Barra Plastics (2024)

FAQs

What is the best soft plastic for barramundi? ›

Shrimp/Prawn Style

The shrimp style soft plastics are a better option for Barramundi fishing when they're hanging down in a more specific area like a hole or snag. Cast the prawn right into this area and let it swim down on a tight line with a few little hops and twitches on the way down.

Lures like the 4 and 5 inch Paddle Prawn are perfect for barramundi when rigged on a conventional 3/8oz jig head and 3/0 or 5/0 hook. Alternatively they can be rigged weedless on a worm hook to avoid snagging in heavy timber or weedy areas. Barra can be moody.

Barramundi are attracted to shiny objects, so using the best lures that mimic the appearance of small fish or prawns is usually a good bet. Vibration is also key—Barramundi are attracted to movement, so it's important to use a lure that creates a lot of vibration.

After heavy rains the Shimano Squidgy Prawn paddle tail is often the go with wild Barra. You can also try the Ecoda Live Shrimp 127mm after a fresh flush in river systems.

Overcooking: When the fish is fried for too long, the heat causes the proteins to break down and the texture becomes rubbery.

Finally, when it comes to fishing hooks, circle hooks up to 6/0 size work the best. What you should put on that hook to get Barramundi's attention we'll discuss next.

Line: Good Quality Braid Line 20-30lb is ideal (Power Pro or Fins PRT). Leader: 50-70lb (20-30kg) monofilament or fluorocarbon; also single strand wire trace 50- 70lb (20 – 30kg) for mackerel. Lures: Saltwater Grade lures; eg Classic Bluewater, Rapala X Rap 20+.

Fishing with live bait is also another way that can bring success, but it's not as effective as using a quality hard-body lure. Barramundi are attracted to bright colours - white, yellow, orange and red. So make sure your lure matches the water environment.

Classic Lures 120mm Suspending Lure

Heralded as the best Barra lure of all time, Barra classics continue to slay up north on the cast and the troll. If you are heading north to chase some salty's then these are hard to go past. Australia's No. 1 Barra lure!

Barramundi fishing tips for beginners

Dawn and dusk is the best time of day to go barramundi fishing in Cairns. In the summer months, calm humid conditions are best. In summer, the rainy season can cause flooding, pushing bait out to sea and herding the barramundi around rocky foreshores and headlands.

What size jig head for barra? ›

Barra Jigheads are built on high carbon, super sharp hooks. The heads are lightweight and strong with an eyelet to attach a treble or stinger hook set up to optimise hook up rates. 4 hook sizes, 6/0, 7/0, 8/0 and 9/0 to cover from 4″ up to 9″ soft plastics. Available in two weights per size.

Half tide out to half tide in is the best time to fish. The bottom of the tide really concentrates bait and can be the best time to fish, especially for barramundi. Neap (smallest) tides are best for lures fishing, because of the better water clarity when compared to the bigger spring tides.

Fishing the full moon, around moon rise, moon set and moon right above, normally coincides with short bite time periods. Generally the warmer months, with water temperatures over 24°C, are the most effective. This is because barra will have a higher metabolism and therefore need to feed more frequently.

Berleying from an anchored boat works best when the current and wind align. If that sees your berley trail running down a weed line or back into some foul ground or a drop off, then you have it nailed, giving yourself the best shot at a decent snapper.

When the yellowtail are scattered, the best strategy is to fast-troll lipped plugs, such as a Rapala X-Rap Magnum 30, Williamson Speed Pro Deep 180D or 7¼-inch Yo-Zuri Sashimi 3D Magnum. Color patterns mimicking mackerel and sardines, as well as purple-and-black, do best.

But by far the best bair to catch Barramundi is live mullet. They will stay alive on the hook for a long time. Herring and prawns die easily and come off the hook easy. Something that might help you catch your own live bait is a little video I made on how to throw a cast net.

Natural and brighter colors include Watermelon seed, Pumpkin Pepper, and of course, white. Colors that are good for partly cloudy days include Watermelon seed/red flake, Goby or Smoke. When fishing stained water use colors that are less natural.

Barramundi flesh can be soft, but you can firm it up by salting the fillets overnight prior to cooking. Leave the skin on when pan-frying, and not only will it crisp like bacon, it will protect the flesh from over-cooking.

Braided Fishing Line

Although you can cast your topwater lures farther with monofilament, throwing surface lures such as buzz baits and plastic frogs on braided line is the best option because it floats well and has better hook-setting power since it has low stretch.