Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is one of the most sought-after sport fish in the world. Known for its aggressive strikes, powerful runs, and acrobatic jumps, barramundi fishing is an exciting challenge for anglers of all levels.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔️ The best locations for catching barramundi
✔️ The right gear & bait to use
✔️ Fishing techniques for rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
✔️ Best time of year to catch barramundi

Let’s get started! 🎣

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1️⃣ Best Places to Catch Barramundi

Barramundi are native to Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Indian Ocean. They thrive in both saltwater and freshwater and are commonly found in estuaries, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

🌏 Top Barramundi Fishing Locations:

🇦🇺 Australia (Best Barramundi Fishing in the World!)

• Northern Territory (NT) – Mary River, Daly River, Shady Camp

• Queensland (QLD) – Lake Tinaroo, Hinchinbrook Channel, Fitzroy River

• Western Australia (WA) – Ord River, Broome, Kimberley Region

🇹🇭 Thailand & Southeast Asia

• Thailand: Chao Phraya River, Phuket, Krabi

• Malaysia: Rompin, Johor, Sabah

• Indonesia: Sumatra, Bali, Java

📌 Tip: Australia has strict fishing regulations, so always check bag limits and size restrictions before fishing!

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2️⃣ Best Gear for Barramundi Fishing

Barramundi are strong, aggressive fighters, so using the right rod, reel, and tackle is crucial.

🎣 Recommended Barramundi Fishing Gear:

📌 Tip: Use a strong leader (at least 40 lbs) because barramundi have sharp gill plates that can cut your line!

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3️⃣ Best Barramundi Fishing Baits & Lures

Barramundi are opportunistic feeders and strike at a variety of lures and baits.

🦐 Best Live Baits for Barramundi:

✔️ Live prawns (shrimp) – Best for estuaries
✔️ Mullet – Excellent for rivers & creeks
✔️ Sardines – Great for saltwater barramundi

🎣 Best Lures for Barramundi:

✔️ Soft Plastics – Paddle tails, curl tails, and swimbaits (4”–7”)
✔️ Surface Poppers – Ideal for early morning topwater action
✔️ Diving Minnows (Hardbody Lures) – Best for deep rivers & lakes
✔️ Spinnerbaits – Perfect for murky water fishing

📌 Tip: Use bright-colored lures in murky water and natural colors in clear water!

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4️⃣ Barramundi Fishing Techniques

Barramundi respond to different fishing techniques, depending on the location and season.

🔥 3 Best Techniques for Catching Barramundi:

1️⃣ Casting Near Structures

✔️ Cast your lure close to mangroves, rock edges, fallen trees
✔️ Barramundi ambush prey from cover—keep your lure in the strike zone
✔️ Use slow retrieves with occasional jerks

📌 Best For: Rivers, estuaries, mangroves

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2️⃣ Topwater Fishing (Surface Strikes!)

✔️ Use poppers and stickbaits during early morning or late evening
✔️ Cast over shallow flats and rip your lure quickly
✔️ Be ready for explosive surface strikes!

📌 Best For: Warm months, shallow estuaries

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3️⃣ Trolling Deep Channels

✔️ Use deep-diving lures in tidal rivers & estuaries
✔️ Troll at 2-4 knots along river drop-offs & sandbars
✔️ Slow down when you get a hit—barramundi love chasing before striking

📌 Best For: Deep rivers, saltwater barramundi

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5️⃣ Best Time of Year to Catch Barramundi

Barramundi are most active in warm water temperatures (above 24°C / 75°F).

📌 Tip: Fish around tidal changes—barramundi feed more actively during incoming tides!

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6️⃣ Barramundi Fishing Regulations & Size Limits

If you’re fishing in Australia, make sure to follow state-specific barramundi fishing rules.

📌 Tip: Always check local fishing rules before heading out!

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7️⃣ Barramundi Catch & Release Tips

If you’re catching & releasing barramundi, follow these tips to ensure a safe release:

✔️ Use barbless hooks for easier removal
✔️ Avoid touching the fish’s gills—handle with wet hands
✔️ Keep the fish in the water while removing hooks
✔️ Revive the fish by holding it upright until it swims away

📌 Tip: Big barramundi (over 1 meter) are breeding females, so it’s best to release them to help maintain the population!

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Final Thoughts: Ready to Catch a Trophy Barramundi?

✅ YES! Barramundi fishing is an exciting challenge for both beginners and experienced anglers.

✔️ Best Locations: Northern Australia, Thailand, Indonesia
✔️ Best Techniques: Casting near structure, topwater fishing, trolling
✔️ Best Baits & Lures: Live prawns, soft plastics, diving minnows
✔️ Best Time: Spring & summer, especially around tidal changes

📌 Want More Fishing Tips? Check out our Top Barramundi Recipes for cooking your fresh catch!