Best Darwin Fishing Places

Find the best Darwin Fishing times and places to catch Barramundi or Saratoga and saltwater fish - Jewfish, Coral Trout, Golden Snapper.

Fishing on a Darwin Beach

The coastal waters, rivers and billabongs of the Darwin region have a reputation for some of the best fishing in Australia, with the Barramundi the most sought after prize. Barramundi over a metre in length are frequently caught and sometimes fish of 140cm or more are taken in these waters.
Another common fish is the saratoga, which grows to a metre and is a good fighting sportfish.

Click here to tell your NT fishing story

Check here for more information on local fish species and limits.

The best way to fish is from a boat, and preferably with a guide who knows the area well. There are some great fishing reefs in and around the harbour, many of them formed by old ships which have been deliberately sunk to provide fish habitats.

Even a half-day Darwin harbour fishing tour can produce a good catch.

For those wanting more adventure there are week long fishing safaris to famous places like Shady Camp, the Peron Islands, Finniss River and Crab Claw Island.

However there are some places around Darwin where even a landlubber can catch good fish.

Tides here are big, with the occasional 8m tide, and frequent tides of 6 -7 metres. This has a big effect on Darwin fishing, so check here for tide levels and times before you plan any fishing.

There are plenty of friendly Darwin Fishing Clubs you can contact for more local information and some great social activities.

There are also some great fishing competitions organised annually in the rivers and coastal waters of the NT.

And check here for specialised fishing accommodation in the Top End.

Darwin Wharf

A very popular place to caste a line, especially because of the excellent food available from the many stalls in the eatery. Drinks are also available, so whether you catch your fish from the sea or a frying pan you are guaranteed success.

Nightcliff Jetty Another popular spot, which also has nearby take away food stalls operating on a Saturday evening. Many local people come here to enjoy a cool sea breeze and a beautiful view of the red sandstone cliffs and setting sun.

Rapid Creek footbridge

With the right tide this can be a good fishing spot. The water surges up and down the creek as the tides change, washing nutrients out of the mangroves and providing a natural bonanza for hungry fish and crabs.

	A little further up the creek is another quiet spot which can yield some good fish when the tide is right and the fish are biting.

Northern Territory waterways are home to both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Take care when fishing.
Crocodiles are attracted to boat ramps and other areas popular for launching boats because, unfortunately, many people leave their waste products behind.

Make sure you do NOT do this;

• clean fish on or near the water's edge;
• tether fish to the boat to keep them alive;
• wade or stand in water for longer than absolutely necessary;
• use a low-sitting boat or canoe in waters inhabited by saltwater crocodiles;
• let dogs in or near the water;
• camp at the water's edge; or provoke a crocodile in any way

Are you the best fisherman in Darwin?

We all know every fisherman has a good yarn about the one that got away..."you should have seen how it dragged the boat along..."

But..can you actually catch those monster barra everyone talks about?

Of course a nice photo will help us believe you're the best.

And if you have any tips about how and where, that would be terrific. Even if you don't want to tell secrets about where these fish hide, maybe you can pass on some general info which will help the less experienced have some fun with a rod & reel.

Name your yarn here

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