Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay
Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay are two major waterways bordering
Darwin that provides ample fish abundance and quality that cannot be equalled by any other capital city.
Fishing Spots
Around a quarter of all recreational
fishing is carried out in
Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay.
Fishing these waters has just got better because as of the 1st of February 2008, the NT Government has made
Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay closed to inshore commercial coastal net
fishing.
There are numerous wharves and jetties around the harbour and the city peninsula. Many are great
fishing spots where catches of tuna and queenfish are common. Even the occasional
barramundi can be hooked at night when they are attracted by the lights. During the dry months, pelagic fish such as northern bluefin tuna, queenfish, giant trevally, barracuda and mackerel can be landed at East Point and Lee Point. Hope Inlet, the waterway for Shoal Bay can be accessed by boat for anglers to target black jewfish, saltwater
barramundi and fingermark. Boaties can also head towards the many sunken ship wrecks such as the
Mandorah Queen which act as artificial reefs for black jewfish and cod.
Tips
At East Point and Lee Point, big Spanish mackerel can be taken by trolling, spinning with lures or using live bait amid berley. Land and boat fishers can both enjoy good action at these points. In creeks such as King Creek,
barramundi congregate in the deeper sections especially late in the dry season. Black jewfish may be caught in creek holes deeper than 5 metres.
Daly River
The
Daly River was discovered and named by Sir Dominick Daly (Governor of
South Australia) in 1865. It is a river that can experience rises and falls of up to 16 metres when it floods and can reach 8 metres twice a day when the freshwaters are pushed back upstream by the incoming Timor Sea tide. Commercial
fishing has been excluded from the
Daly River and the resource was signed over to recreational and traditional anglers.
Fishing Spots
The
Daly River attracts anglers from all over the country and there are even
Barramundi fishing competitions such as the Barra Nationals and the
Northern Territory Barra Classic which are held annually. When it comes to actual
fishing spots, the
Daly River is like many in the
top end, a wilderness river which has fresh and saltwater crocodiles, more notably down stream from the Crossing where they share sandy banks with waterfowl, stately jabirus, sea eagles and hawks. Therefore,
fishing is done on a suitable boat and local knowledge should be gained from the
Daly River township locals.
The best times to fish for
Barramundi is from September to the beginning of the wet season which usually starts mid to late November. The best
fishing is during what’s called the ‘run-off’ which is the period when the monsoon is on the wane and swelled floodplains drain back into the river via a network of gutters, canals, channels and creeks. Where the incoming fresh floodplain waters meet the river’s flow,
barramundi usually wait for passing bait. Others will become trapped in landlocked billabongs and become creatures of ambush, usually waiting amongst rock bars and underwater snags. During the drier months of May and June,
barramundi fishing start to slow, but some results can still be obtained by working the snags, rock-bars and tidal run-offs.
Tips
Productive snag
fishing requires getting the lure down to the fish, so when you are trolling you know it’s about right when you feel the lure hitting the bottom at times. Try a variety of lures for working deep snags such as sinking jigs and soft plastic lures. Surface lures are also great to use in shallow waters, where
barramundi often frequent at night.
Barramundi also enjoy taking live bait and freshwater prawns. Please be aware of the
barramundi possession and size limits, and note the seasonal closures that occur on the
Daly River below Moon Billabong between October and February.
Mary River
The Mary River System flows to the coast at Chambers Bay where incredible
fishing action takes place on all tides. Shady Camp is a popular spot for anglers and provides a boat ramp to reach the lower reaches of the Mary River. It is a picturesque spot surrounded by freshwater billabongs, abundant wildlife including saltwater crocodiles and paperbark and monsoon forests.
Fishing Spots
The Mary River including its floodplains is great for
barramundi, sleepy cod, saratoga and oxeye herring. Possibly the best
barramundi fishing spot on the Mary River is Shady Camp. Each year after the monsoonal rains, huge
barramundi move up to Shady Camp and feed at high tides on the deep bends. The actual
camping area is located near the Shady Camp barrage which is a concrete causeway constructed to prevent salt water going any further up the river. The ‘Wall’ at Shady Camp which is made up of rocks that drop about a metre is possible for shore based angling. Any other bank
fishing is considered too risky as saltwater crocodiles are typically in plague proportions. Since
barramundi is spread throughout the river, the best
fishing is done in a suitable boat. There are boat ramps which allow access to big barra country at the mouths of Tommycut and Sampan Creeks.
Tips
During the ‘run-off’ period when the floodplains start to empty, imitating the food species that travels with the water flow such as using soft rubber lures may prove successful in landing a large
barramundi. Please be aware that between October and February recreational
barramundi fishing is prohibited on the Mary River below the Shady Camp barrage. There is a 2
barramundi possession limit per person in the Mary River Management Zone and you must follow the fish size limits and the
fishing equipment regulations.
WA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Western Australia.
[Feature Story]
Fishing Spots in WA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Western Australia and provides some helpful tips.
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Fishing
Our Fishing index page includes Favourite Catches, tips for River & Estuary Fishing, Beach Fishing and Offshore fishing, as well as Fishing Rules and Regulations for every state of Australia. Next time you're off on a trip with the rods and reels, check out this page for the latest tips & information.
Fishing Spots in QLD
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Queensland and provides some helpful tips.
Offshore Fishing
Ever wondered why some offshore boat anglers catch more quality fish than others? The main key to success lies with knowledge, experience, and of course - plenty of practice!! Like anything, developing good knowledge and habits earlier on - makes better practice. This article will give you a brief heads up on offshore fishing techniques - including rigs, technology and much more.
NSW Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in New South Wales.
VIC Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Victoria.
QLD Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Queensland.
SA Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in South Australia.
NT Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in the Northern Territory.
TAS Fishing Rules
Fishing in Australian salt and fresh waters is governed by state rules and regulations and must be strictly followed as these laws are in place to ensure fisheries are ecologically sustainable. This guide touches on the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Tasmania.
Fishing Spots in SA
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in South Australia and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in TAS
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Tasmania and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in NSW & ACT
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in New South Wales (including ACT) and provides some helpful tips.
Fishing Spots in VIC
Each state and territory in Australia has its own premier fishing spots and predominant fish species. Some locations may reveal abundant fish stocks of a select species whilst others may offer a more diverse range of species. This article discusses some of the popular fishing spots in Victoria and provides some helpful tips.
Inland Fishing
Australia is the world’s driest inhabited continent with 70% receiving between 100 and 350mm of rainfall annually. So with such little rainfall, you may wonder whether Australia has a good freshwater fishery. This article explores Australia's inland fishing possibilities and includes a general overview of what to catch, where and how.
Beach Fishing
Put on your wet weather overalls, berley up the water and cast a 70 plus metre line to get past the breakers - this is the typical lifestyle of the dedicated beach angler. With around 7000 beaches to choose from, Australia offers plenty of opportunities to target coastal fish such as tailor, salmon and mulloway.
