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.
Let us help make you a better angler, by becoming part of our community! If you’re new to Ryan Moody fishing, we provide free tips and tricks on a fortnightly basis in our newsletter. Enter your name and email below to join, plus go in the draw to win a barra charter for two with Ryan Moody.

14 Comments
Best Welding Boots
November 19, 2018Thanks for the amazing article Ryan. I’m impressed with the depth of the video.
Ryan Moody
November 20, 2018Cheers mate, glad you liked it 🙂
Field M65
October 13, 2018Fantastic. I would love to catch some barramundi!!!
Ryan Moody
October 14, 2018Thanks! We have heaps of free tips on our blog. Be sure to check them out.
https://www.ryanmoodyfishing.com/blog/
We also have a paid premium online course which teaches you all of Ryan’s secrets so you can catch trophy fish your self.
https://www.barrabasics.com/praise/
Cheers
Kayak Reviewer Jon
October 13, 2018Thanks a lot for the post. Hope to visit Australia next year. Will meet for sure!!!
Ryan Moody
October 14, 2018Thanks Jon! Glad you liked it mate
Cheers
Top 10 Best Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reels
September 12, 2018This is one of the most helpful sites I have seen. Thank you
Ryan Moody
September 13, 2018Thanks mate! Glad you liked it
knowone
September 8, 2018COOL BRO
Ryan Moody
September 9, 2018Cheers 🙂
Tracey
October 25, 2017Hey Ryan catching barramundi is very difficult task for me but after reading your post and watching your video I seems its quite easy for me. Thanks for sharing these great tips with us.
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bass fishing maryland
September 3, 2017Fabulous, what a weblog it is! This blog presents valuable data to us,
keep it up.
alax hopper
August 18, 2017Hello Ryan Moody,
I am so interested.Is it the best way for catching barramundi.
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