(subfamily: latinae)

The Barramundi is arguably at the top of the pile for sport fisherman in northern Australia. The ‘metre’ club for a Barra is something all die-hard lure fisherman aspire too, and deservedly so. A large Barra tail walking across the water, desperately trying to throw a hook, is a spectacular sight, and will always test the nerve and skill of any angler.

Typically Barramundi, particularly the larger fish, inhabit lower tidal reaches of estuaries, and freshwater creeks and billabongs.

From October through to December, breeding fish will congregate off rocky headlands inshore, prior to the rains, when they will move up-stream for spawning.

Barra are known for their habit coming on and off the bite, like flicking a light switch. They will take lures, live and dead baits, however as a rule, the angler fishing a live bait (especially a prawn), will out-fish the lure fisherman. Barra are excellent eating. 

Bag limits apply in Queensland, a min. 55cm and max of 120cm, with a limit of 5 fish.  

*On Cape York and the east coast, there is a closed season for Barra between November 1^st (midday), and February 1^st (midday).

For more details, see the closures section on the Fish Species list.