Make it a New Year's resolution you know you will keep! Head north and bag a famous Territory barramundi or two from one of the tropical Top End's magical inland river systems. Fishing is a full on, all year round pursuit in the Territory, with visitors and locals alike revelling in the delight of having so many great places and opportunities to drop a line. Along with the much sort after barramundi, keen anglers can look forward to catching a host of other popular sportfish in the wild such as threadfin salmon, giant trevally and Spanish mackerel as well as two blue water favourites the mighty black marlin and the fighting sailfish. There's also an abundance of reef fish to be hooked such as black jewfish, golden snapper and coral trout.
The barramundi is internationally recognised as one of the world's great sport and game fish and is found widely throughout the Top End of the Territory. While barramundi fishing is available all year round, late February to June is one of the peak periods for this feisty species as they make their way down stream with the run off from the monsoon rains.
Barramundi congregate at the creek mouths and run off areas as the monsoon season waters recede providing top lure casting action. As the waters further retreat and clear, savvy anglers troll around submerged snags and rock bars in the big rivers across the Top End. As the seasons shift further into the dry months of May to October the barra action shifts to the Territory's beautiful inland lagoons or billabongs although there is still plenty of barra activity in the estuaries, creeks and coastal headlands.
Getting amongst the fishing action is easy in the Territory. The cosmopolitan capital of Darwin makes an ideal base from which anglers can opt for a variety of half or full day fishing expedition out on the vast reaches of the Darwin harbour and nearby coastal headlands and islands. There is even helicopter services offering Heli fishing safaris that will whisk you from the airport to a well appointed charter boat already positioned at a prime fishing ground. A variety of charter boats, offering both join in and exclusive deals also operate from a number of marinas close to the CBD with Cullen Bay Marina the main departure point for fishing, diving and sightseeing cruises.
You don't have to necessarily book a tour or charter a boat to go fishing in Darwin. If you just want to drop a line for a few hours, have a go as a novice or share an afternoon fishing with the kids then Darwin has a lot to offer free of charge to land based anglers. Join the many Darwin locals who use Stokes Hill Wharf, a popular fishing spot located in the heart of the city, that has a dedicated fishing platform, special shaded areas, is close to a range of casual al fresco dining options on the Wharf and is within walking distance of the CBD.
There is also a fishing jetty at Nightcliff in the northern suburbs and the Mandorah jetty across the harbour, which is accessed by ferry from Cullen Bay. Experienced and novice anglers alike will also enjoy a visit to Reidy's Fishing Lure Factory at Humpty Doo, around 20 minutes drive south of Darwin. There you can pick up some new lures, take a tour of the factory, get some local information on what's biting and where, as well as a chance to enjoy a Devonshire tea and shop for local arts and crafts.
For those wanting to live and breath fishing for a few days at a time there are a range of safari style camps and fishing lodges set up at a variety of exotic and remote locations. These include the Tiwi islands, Cobourg Peninsula, the Victoria and Daly River regions as well as the Gulf country and Gove Peninsula near the mining township of Nhulunbuy.
Facilities range from well appointed lodges with all the trimmings such as the Seven Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge on Cobourg Peninsula, to more basic tented safari camps or comfortable cabins at fishing hot spots such as Manupi Lodge on the Tiwi Islands and a variety of fishing camps on the Victoria and Daly Rivers.
For day trip fishing destinations within easy reach of Darwin there is the popular Mary River system, located off the Arnhem Highway half way to Kakadu National Park, that includes legendary barramundi waters such as Shady Camp, Corroboree Billabong, Hardies Lagoon and Tommycut Creek.
The outback township of Katherine, located 314 km south of Darwin on the main Stuart Highway, is also a hub for keen anglers. The area offers an abundance of barramundi fishing action on the Katherine River during the run off March - May, at hot spots such as Low Level Bridge and Knott's Crossing and Donkey Camp. Visitors can also take in a whole host of other local attractions such as hot springs, underground caves, swimming holes, canoe safaris, gorge cruises, museums and aboriginal cultural tours.
Although there are plenty of fish to be caught close to town, Katherine's main attraction for the visiting angler is its strategic location, providing relatively easy access to some of the Territory's best more remote fishing areas. The Victoria River to the west, the Daly River system to the north-west, the South and East Alligator Rivers to the north-east and the Roper River, Borroloola, the Gulf Rivers and the fish-rich waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria itself to the east are all within easy reach of Katherine.
So round up the family or a group of like minded fishing mates and make 2003 the year to head north to the Outback Northern Territory and stake claim to your share of some of the best fishing on offer in Australia.
You'll never never know if you never never go!!
Take me Fishing in the Territory!!
- For more information on the How, Where, What and When of Fishing in the Territory check out the dedicated fishing website www.fishingtheterritory.com.
- Call the Territory Holiday Centre on 13 30 68 for a FREE copy of the Fishing the Territory booklet and for more information on a great range of Territory fishing trips and great value package deals.
- www.afant.com.au – Website of the Amateur Fishermens' Association of the Northern Territory. Loads of useful information for the keen angler from competitions and events to fishing clinics, practical advice and feedback on great fishing spots in the Territory.
Article by Christine Bond
NTTC Disclaimer for use in Tales from the Territory, Picture Stories and Events list mailouts.
The information contained in this document is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, the authors, publishers and the Northern Territory Tourist Commission expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein.
Specifically, event information is supplied to the Northern Territory Tourist Commission by Event Co-ordinators. No endorsement or warranty either express of implied, is given by the Northern Territory Tourist Commission as to the conduct or practice of the Event Co-ordinators herein.
In circumstances where the Northern Territory Tourist Commission acts as an agent for various accommodation houses, tour operators and other service providers, the Northern Territory Tourist Commission shall not be liable for any injury, irregularity, loss or damage, howsoever arising, from the provision of or failure to provide any such service.
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022
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1-28-2005
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Author
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commdesign
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(None)
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4WDriving
Fishing
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