Barramundi
Description
A fish revered by the Aussies in much the same way American’s revere the magnificent tarpon, the barramundi is a backwater brawler and a prized catch. A notable game fish in inshore and brackish waters, the barramundi has an elongated body and a long, fattened head, resembling that of the more familiar snook. The gill covers are razor sharp and can easily slice through leader material and ill-placed fingers. The barramundi’s dorsal fins are set close together. The tail is rounded and the lateral line is clearly visible. The fish’s flanks are silvery and the back has a greenish gray tint. The pinkish red eyes are one of the barramundi’s most distinctive characteristics.
The species can be found in many parts of Asia but the best fishing for trophy barramundi is centered on Australia’s Northern Territory coast in isolated wilderness areas with flood-plain rivers and rain forest creeks. Most angling for barramundi occurs in brackish or freshwater and is done from small boats with light outboard motors. Bank fishing is generally not the best way of catching barramundi, as there is a large risk of being eaten by a saltwater crocodile.
A stout nine-weight rod and lines of varying densities are recommended when chasing this prized game fish.
Average Length
Average Weight
Temperature Range
Habitat
Found inshore in both brackish and freshwater environments, barramundi are catadromous, meaning they mature in freshwater and move downstream at the onset of the monsoon to spawn in river mouths and saltwater estuaries. They usually stay close to shore in turbid water.
Range
Barramundi can be found in the western Pacific from Australia through southern Papua New Guinea to the Philippines and from southern Japan and China through the eastern coast of India to the Gulf of Arabia.
