishing with many anglers. When hooked, The “Barra” is known for its spectacular aerobatic displays as they twist and turn in an attempt to dislodge the lure.
Usually found in estuary systems the barramundi often lurks around under water cover such as overhangs, submerged timber or rock bars. Being basically a lazy fish it waits here ready to ambush passing prey.
Barramundi are usually caught whilst casting into these “cover” areas but casting accuracy needs to be very good in order to get the fly close to the fish. The other common method of catching barramundi is trolling along gutter areas or discoloured water lines.
Usually Barramundi are landed in the 60-80cm ranges and it is illegal to keep Barramundi under 55cm. Often lucky anglers get to join the 1mtr+ club with Barra up to 1.5mtrs some times landed.
But do not make the mistake of thinking Auatralia's tropical north is just about barramundi fishing. Threadfin, Saratoga, Tarpon, Permit, Trevally, Queenfish, Mangrove Jack and many more species are just waiting to hammer your flies.
Download the Free Barramundi species guide below.
