Wet Season Fishing

Rougher conditions and on shore winds in the wet season (October to April) mean that fishing is focused on protected areas such as within Roebuck Bay and in Dampier and Crab Creek.

For many, wet season fishing all about the elusive, fast moving and very jumpy Barramundi (Barra). Although Barra are around all year, in dry season when the waters are colder, they are much harder to find. Barra inhabit a variety of habitats, from creeks to estuaries to open waters, hence a variety of fishing techniques can be applied and for that matter, a variety of bait types.

Try for a Barra at Willie Creek or Barred Creek north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsular. A bit further out of town (on the way to Derby), the Fitzroy River is a popular Barra fishing spot. Langi Crossing, Snag Pool and Willams Pool on the Fitzroy River can be accessed through Yeeda Station. Keep in mind the pastoral lease protocol when travelling on pastoral leases.

There’s a good reason why 55cm is the minimum catch size and 80cm is the maximum catch size. Barra, which all begin life as male fish, take about 3 years to reach maturity (55cm). At around 5 or 6 years of age, the sex changes to female (yes, really!). At this time, the fish is approximately 80cm in length. So, to protect future fish stocks, all female Barramundi are protected. Those caught that are longer than 80cm, must be released. To ensure a successful release, do not hold the fish by the mouth or gills (this will kill them) and return them to the water as fast as possible.

If Barra aren’t your thing, try for a Giant Trevally at the end of the wet season, perhaps a Mangrove Jack or a bit of crabbing…

If a cyclone is slowing down your style, perhaps a few drinks and a fish tale or two will pass the time suitably…