One of the most common questions I get asked is; “What are the best rigs and tackle for catching barramundi in Northern Australia?”
So I thought I’d make a quick video at our local BCF store to demonstrate not only the rigs and tackle for catching barramundi, but all sorts of tropical speedsters up here in northern Australia – from Queensland, across the Northern Territory right across to Western Australia.
This gear will stand you in good stead when fishing tropical estuarine and inshore environments and make sure that trophy fish doesn’t get away.
And if you’d like a cheat sheet of the rigs and tackle for catching barramundi and other tropical sports fish found in northern Australia mentioned in the video, and what I personally use (some you might have to order from BCF if they don’t have it on the shelf), you can click this link and I’ll send you a copy of the cheat sheet free of charge.
Please note we have recently updated the cheat sheet so some of the model numbers may differ from those in the video as they have been superceeded.
To make the most of the cheat sheet, be sure and watch the video below for usage applications and some useful fishing tips as well.
For those that prefer to read, here a few takeaway tips regarding rigs and tackle for catching barramundi and other tropical sports fish from the video:
Fishing with Live Bait
- Choose a 6 to 7 foot rod with medium action and soft tip
- Always use mono line when live baiting and I also prefer to use a spinning reel, around 600-700 in size. One of my favourites is the Fin-Nor Lethal.
- TOP TIP – Leave the rod in the holder and let the fish hook itself.
Lure Casting Rods and Reels
- When casting all day you want the combination to be light – so graphite or graphite composite around 5’6” in length.
- Always use braided line for luring so you can feel every movement.
- Baitcasters are great for casting and I love the Quantum Smoke HD baitcaster reels.
- TOP TIP – If using a bait caster, reduce back lashes by setting your spool adjustments correctly – click here for how to video.
Best rods for jigging tropical estuaries
- A nice light rod 6-7 feet long is the go for jigging, bearing in mind you’ll be holding it all day.
- You can use a spin reel (Quantum Smoke 40-50) or baitcaster (Quantum Speed II)
- Designs for jigging only have the hyperlon grip cut out and smaller tip guides.
- TOP TIP – learn the FG knot if purchasing a rod with small tip guides.
Best fishing line, leader and hooks (terminal tackle) for tropical estuaries
- When choosing rigs and tackle for catching barramundi, 20 to 30 lb fluoro is my preference for main line
- Schneider clear for leader – 55lb general use, 70lb when chasing bigger fish.
- I use Kahle style hooks for live baiting as they have a great hook up rate and most often hook in the corner of the mouth.
- Switch out your trebles to 6X strong – unless you purchase a good Aussie made lure like Old Dog Lures as these have the top hooks standard.
- TOP TIP – No swivel required. Use a long leader that winds onto the reel for best abrasive resistance. It’s called the wind on leader system.
Best Lures for barramundi and other tropical species.
- Favourites are listed in the cheat sheet
- Casting | Shallow bib, 4-6 inches long
- Trolling | 5m – 8m depth range, 5-7 inch long lures
- Jigging | Soft vibes such as Fish Candy, hard vibes such as the Balista Juggernaut and paddle tail plastics such as the Keitech swing impact fat and Z man.
For more helpful tips on gear and tackle for tropical speedsters such as barramundi, threadfin salmon, click the links below to some of our previous posts;
How to set your drag correctly
Spinning reel basics without getting line twist
Do it yourself drag washer service
But don’t stop there…
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We hope you enjoyed our tips on rigs and tackle for catching barramundi in northern Australia.
