Northern Territory

9 Fishing Charters

Northern Territory Fishing Charters

Search top fishing charters in Northern Territory
Northern Territory: 9 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(72 reviews)
Darwin
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $163
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(5 reviews)
Darwin
Booked out!
Your dates are popular โ€“ we've run out of trips with this charter! Check out more below.
Excellent
4.4 / 5
(192 reviews)
Darwin
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $121
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(51 reviews)
Howard Springs
trips from $320
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Darwin
trips from $503
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(16 reviews)
Darwin
trips from $343
Darwin
trips from $317
Darwin
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(12 reviews)
Darwin
trips from $196

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Northern Territory

According to customer reviews, Barra Private Tours, Game Changer Fishing Charters, and Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters are some of the most popular fishing charters in Northern Territory. Full list of top fishing charters in Northern Territory.

The average price for a private 4 hour Northern Territory fishing trip is $122, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you $948 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Barra Private Tours, Game Changer Fishing Charters, and Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters all received great reviews from families who booked fishing trips in Northern Territory.

The most popular fish species you can target are Barramundi, Black Jewfish, and Giant Trevally. Top fishing techniques include Trolling, Bottom Fishing, and Light Tackle. Reef fishing, flats fishing, and river fishing are commonly offered by local guides.

Fishing Northern Territory waters in Australia has to be next on your fishing to-do list. Hard fighting fish, spectacular landscapes, and the friendliest people, all combine to make your trip down under the unforgettable adventure you’ve been searching for.

The Northern Territory is surrounded by three main bodies of water: the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea, and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The temperature in these waters varies, allowing for different fishing opportunities around the NT coast.

Northern Territory Fishing Spots

When fishing in the NT, odds are you’ll be heading out from Darwin. There are other awesome fisheries around the coast as well as inland, including the deep sea, bays, rivers, estuaries, lagoons, and billabongs.

Darwin

Located in the Top End, on a peninsula surrounded by the sea, the fishing in Darwin is some of the best in Australia. This is the place where you have the best chance of catching the native Barramundi. These fighting fish can reach up to 1.4 meters in length. Top fishing spots in Darwin include Shoal Bay and the artificial reefs in the harbour. At ‘The Rock’ in Shoal Bay you’ll hook up huge Barramundi. The artificial reefs, such as Ham Luong and Stokes Hill Wharf, will see you reeling in Jewfish, Estuary Cod, and Golden Snapper.

Kakadu


The NT might have tropic weather, but the Top End has some incredible and diverse ecosystems. Head to the Kakadu National Park for top fishing and a rich aboriginal history. This is a great fishery for Barramundi, with peaks during March and April. You can head to the park year-round, and catch Golden Snapper, Black Jewfish, and more. There are strict regulations for fishing in these prolific waters – amongst them, live bait is not allowed, and the cleaning of your catch must not be done within 50 meters of the waterway.

Katherine

If you’re driving to the Top End, your journey will include Katherine. Located 300 kilometers south of Darwin, this area has some of the best fishing available. From here, there’s easy access to the Katherine River, where you’ll hook up Barramundi and Sooty Grunter.

Katherine is a great starting point before heading to other local waters. Surrounding Katherine, you have Victoria River (known locally as ‘Mighty Vic’), Daly River, Kakadu, Roper River, and the Borroloola region, all fantastic fisheries with huge Barramundi.

Tiwi Islands

Collectively called the Tiwi Islands, the islands of Bathurst and Melville are excellent for both bluewater fishing and estuary fishing. You’ll need to travel 80 kilometers to reach them, but it’s worth the journey –you can catch some huge Sailfish and Black Marlin here! Make sure you have the specific permit for fishing this island.

Truant Island

Off the north-eastern shores is Truant Island. Travel here in October and November for Grander Black Marlin!

Groote Eylandt

South of Truant Island is Groote Eylandt, located in the warm waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Between November and March you’ll find Marlin and Sailfish aplenty here. For the rest of the year, you can still fish for Giant Trevally, Barracouta, Queenfish, Cobia, and more.

Fishing Tips

  • You’re likely to test out your lures and even lose a fair bit of tackle when battling Barramundi. Do not go into the waters to fish it out! The largest reptile in the world, the saltwater crocodile – or ‘salties’ to the locals – call these waters home and are highly aggressive.

  • The best time to go fishing for Barramundi is during low tide, as it draws them out of their hiding spots among the mangroves and hidey-holes.

  • The top technique for catching Barramundi is by trolling or casting. When you are legally allowed to use live bait, do!

Need to Know


Although called ‘salties’, crocodiles can be found in both saltwater and freshwater. These are dangerous man-eating reptiles – keep your distance and do not approach them. It’s highly recommended to fish with a local guide to best avoid salties.

The best time to fish is during the ‘build-up’. This occurs between October and December when the temperatures rise and the humidity sets in before the wet season starts.

Regulations

There are many regulations in place in the NT regarding the species you can catch and limits. There are also restrictions on what equipment you can use. You won’t need a fishing licence on your trip, but you do need a permit to fish certain areas.

