Tag: Barra

Bynoe Harbour Fishing

Bynoe Harbour, less than two hours southwest of Darwin, is one of the Top End’s premier fishing destinations, renowned for its diversity of habitats and species. Here’s a detailed guide to what makes fishing here so special:

Habitats & Access

  • Estuary Complex: Bynoe Harbour features dozens of mangrove creeks, inlets, and bays-ideal for both boat and land-based anglers.
  • Offshore Reefs & Islands: The harbour opens to deep channels, ledges, artificial reefs (like Crab Claw Jetty and Simms Reef), and small islands such as Indian Island and Bare Sand Island, offering both reef and pelagic fishing.
  • Access Points: Multiple boat ramps are available, including Six Pack Creek and Dundee Beach, with sheltered waters for safe boating in most conditions.
Bynoe Harbour

Target Species

  • Barramundi: A signature species, often found in the shallow mangrove creeks (1–3 ft deep). Sight fishing with lures or flies is popular, especially during the run-off and dry season.
  • Threadfin Salmon & Mangrove Jack: Common in the creeks and estuaries.
  • Mud Crabs: Excellent crabbing in the mangroves and creeks.
  • Golden Snapper & Black Jewfish: Deep holes, ledges, and artificial reefs are hotspots for these prized table fish.
  • Queenfish, Trevally, Estuary Cod: Abundant around the foreshores and creek mouths, providing great sport on light tackle.
  • Pelagics: Offshore, target Spanish mackerel, longtail tuna, coral trout, red emperor, and cobia, especially around Bass and Roche reefs and during the dry season.

Fishing Techniques

  • Lure and Fly Fishing: Shallow water habitats are perfect for light tackle and fly fishing, with sight fishing possible in clear conditions.
  • Bait Fishing: Effective for snapper, jewfish, and reef species on deeper ledges and reefs.
  • Crabbing: Pots are commonly used in the mangrove creeks for mud crabs.
  • Bluewater Trolling & Bottom Bouncing: Productive for pelagics and reef fish offshore.

Best Times to Fish

  • Run-Off (March–May): Peak for barramundi as bait and fish concentrate at creek mouths.
  • Dry Season (June–August): Excellent for reef and pelagic species; clearer, calmer conditions.
  • Build-Up (September–November): Good for a variety of species as water temperatures rise.

Fishing Gear

Fishing Gear

Facilities & Regulations

  • No Permit Needed: You do not need a permit to fish or camp in the intertidal, reef, and beach areas of Bynoe Harbour and Cox Peninsula, but respect sacred sites and traditional owner restrictions.
  • Accommodation: Options include drive-in lodges, caravan parks, and guided fishing charters.
  • Vessel Use: Most anglers use boats 4.5m or longer, equipped with sounders and GPS for navigation and locating fish.

Special Tips

  • Sheltered Fishing: Bynoe Harbour offers plenty of sheltered spots, making it a good option even in windy conditions.
  • Sight Fishing: Polarised sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in shallow, clear water.
  • Artificial Reefs: Crab Claw Jetty and Simms Reef are reliable for big jewfish and snapper.
  • Tides: Some ramps require sufficient tidal height for access (e.g., Six Pack Creek needs at least 3.5m of tide).

Summary Table: Key Species in Bynoe Harbour

SpeciesHabitat/Technique
BarramundiShallow creeks, lures, fly, run-off season
Threadfin SalmonCreeks, sight casting, lures
Mud CrabsMangrove creeks, crab pots
Golden SnapperReefs, ledges, bait fishing
Black JewfishDeep holes, artificial reefs
Queenfish/TrevallyForeshores, creek mouths, light tackle
Spanish MackerelOffshore reefs, trolling, dry season

In summary:
Bynoe Harbour is a versatile and productive fishery, offering everything from barramundi and mud crabs in sheltered creeks to bluewater pelagics and reef species offshore. With easy access, abundant species, and a range of fishing styles, it’s a top choice for both local and visiting anglers in the Top End.

Barramundi Fishing

Barramundi fishing in the Top End of the Northern Territory is legendary, attracting anglers from across Australia and the world. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the best locations, seasons, techniques, gear, and safety considerations.

