When it comes to fishing in the Kimberley, there is ample opportunity for the keen angler to land a great catch and there are few fish more impressive than the mighty Barramundi. This iconic fish is both elusive and delicious to eat which makes it a sought-after catch. Luckily, the Kimberley have some of Australia’s biggest Barramundi which are just waiting to be added to your fishing hall of fame.
If you’re about to head off on your Kimberley holidays, we’re here to talk about what you can expect from Barramundi fishing in the area.
The Barramundi
Barramundi, which is Aboriginal for ‘large scaled silver fish’, is one of the most popular game fish in Australia and is prized by anglers for both the fight it can put up when hooked and its large size. Barramundi live in both fresh and saltwater and are prolific in the Kimberley region due to their willingness to eat almost anything – including each other! Their wide-ranging habitats can include streams, rivers, lakes, billabongs, estuaries and coastal waters and they are often found hiding under rocks or logs. In terms of size, these fish can grow to a whopping 60kg.
Landing a Barra
Barramundi are most abundant during the wet season which tends not to be the most popular time to visit the Kimberley due to heavy rainfall which restricts access to many areas. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to land a Barramundi during the dry season with a little persistence and being in the right place at the right time. Luckily, Barramundi aren’t picky when it comes to bait and will respond to most types of bait and lures. However, they do have a clever knack of escaping once hooked which is why you need a little patience. Look for hiding spots or muddy water that a Barramundi might be lurking and river mouths tend to be a popular option.
Don’t be too hasty to move to a new spot if you feel you’re having no luck because it can take some time for a lazy Barramundi to make their move. Instead, try to change up your lures to see if you can catch the attention of a curious fish. If you hook a Barra, don’t release tension as their tough mouths mean that hooks can easily dislodge. Remember to come armed with plenty of lures because you tend to lose them pretty quickly when fishing for Barramundi.
Kimberley fishing holiday
If you’re looking for Kimberley fishing holidays, contact Ocean Dream Charters. We offer scheduled cruises and private charters aboard our luxury 80 foot twin-hull catamaran and our experienced crew know the best fishing spots in the area. To make things easier, we also provide excellent fishing gear so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.
For Kimberley adventure tours aboard our luxury vessel, contact Ocean Dream Charters today on 1300 944 727.