Water receding fast. Barra concentrated in shrinking pools. Excellent fishing continues.
28°C
Water Temp
Spring
Tide Phase
8/10
Overall
Full Moon — Spring tides — big movement, fish ON
Species
Barra 60–90cm
Best Tide
Run-out tide
Best Time
Dawn & dusk
Gold bombers at dawn, switch to white paddletail plastics as the sun comes up. Fish the snags on the falling tide.
Species
Barra 50–80cm
Best Tide
First 2hrs of run-in
Best Time
First light
Topwater at first light is electric here. Switch to soft vibes mid-morning. Watch for crocs — highest density on Earth.
Species
Barra 70–110cm
Best Tide
Any moving water
Best Time
All day in overcast
Big fish are here. Use big lures — 150mm+ swimbaits along the weed edges. Don't go light, these fish run hard.
Species
Barra + Jacks
Best Tide
Run-out tide
Best Time
2hrs before low
Fish the creek mouths as the tide drops. Barra and big mangrove jacks ambush baitfish in the drain. Go heavy leader — 60lb+.
Species
Barra 40–70cm
Best Tide
Top of the tide
Best Time
Early morning
Great for smaller fish on plastics. 3-inch paddle tails in motor oil or chartreuse. Perfect for beginners wanting their first barra.
Avg Catch Size
72cm
Top Spot
Mary River Floodplain
Best Method
Gold bomber lures at dawn
Best Time
Dawn run-out tide
Crocodile Safety
Saltwater crocodiles are in ALL NT waterways. Never wade, never clean fish at the water's edge, and stay 5m from the bank at all times. Croc breeding season: Oct–Mar.
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