Best Locations for Barramundi Fishing

The Top End offers a variety of prime barramundi habitats, including rivers, billabongs, estuaries, and coastal creeks. Top hotspots include:

  • Daly River: Famous for its big barra and top fishing competitions.
  • Arnhem Land: Pristine wilderness with abundant barramundi.
  • Kakadu National Park: Iconic scenery and productive fishing.
  • Roper River: Known for trophy-sized fish.
  • Manton Dam, Finniss River, and Mary River: Easily accessible and productive spots.
  • Tidal estuaries and inland catchments: Offer great opportunities, especially during key seasons.

Fishing Seasons

Barramundi can be caught year-round, but certain seasons are more productive:

  • Build-Up (Oct–Dec): Warming water temperatures make barra more active in rivers and billabongs.
  • Tropical Summer (Jan–mid-Mar): Monsoonal rains connect waterways, making barra fishing abundant along coasts and inland.
  • Run-Off (Mar–May): Peak season. Floodplains drain into rivers, concentrating bait and barramundi at creek mouths-this is when most trophy fish are caught and major competitions are held.
  • Dry Season (May–Sep): Fishing slows for barra but bluewater species peak; barra still possible in some systems.

Techniques & Tactics

  • Lure Fishing: The most popular method. Use hard-bodied lures, soft plastics, and vibes. Topwater lures are effective in the right conditions. Cast beyond likely fish-holding spots (snags, weedbeds, rockbars) and retrieve past them to avoid spooking fish and ensure your lure is working at the right depth.
  • Live Bait: Live mullet or cherabin (freshwater prawns) are highly effective, especially in murky water or during the run-off.
  • Trolling: Effective in deeper river channels and along drop-offs, especially with deep-diving lures.
  • Snag Fishing: Barramundi love structure-target sunken logs, overhanging trees, and rockbars.

Note: you cannot use live bait for fishing in Kakadu National Park. The park’s regulations are clear:

  • The only fishing equipment permitted is a rod or handline with a single hook or lure attached.
  • A live animal (including fish) cannot be used as bait.
  • Dead bait fish may be used only if caught within Kakadu.
  • Nets, traps, and pots are strictly prohibited for catching bait or fish (except for a small landing net, which can only be used to land fish, not to catch bait).

Fishing Gear

Fishing Gear

Gear & Equipment

  • Rod & Reel: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting outfits (6–8kg line class).
  • Line: Braided line (20–30lb) with a strong fluorocarbon leader (40–60lb) to handle sharp gill plates and snags.
  • Lures: Hard-bodies, soft plastics, vibes, and surface lures in natural or bright colours, depending on water clarity.
  • Terminal Tackle: Strong hooks and swivels; barra are powerful and can straighten weak gear.

Tips for Success

  • Timing: Fish early morning or late afternoon for best results.
  • Tides: In tidal rivers and estuaries, time your fishing around the change of tide.
  • Casting: Always cast beyond the target and retrieve past it to avoid spooking fish and to get your lure working at the right depth.
  • Persistence: Barramundi are known for being elusive-patience and repeated casts are often rewarded.

Safety & Regulations

  • Crocodile Awareness: Always be “Crocwise.” Never fish close to the water’s edge, and avoid cleaning fish or wading in known crocodile habitats.
  • Licensing: No recreational fishing licence is required in the NT, but some areas (e.g., Aboriginal land, Kakadu) may require permits.
  • Catch Limits: Observe bag and size limits as set by NT Fisheries to protect stocks.

Why the Top End?

  • World-Class Fishery: The Top End is renowned for its wild, remote, and productive barramundi fishing, with the chance to land a “metrey” (a barramundi over 1 metre).
  • Spectacular Scenery: Rivers and billabongs are set in stunning landscapes, often teeming with wildlife.
  • Accessible Adventure: Many locations are accessible by road or with guided tours and charters, suitable for all experience levels.

Barramundi fishing in the Top End is an iconic Australian adventure, offering thrilling angling, beautiful scenery, and the chance to catch one of the country’s most prized sportfish. Plan your trip around the run-off for the best chance at a trophy barra, use the right gear and techniques, and always put safety first.