Leslie Massey
Barramundi is a popular fish in Australia, both for anglers and foodies. It is native to the waters of Northern Australia and is also found in the coastal areas of the Indo-West Pacific region, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. In Australia, Barramundi can be found in the northern regions, with distribution extending from the Mary and Maroochy River systems in southeast Queensland to Shark Bay in Western Australia. They inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers with warm water temperatures, usually in the mid-to-high 20s. Barramundi fishing is a favourite pastime in these regions, with anglers using lures and live bait to catch these feisty fighters. The fish is also prized for its mild flavour and white, flaky flesh, making it a sought-after dish in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Rivers, creeks, coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, mangrove estuaries, tidal rivers, tidal flats |
| Water type | Clear to turbid; freshwater, brackish, saltwater |
| Water temperature | Above 20°C, ideally in the mid-to-high 20s |
| Diet | Crustaceans, molluscs, smaller fish (including its own species), zooplankton (for juveniles) |
| Feeding time | Daylight (in aquaria), nighttime (in the wild) |
| Size | Over 4 feet long, weighing over 90 lbs |
| Spawning | On the full moon, in estuaries |
| Native range | Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka |
| Common names | Asian seabass, Australian seabass, giant sea perch, giant perch, Palmer, Cockup, Bekti, Nairfish, Silver Barramundi |
| Scientific name | L. calcarifer, Lates calcarifer |
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What You'll Learn
Barramundi fishing in Australia
Barramundi fishing is a popular pastime in Australia, particularly in the northern regions of the country. The fish is prized for its fighting ability and good flavour. It is also of commercial importance, fished and farmed internationally.
Barramundi are native to the coastal waters of Northern Australia, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, and the Indo-West Pacific region. In Australia, they can be found as far south as Brisbane on the east coast and as far west as Shark Bay in Western Australia. They are typically found in rivers, creeks, estuaries, lagoons, and coastal waters with water temperatures above 20°C, and prefer a place to hide and wait for their prey. They are often found in areas where freshwater meets saltwater, and around rock bars, rock ledges, submerged logs, and other underwater structures. They are also known to inhabit drop-offs, ledges, snags, sunken trees, deep holes, creek mouths, and mangroves.
The best time to fish for Barramundi is during the wet season, from November to mid-May, as this is when they spawn and are at their hungriest. The ideal water temperature for Barramundi is in the mid-to-high 20s, and they are most active at low-light conditions, such as just before sunrise and after sunset. There is typically a seasonal closure for Barramundi fishing in Australia, lasting from October or November to January or February, depending on the area.
Barramundi respond well to lures, particularly large minnow pattern lures with bright metallic gold or bronze colours. They are also known to take live bait, such as mullet, prawns, and macrobrachium (a giant freshwater shrimp). They can be fished in both freshwater and saltwater, and are commonly found in stocked impoundments in Australia, such as Lake Tinaroo near Cairns and Lake Awoonga near Gladstone.
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Northern Australia's coastal areas, tidal rivers and flats, and lagoons
Barramundi fishing is a popular pastime in Australia, especially in the northern regions of the continent. Northern Australia's coastal areas, tidal rivers and flats, and lagoons are ideal habitats for barramundi. They are ambush predators, so they require a place to hide and wait for their prey.
In coastal areas, barramundi can be found in estuaries, where they spawn, and in tidal rivers and flats. They are also found in lagoons and coastal waters, especially during spawning. They prefer constantly warm water temperatures, typically in the mid-to-high 20s (°C). They are most commonly found in rivers and creeks with large catchments, a slow continuous flow, and water temperatures above 20°C. They show a preference for submerged logs, rock ledges, and other structures in the water.
In Northern Australia, anglers can target barramundi in coastal areas such as Shark Bay in Western Australia and the Mary and Maroochy River systems in southeast Queensland. The Bohle River in Townsville is another popular fishing spot, where metre-plus saltwater barramundi have been caught.
The best time to fish for barramundi in Northern Australia is during the wet season, from November to mid-May. The dry season, from mid-May to mid-August, is less productive. However, the ideal time to target barramundi is from March to May, when they spawn and are at their hungriest due to ideal water temperatures. Low-light conditions, such as just before sunrise and after sunset, are also ideal for fishing.
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Queensland's fishing seasons
Barramundi, also known as "barra", are mainly found in the northern rivers and creeks of Queensland, Australia. They are a catadromous species, meaning they grow to maturity in freshwater rivers and streams, and then move downstream to estuaries and coastal waters for spawning. Barramundi inhabit coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers with clear to turbid waters, usually within a temperature range of 26–30 °C.
