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What to look for when choosing a fishing charter
Local fisho Craig gives us his tips and tricks for fishing in the Top End
If you need advice on fishing in the Top End, Craig's your man.
Consider the time of year you're visiting
For barra fishing, March, April and May is the famous 'run-off' season. This is an excellent time of year for targeting big barramundi at major river mouths and upstream gutters as water subsides from the floodplains.
September, October and November is another great time for barra fishing. As the weather warms up during the 'build-up', you'll find barra in the saltwater around our harbours and tributaries.
The 'Dry Season' June/July/August produces the goods on Pelagic and Bluewater Species due to cooler water temperatures. You can find Mackeral, Queenfish, Trevally, Sailfish, Cobia often in large numbers.
Mercure Resort
Cicada Lodge
Decide what type of fish you want to catch
If it’s a Day Charter you are after, first decide if you would prefer to catch an elusive top end Barramundi or a powerful Black Jewfish, Spanish Mackeral or other reef species. Both sport-fishing options are available during a day trip.
Catching a Barramundi will usually involve casting and trolling lures in a beautiful Top End Billabong or casting coastal drains from a 5-6 metre vessel with up to 4 clients in total. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off from your place of stay. Corroboree Billabong is a popular location for a day trip, with spectacular scenery, immense bird life, wild crocodiles and barramundi most often on the bite!
The Bluewater Reef/Sportfishing Option for reef and pelagic species will be a larger vessel likely with up to 8 clients on board, departing from Cullen Bay in Darwin or Dundee Beach on some occasions. Day trips, extended trips and Multi Day trips are available. It is common to catch big Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper, Spanish Mackeral, Trevally, Northern Bluefin Tuna and many other reef species aboard this option.
Bait, tackle & rods
If you're visiting Darwin, it's unlikely you'll have all the supplies you need. To make your life easy, check that your fishing charter supplies the gear you need for a great day on the water. That includes bait, tackle and rods.
Check with your company of choice for any specific dietary requirements and anything else you may be required to bring along on the day. Discuss your proposed fishing experience with any of the following highly recommended local fishing guides today, in the hope you will catch the big one!
Groote Eylandt Lodge
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