Open Year-Round
Barramundi
Lates calcarifer
Also known as: Barra, Giant Perch
DPIRD Category
Nearshore/Estuarine Finfish
Peak Season
Oct-Apr
Difficulty
Difficult
Fight Rating
★★★★★
Regulations & Limits
NEARSHORE/ESTUARINE FINFISH
Limits by Bioregion
West Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
South Coast
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
Gascoyne
OPEN
Min Size
550mm
Individual Limit
2 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Pilbara
N/A
Species not commonly found in this region
North Coast (Kimberley)
OPEN
Min Size
550mm
Individual Limit
2 fish
Mixed Limit
Within 16 nearshore total
✓ Open year-round.
Good to Know
- MUST be landed as whole fish
- MAXIMUM SIZE 800mm - larger fish must be released
- Possession limit of 2 fish when not at principal residence
- Can use up to 2 rods
- Spearfishing permitted in oceanic waters only (prohibited in estuaries/rivers)
ℹ️ Regulations can change. Always verify current rules at rules.fish.wa.gov.au
Size & Weight
| Typical Size | 70 cm |
| Max Size | 150 cm |
| Typical Weight | 10 kg |
| Max Weight | 50 kg |
Habitat
Where: Estuaries, rivers, tidal creeks, coastal
Depth: 0-20m
ID Features: Silver body, large mouth, pointed head, concave forehead
Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Peak
Available
Poor
Peak: Oct-Apr | Water Temp: 28 – 34°C
How to Catch Barramundi
1
Casting
Setup
- Line: PE3-5 / 20-30kg
- Leader: 50-80lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Soft plastics 5-7inch
- Swimbaits
- Hardbody minnows
Best Baits
- Live mullet
- Live cherabin
2
Trolling
Setup
- Line: PE3-4 / 20-24kg
- Leader: 50-60lb fluoro
Top Lures
- Bibbed minnows 100-150mm
- Deep divers
Best Baits
- Live mullet
Eating Quality
Flesh: White
Best cooked: Grilled, pan fried, baked
The Fight
Explosive strikes, spectacular jumps