Hinchinbrook Island in North Queensland is another unique destination for barramundi fishing, with its surrounding waters rich in mangroves and estuaries. The prime season for fishing here is October, February, March, and April.
Dams are also a great option for freshwater barramundi fishing, with Tinaroo Dam in Far North Queensland being one of the most famous destinations. Barramundi are most active during the summer months when the water temperature is within their preferred range. As the weather warms during spring, they can become very aggressive, especially in October.
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Saltwater barramundi in Bohle River, Townsville
Barramundi is a loanword from an Australian Aboriginal language of the Rockhampton area in Queensland, meaning "large-scaled river fish". It is a prized and sought-after fish by most recreational anglers due to its fighting spirit, size, and taste. It is also one of Australia's finest eating fish, with a reputation that has occasionally led to scandals due to its substitution in restaurants with other, cheaper fish.
Bohle River is a medium-sized estuary system just north of Townsville, Queensland. Its close proximity to Townsville means it is fished heavily, yet it is still possible to catch some of Townsville's biggest Barramundi in the deep holes of the river. The river systems here differ from their northern counterparts, with sand flats instead of lush rainforest-covered mountains. Anglers can expect a system with all the features of a larger system, including sand flats, mangrove-lined banks, deep holes, and structure. Lure fishing in the Bohle River can result in the catch of Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon, Grunter, Golden Snapper, and crabs. Good Barramundi can be caught at the mouths of the feeder creeks in early summer during the run-off, and large Barramundi are often caught at the mouth of the river.
The Bohle River is also close to Magnetic Island and Cape Cleveland, which provide great fishing spots and a relaxed place to stop for a pub lunch or a quick break. The wetlands from the Bohle to the Haughton River can be fished within 50 minutes from Townsville, and Cape Cleveland, the Townsville shoals, and its inshore reefs provide some of the most spectacular catches, including Northern Bluefin Tuna, Marlin, and other pelagic species.
The tropical waters around North Queensland offer a superb variety of fish, with something always on the bite. Apart from Barramundi, anglers can also catch Threadfin Salmon, Mangrove Jack, Grunter, Fingermark, Mackerel, GTs, and Queenfish.
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Barramundi farms
Barramundi, also known as Lates calcarifer, is a large, euryhaline member of the family Centropomidae. It is native to the Indo-West Pacific region, including northern Australia. In Australia, barramundi inhabit freshwater rivers and streams and coastal waters, such as creeks, lagoons, estuaries, and billabongs. They are also found in reservoirs, having been introduced for recreational fishing.
Barramundi is a popular food fish in Australia, with a reputation as one of the country's finest eating fish. It is also prized by anglers and sports fishermen, who often practice catch and release. Due to high demand, a significant amount of barramundi consumed in Australia is imported, which has placed economic pressure on Australian producers.
The Australian barramundi industry is relatively established, with an annual production of over 9,000 tons. Barramundi aquaculture commenced in the 1970s in Thailand and has since spread throughout Southeast Asia, including Australia. Large-scale barramundi farms are being developed in Australia, reflecting the industrialised style of aquaculture seen in Europe.
- Humpty Doo Barramundi: A 100% family-owned and operated farm located between Darwin and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. They sustainably grow saltwater barramundi in a wetland system, delivering fresh fish year-round.
- Spring Creek Barramundi: Located in North Queensland, this farm invests in creating ideal growing conditions to produce great-tasting barramundi. They harvest, pack, and dispatch within 24 hours to ensure freshness.
- Infinity Blue: Produces premium barramundi with firm, white, succulent flesh by combining all-natural feed ingredients and gentle fish handling practices. They have diverse farms in Victoria and Queensland, raising plate-sized and fillet-size fish.
- Coral Coast Barramundi: Based in the seaside town of Bowen in North Queensland, this farm uses beach pumping to ensure a constant supply of clean, oceanic seawater for their barramundi.
- Daintree Saltwater Barramundi Fish Farms: Surrounded by World Heritage-listed rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, this farm raises barramundi in pristine natural conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Barramundi is found in the northern regions of Australia. They are native to coastal waters, estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. They are also found in the Mary and Maroochy River systems in southeast Queensland, northward around the entire northern coast to Shark Bay in Western Australia.
Barramundi fishing is subject to seasonal closures in Australia, usually from October/November to February/mid-May. The wet season, from November to mid-May, is the best time to catch barramundi as that is when they spawn and are at their hungriest.
Barramundi respond well to lures, especially large minnow pattern lures fished around snags, mangrove roots, and rocky outcrops. They are also caught on heavier weight fly gear and live bait, such as mullet, prawns, and macrobrachium.
Yes, barramundi is one of Australia's finest eating fish, known for its white, flaky, fine-grained meat. They are farmed in aquaculture in Australia and internationally.
