DNA Barra Fishing

DNA Barra Fishing is one of the best Darwin based fishing guide operations. It offers client the versatility of either a day trip fishing for Barramundi in the billabongs through to extended 3-6 day fishing safaris for those serious about catching large salt water barramundi or tangle with some Black Jew or Golden Snapper.

The Fishing
I have fished with these guys quite a few times and each time it can be quite different however they always seem to manage to put us onto the fish. Daily trips to the billabongs in the middle part of the year is something special, aside from catching some nice barramundi and saratoga the scenery and wildlife is worth a trip in itself. But my favourite by far is their extended fishing safaris into the Kakadu during the annual runoff. We have fished both the South Alligator and the East Alligator and both are quite different rivers but can both be very productive for Barramundi. At times we have trolled large mullet imitation lures down the mouth of these large river systems and other times we have headed way upstream to fish the flats where the freshwater is still gushing off the floodplains to through soft plastics.

Then there is the offshore fishing outside the river mouths for black jew and golden snapper (or fingermark but the official name – spotted scale sea perch, but I don’t know too many people who know them by that!). When you hook a large black jew you know it! Although the bite may be soft at times when it hooks up there first run can be a blistering one, and if they make it around one of the nearby bommies its all over. We have also caught Queenfish, GT’s, various other trevallies and cods, and once even a estimated 350lb groper (which was unhooked and released at the boat).

We have also done extended trips with DNA staying on a mothership in the East Alligator. This is an amazing way to fish as you get up in the morning and you are ready to start fishing. We had one of the best top water sessions on Barra that you could ever imagine, between two of us we caught over 40 Barra to 85cm, all on surface poppers - amazing! Back at the mothership we were greated with freshly caught chilli mud crab - there is nothing much better than chilli mud crab and a cold beverage after a day of chasing Barra.

The Location
Fishing in the Top End of Australia is more than just fishing, the location is something special. The temperature can be quite hot at times, but the hotter the better for the barramundi. For extended trips you fly into Darwin where DNA Barra Fishing Guides will meet you and take you straight out to Kakadu (about a two hour drive) where you get settled ready for the next days fishing.

Fishing Gear
DNA provide excellent fishing gear so if you don’t feel like it, there is no need to bring any gear. They fish with GLoomis rods and Shimano baitcasters for the Barramundi and have quality shimano overhead reels for the reef fishing for the Black Jew and Golden Snapper.

The lodging
The accommodation out at Kakadu national park is comfortable and there is either twin or triple share. There is a pool, bar and restaurant. Day trips DNA will pick you up nice and early from your hotel in Darwin and drop you back in the evening.

The Food
At the Kakadu resort there is two restaurants on offer and offer nice meals. Full buffet breakfast in the morning, lunch on the boats and a nice meal in the restaurant, and for those of us that love a feed of prawns – they are nearly always on offer at the night buffet. One of the nights the staff at the restaurant will cook up your fish local style and it is just devine.

The Price Includes
DNA offer an all inclusive price that includes travel to and from Kakadu, all park licenses and entry fees, all fishing gear, full guided fishing, accommodation on a twin or triple share, and meals at the Kakadu restaurant. The only thing you need to pay for is your alcohol purchases and lures (and fishing gear) on a ‘replace if lost’ basis.