Protected Species

There are many protected species in Australia. Sawfish, Northern River Shark, and Speartooth Shark are all restricted in the NT, and if accidentally hooked must be released immediately.

Budget

Northern Territory fishing trip prices are generally per person, and can be AUD 200 for a short trip, and AUD 350 for a 10-hour trip. Expect to see shared trips as the norm.

Head down under today – fishing Northern Territory waters will keep you on your toes and provide an adventure you’ll never forget!

 

Northern Territory
Excellent
4.2 / 5
Based on 26564 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

January

Australia Day is on January 26, so expect celebrations all over Oz! There’s also the Great Northern Barra Bash competition in Darwin Harbour to attend.

February

February is a great time to head offshore and catch Black Marlin and Sailfish. Inshore, head after Threadfin Salmon.

March

This is the last month to partake in the Million Dollar Catch for Barramundi. Starting in October, this is a six-month competition to catch the tagged Barra and win big!

April

Get the ladies together and join the ‘Girls Gone Fishin’. Their competition will have you going after Barramundi during a weekend of fun and fishing.

May

Top anglers can join in the NT Barramundi Classic, a week-long competition. Festivals are abundant this month – head to the music festival Blacken and food festival Taste of Kakadu.

June

June is a great month for Longtail Tuna and Giant Trevally. Temperatures reach 31°C in Darwin – expect no rainy days! The dry season is in full swing now.

 
July

Territory Day, on July 1, is one of the few days you can legally set off fireworks! Try something new – make a boat out of beer cans in the Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta!

 

August

The Darwin Festival is perfect for the whole family – 18 nights of dance, concerts, and outdoor activities.

September

The waters start getting active. You can hook Golden Trevally and Narrow-barred Mackerel now. This is the last month of the dry season.

October

Barramundi start spawning now. The Million Dollar Fish competition begins – catch the pre-tagged Barramundi and win amazing prizes.

November

Fishing for Barra heats up now, as well as Fingermark Bream, Threadfin Salmon, and more.

December

This is the beginning of the monsoon season, with around 17 days of rain but high temperatures of up to 33°C.  

Northern Territory Fishing Calendar

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Dont be he'll bent on Barra, they are sneaky bastard, but go with Cap Flo and catch magnificent fish, especially spanish mackeral, Pete got an 83, Matt was just as close, big fish big excitement great day
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dont be he'll bent on Barra, they are sneaky bastard, but go with Cap Flo and catch magnificent fish, especially spanish mackeral, Pete got an 83, Matt was just as close, big fish big excitement great day
Ondine  L.
Ondine L. Adelaide, South Australia
Go on Fishing Charters Darwin. Professional and made sure a great experience was had by all!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go on Fishing Charters Darwin. Professional and made sure a great experience was had by all!
Nicola  B.
Nicola B. Prospect, SA
Definitely, we took our 2boys aged 16 and 13, their first time fishing and they loved it-they are hooked ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Definitely, we took our 2boys aged 16 and 13, their first time fishing and they loved it-they are hooked ?
Fiona  L.
Fiona L. Sydney, NSW
Take plenty of sunscreen and hat and sunglasses full day is a long day but well worth it. Totally enjoyed myself
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take plenty of sunscreen and hat and sunglasses full day is a long day but well worth it. Totally enjoyed myself
Hall  S.
Hall S. Vale Park, South Australia
Be prepared for the heat, and definitely use Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for the heat, and definitely use Darwin Harbour Fishing Charters.
Jed  S.
Jed S. Ryde, NSW
A wonderful day out in an incredible place. This is what memories are made of !!!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
A wonderful day out in an incredible place. This is what memories are made of !!!
Rodney  L.
Rodney L. Australia
Sun protection, plenty of water and a safe reliable large boat, with an experienced skipper who knows where the fish are
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Sun protection, plenty of water and a safe reliable large boat, with an experienced skipper who knows where the fish are
FishingBooker Member
FishingBooker Member Diamond Creek, Victoria
Go with Darwin fishing charters, it is a great day and is well worth it if it your first time fishing in Darwin.... you won't regret it !
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Go with Darwin fishing charters, it is a great day and is well worth it if it your first time fishing in Darwin.... you won't regret it !
David  C.
David C. Sydney, New South Wales
Come with a sense of adventure and a good dose of humour. As it is well worth the effort with Keith.
Very good
4.0 / 5
Come with a sense of adventure and a good dose of humour. As it is well worth the effort with Keith.
Frank  R.
Frank R. Frewville, South Australia

Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(72 reviews)
Did first fishing trip with a friend.taught everything should know and very helpful
Priyan Mohan Banneheke Mudiyanselage
Priyan Mohan Banneheke Mudiyanselage
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Good 1/2 day trip. Full day would have been better. Captain was great and knew his stuff. Highly recommend it.
Andrew  S.
Andrew S. Melbourne, VIC
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(72 reviews)
Another excellent trip with Barra Private Tours. Florian put us on the fish and I think we did better than most out there each day. We were well looked after and had an awesome fishing experience.
Neil  C.
Neil C. Salem, NH
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Captain and Cindy took care of all our requirements and made the day a very enjoyable and memorable one. We hope to have better fishing next time we are there as the river is super . The Captain was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable and tried all options to get a big fish . We unfortunately had bad weather and could do nothing about it . We did catch a salmon for dinner and enjoyed that . Looking forward to coming back again for better fishing..
Ravindra  V.  R.
Ravindra V. R. Bengaluru, Karnataka
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
I had a great time, the captain got me on fish right away! Cindy picked us up from our cruise ship and took us straight to the dock! Iโ€™ve fished around the world and they exceeded all my expectations! I wish I could have done a full day trip!
Page  A.
Page A. Glendale, AZ
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
My brother and I went fishing w flo & Cindy today What an experience flo had so much local knowledge & he landed us on the Barra and trevally had food for us plus super hospitable . The hosts made us feel so welcome. I canโ€™t recommend them enough . We will be going fishing with this lot again.
Andrew  N.
Andrew N. Adelaide, South Australia
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Had an awesome day out, two fish caught off the bucket list. Floran was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend Barra private toursFishing.. such a beautiful scenery of wild life and nature..
Joanne  A.
Joanne A. Quincy, MA
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Collected by Capt Floran on time, well equips boat and a very knowledgeable Captain , would certainly go again
Colin  B.
Colin B. Adelaide, South Australia
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Awesome day out on the boat, Flo was very knowledgeable and experienced. We all caught good fish, including Barra which made the day very memorable.
Anthony  G.
Anthony G. Adelaide, SA
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
4.3 / 5
(72 reviews)
My son and l had a great day. Would definatly do it again next time i Darwin.
George  G.
George G. Melbourne, VIC
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Had a full day with Captain Flo on Corroboree Billabong โ€ฆ had a great day searching for the elusive Barra and Saratogaโ€ฆplenty of food, snacks and drinks to keep us hydrated. Captain Flo looked after my partner who was a first time fisher and ended up having a great day.
Louis  M.
Louis M. Adelaide, South Australia
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
What a brilliant day. On the fish within 5 minutes of casting in. Caught barra, catfish, threadfin salmon. Saw crocs, dolphins, amazing birdlife and beautiful river scenery. A real treat to have our own catch cooked by Captain Flo. Thanks for an amazing experience. Such a worthwhile day with my family.
Jodie  D.
Jodie D. Union, CT
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
A great 4-5 hours of near shore fishing in Darwin Harbour, 2 Barra caught, 1 release and 1 keeper. Recommended for a mates or family day out to the secret spots.
Tania  P.
Tania P. Australia
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
Had the time for a quick half day charter was great Flo showing us the local spots. In future need to book around better tides for estuary fishing, but the open water fun was great
Matt  B.
Matt B. Brisbane, Queensland
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
What a cracking day out with Flo . Had our first spanish mackerel in the boat within 15 mins. Then continued to see heaps of action and catch all day. Definitly recommend! So much better than a big charter. John
John  E.
John E. Thornton, NH
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
What a great day. Never been Barra fishing before and we landed 5 big Barra on one day great company. Great captain and deckhand easy going, plenty of laughs which always makes the day good. Cooked up fresh Barra on the bbq for lunch. 3 people on the boat never been Barra fishing and we all left with a fish each smallest was 70cm cannot recommended this boat enough money well spent and memories made that will last a lifetime!! Thanks again best in business!!!
Zac  L.
Zac L. Adelaide, South Australia
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
A top day. Fish hard to find but we landed 3 and lost three. Floran a great host. Great boat to fish from. I am now planning to come back in May next year.
Ross  B.
Ross B. East Orange, NJ
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
We were all picked up at our accommodation by Flo, travelled to the Finniss River and set on our way, huge crocodiles spotted along the river banks. Fished with lures and ended up with 5 nice Barra on the turn of the tide. Flo filleted and cooked one for our lunch, as good as it gets. Great day with good people, Flo was on his game all day, made sure we all had what we needed. Go with the Flo, you wonโ€™t be disappointed.
Greg  C.
Greg C. Adelaide, SA
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
The day was fantastic, and started at 0600hrs and we didnโ€™t return until almost 1800hrs. Great value! Captain Floran was very friendly and accommodating and had the day well planned. While we caught only a couple of fish one being a barramundi another big one escaped. He supplied an early breakfast and also a bbq lunch. Everything was fresh and plenty of cold drinks were available. We fished out of Corroboree Billabong which is on the way to Kakadu National Park. Throughly Recommended. Peter W
Peter  W.
Peter W. Adelaide, SA
Barra Private Tours
Barra Private Tours
Fishing charter in Darwin
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(72 reviews)
fantastic trip, fun captain he taught us lots, we had a blast... must do it again
Bec  V.
Bec V. Adelaide, South Australia