Barramundi is one of Australia’s most prized sport fish, known for its explosive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and strong fighting spirit. Whether you’re fishing in rivers, estuaries, or impoundments, having the right strategy and gear is crucial. In this guide, we’ll break down the top five most effective barramundi fishing techniques, along with the best Favorite rods to help you land this iconic species.
1. Casting Lures for Barramundi
Why It Works
Casting artificial lures is one of the most exciting and effective ways to target barramundi. This method allows anglers to actively search for fish, covering a lot of water and targeting key structures such as snags, rock bars, and mangroves, where barramundi often ambush prey.
Best Lures for Casting
•Soft Plastics – Paddle-tail swimbaits like Z-Man 4” DieZel MinnowZ are highly effective.
•Hardbody Minnows – Suspended jerkbaits such as Rapala X-Rap 10 mimic baitfish movements.
•Vibration Lures – Metal vibes like Samaki Vibelicious work well in deep pockets.
Recommended Gear Setup
•Rod: Favorite X1 7’3” Medium-Heavy – Perfect for accurate lure placement and long casts.
•Reel: 3000-4000 size spinning reel.
•Line: 20-30lb braided mainline + 40-60lb fluorocarbon leader.
Pro Tip:
Fish early in the morning or late afternoon, as barramundi are more active during low light conditions. Work your lures with a slow twitch-and-pause retrieve to trigger aggressive strikes.
2. Trolling for Barramundi
Why It Works
Trolling is a highly effective way to locate and catch big barramundi in deep river channels, dams, and estuaries. This method allows anglers to cover a lot of water, increasing their chances of encountering feeding fish.
Best Lures for Trolling
•Deep-Diving Hardbodies – Halco Laser Pro 120 or Bomber 15A are top choices.
•Paddle Tail Swimbaits – Slow-trolled soft plastics are deadly in deep water.
Recommended Gear Setup
•Rod: Favorite Skyline Heavy 7’6” – Built for trolling big lures with power and durability.
•Reel: 5000-6000 size baitcaster or overhead reel.
•Line: 30-50lb braided mainline + 60-80lb leader.
Pro Tip:
Use an S-pattern trolling route to make your lures move more erratically, increasing strike potential.
3. Live Bait Fishing for Barramundi
Why It Works
Using live bait is one of the most reliable ways to catch barramundi, especially in areas with heavy cover where artificial lures may struggle. Live bait naturally triggers a predatory response from barra, making it a must-try technique.
Best Live Baits
•Mullet – A staple bait for big barramundi.
•Prawns – Deadly in estuarine systems.
•Herring – Effective in both fresh and saltwater.
Recommended Gear Setup
•Rod: Favorite White Bird 7’0” Medium – Sensitive enough for live bait but strong enough for barra battles.
•Reel: 4000 size spinning reel.
•Line: 20-30lb monofilament for extra stretch.
Pro Tip:
When fishing live bait under a float, set your bait just above the bottom structure where barramundi are lurking.
4. Surface Fishing for Barramundi
Why It Works
There’s nothing more thrilling than watching a barramundi explode on a surface lure. Topwater fishing is best in shallow water or at night when barramundi are hunting near the surface.
Best Surface Lures
•Poppers – Halco Roosta Popper 105 for big splashes and noise.
•Walk-the-Dog Lures – Zara Spook is a classic for erratic surface movement.
•Buzzbaits – Great for shallow weeded areas.
Recommended Gear Setup
•Rod: Favorite Absolute 7’2” Heavy – Strong enough to handle explosive strikes.
•Reel: 3000-4000 size spinning reel.
•Line: 30lb braid + 50lb leader.
Pro Tip:
Use short, sharp rod twitches to make your lure move erratically and mimic a distressed baitfish.
5. Fishing for Barramundi in Impoundments
Why It Works
Stocked dams and impoundments provide excellent barramundi fishing, with some of the largest specimens caught in Lake Awoonga, Tinaroo Dam, and Peter Faust Dam. The key to success in these waters is locating barramundi schools and adjusting your techniques accordingly.
Best Lures for Impoundments
•Swimbaits – Large soft swimbaits like Jackall Gigantarel.
•Deep Divers – Ideal for targeting fish suspended in deeper water.
•Soft Vibes – Effective for slow, bottom-hugging presentations.
Recommended Gear Setup
•Rod: Favorite X1 Heavy 7’4” – A powerful rod for casting big swimbaits.
•Reel: 4000-5000 size spinning reel.
•Line: 30-50lb braid + 60-80lb leader.
Pro Tip:
Use a fish finder to locate deep-holding barramundi, then drop lures directly into the strike zone.
Conclusion
Catching barramundi is a test of skill, patience, and the right equipment. By using these five proven techniques and equipping yourself with the best Favorite rods, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing a trophy-sized barra.
Check out the full range of Favorite rods to upgrade your fishing gear for the upcoming barramundi season!