Alex's Column 11 September 2025
- NAFA
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Any port in a storm has been the motto this week, with strong winds
whipping up some uncomfortable sea conditions.
Currently, there is a high pressure system moving across the northern Great
Australian Bight, which is why breezy south-easterlies are forecast this
weekend for Darwin offshore waters.
Notwithstanding, there have been plenty of fish around if you can find
somewhere sheltered to drop a line – or just tough it out if your boat is big
enough.
Crews who did just that found jewies biting off Charles Point, with fresh
squid and pilchard combo baits doing most of the damage.
If you head for Charles Point, make sure you steer clear of the Charles Point
Wide reef protection area.
Bluewater trollers were able to find a few mackerel off East Point, mainly
by using deep-diving minnows.
Bynoe Harbour and Darwin Harbour were very popular last weekend, with
anglers obviously taking the opportunity to fish in more protected waters.
Both barra and salmon were caught on the flats, as well as some big GTs
around the rocky points.
There was also a report of big queenies in Bynoe.
One crew caught some beauties trolling gold Bombers along the eastern
side of Indian Island.
Some quality Spanish mackerel have been caught close to shore between
Lee Point and East Point, and floating out a live-bait under a balloon has
been a deadly technique.
Those who prefer to lure fish have been hooking up the macks on chrome
slices and the old faithful Marabou jig.
In Darwin Harbour, Middle Arm was the pick of the three harbour arms for
barra.
This weekend’s tides are okay for barra, although the low tide on Sunday is
getting a bit late.
If you want to have a shot at a mackerel, queenie or GT fishing land-based,
the morning high tides on both Saturday and Sunday are ideal for spinning
off East Point rocks.
All you need is a threadline reel about 5000-6000 size, a spool loaded with
15-20kg braid line, a sturdy rod around 2.3m, wire traces and a handful of
40-60g metal slugs.
Poppers are a lot of fun off the rocks too, especially pencil-style poppers
which can be ripped across the surface emulating a terrified baitfish on the
run.
A white body with a red head is a proven popper colour in Top End waters.
Whilst on the topic of land-based fishing, I was thoroughly impressed by the
detail and quality of information in the new Land Based Fishing Guide –
Darwin and Beyond.
This guidebook has been produced by AFANT, with support from the
Northern Territory Government through an NT Recreational Fishing Grant.
Building on an earlier edition originally published by Helifish, the latest
version features updated locations, fresh fishing tips, valuable local insights
and a host of informative images.
AFANT prepared the guide with input and review from some of the
Territory’s most experienced land-based anglers.
From jetties and fishing platforms to rocky headlands and tidal beaches, the
Land Based Fishing Guide – Darwin and Beyond offers all the essential
information new and seasoned fishers need to unlock the secrets of a wide
variety of spots in and around Darwin.
This 64-page guidebook shares advice on the most effective baits and lures,
the best tides, and the prime times of year to target different species at
each location.
It covers land-based fishing locations not only in Darwin, but also
Palmerston, Dundee and Katherine.
If you’re thinking of having a fish at Corroboree Billabong this weekend, go
on Sunday.
That’s because the annual Secret Women’s Business Barra Challenge will be
held at Corroboree this Friday and Saturday.
Always a great, fun comp for the female competitors, hopefully there’ll be
some quality barra caught.
