LIVE GT HOOKUP in Darwin! Giant Trevally Smash While Trolling!

Livestreaming together with Sam from @ZiggysAdventure

Fishing in and around Darwin, Northern Territory

Fishing around Darwin is about as good as it gets in Australia for variety, tropical character and big-fish opportunities. Below is a comprehensive breakdown covering seasons, species, techniques, locations, regulations and tips.


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1. Seasons & timing

The Top End around Darwin has distinct fishing seasons, each offering different opportunities.

Build-Up (Oct-Dec): Hot, humid, water warming. Good for estuarine species.

Wet Season (Jan-mid-Mar): Heavy rain, floodplains fill up, lots of water movement. Barra move into the floodplains.

Run-Off (Mar-Apr/May): As water recedes, lots of predatory activity around creek mouths & rivers. Prime barra time.

Dry Season (May-Sept): Clearer water, more stable sea conditions, excellent for bluewater, reef and estuary fishing.


Key timing takeaway: If your goal is big barramundi, the run-off period is a standout. If you want pelagics/bluewater, the dry season is prime.


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2. Key species & what to chase

Darwin offers both estuarine/river species and offshore/bluewater species.

Estuary & river species

Barramundi (“barra”): A top target. Inhabits tidal rivers, estuaries, floodplains.

Black Jewfish (mulloway): Found around wrecks, rocky bars, deeper holes in estuaries.

Mangrove Jack: Especially in mangrove creek systems, estuaries. Mentioned specifically around Darwin region.

Threadfin Salmon, Queenfish, Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally: Great fun in estuaries, flats, nearshore.


Offshore / bluewater & reef species

Spanish Mackerel & Longtail Tuna: Pelagics, especially in dry season.

Red Emperor, Coral Trout, other reef table-fish: Found on the reef systems off Darwin.


Also:

Mud crabs: Flat tidal creek mouths & estuaries.

Flats & shallow water species: Depending on tide, land-based access etc.



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3. Top locations around Darwin

Here are some of the standout spots and areas, with a mix of boat-based and land-based options.

• Darwin Harbour


A huge harbour, multiple arms, estuarine mangrove creeks, artificial reefs from sunken vessels, excellent for