The Busy Angler's Guide to the Best Fishing in Australia

Some of the top fishing destinations in the world are found in Australia. If you're a fishing enthusiast looking for your next great adventure, read on to learn more about fishing in Australia, including which fish to catch, when and where to catch them, and how to make your fishing trip a great success.

What Are You Catching?

Some of the world's most unique fish species can be found in Australia, and some of the more common species can be found at record-breaking sizes. Because the continent is a giant island, there are plenty of opportunities to catch both salt and freshwater fish. Some of the most popular catches are listed below.

• Marlin - Marlin fishing is particularly popular in Australia. Many striped, black and blue marlin follow schools of bait fish during the warmer months. Giant black marlin in excess of 450 kilograms have been found around the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Tuna - Several species of tuna, including yellowfin, albacore, bigeye, longtail, and dogtooth are found around Australia.
• Swordfish - Swordfish are many anglers' dream catches. These predatory fish are known for their long, flat, pointed bill. Though they can be elusive, certain parts of Australia can be ideal for finding trophy swords.
• Murray Cod - This species of cod is one of the biggest freshwater fish species in the world, so you can imagine what a thrill it is to reel one of them in.
• Barramundi - Barramundi will take you on a wild ride. These fish are known for their powerful strikes and explosive jumps. Catching these for sport can get your adrenaline pumping.

Tips and Tricks for Reeling in the Big One

Now that you know what you're looking for when you're fishing in Australia, it's important to know the best way to catch it. As you're planning your trip, think about which species, in particular, you're aiming to catch. If you narrow down what you're looking for, you can read about what you need to make the catch.

• Know their behaviour - some fish are deep swimmers, while others hide in shadows or weed beds. Some prefer to be out during the day, and some can be found more often at night. Think like the fish you're looking to catch. Predatory fish look for certain types of movement in the water. The right mindset can make all the difference.
• Use the right equipment -  certain rigs, lures, hooks, and bait are used for different species. Take a look at what your ideal catch responds best to, keep in mind their mouth size, and stock up. It may take a few tries to get it right.
• Patience  - every angler knows that fishing is often a waiting game. It's important not to get discouraged if you're waiting for a while to get a bite. Though fishing requires strength and skill, patience might be most important. At the same time, when the moment strikes, you have to be ready to chase and reel in your catch.

When To Fish

Australia's unique climate has a big impact on the best seasons to fish. The great thing about fishing in Australia is that there is never a bad time to fish! Though you are bound to catch something year-round, certain species tend to appear in abundance in different months. For example, you can find barramundi throughout the year, but their peak season is in March and April. Many areas of Australia are temperate year-round, with summer temperatures getting quite warm. 

Of course, this also depends on what you're looking to catch, as it really depends on what you want to catch to determine the best time to visit. Keep in mind that the tropical areas of the north have a wet season between December and February, while September to November and March through May tend to have milder weather.

You can learn more about the best times for fishing in Australia here. 

Top Spots for Fishing in Australia

Australia is a top fishing destination for avid anglers from around the world. Some of the most popular spots are listed below.

• Known as the black marlin capital of the world, the area north of Cairns along the Great Barrier Reef is full of black marlin weighing more than 450 kg. This area is also full of yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda. Spearfishing is popular in this area as well. Cairns, Queensland, is great for every type of fisherman. Reef fishing, fly fishing, inshore and offshore light tackle sports fishing are all popular
• In Queensland, Cape York is a popular fishing spot. It's best to travel there between May and December, as the rainy season can make some of the roads impossible to travel on. If you're looking to catch barramundi, this is a great spot to do so. 
• Kakadu National Park, NT is another great spot for barramundi. There are plenty of registered fishing companies that can provide you with gear, but watch out for giant saltwater crocodiles. 
• Exmouth, WA features an abundance of different types of fish and many charters for you to consider. Land-based fishing is popular in this area, especially in the Ningaloo Lagoon.

Tech To Fuel Your Adventure

You can make sure your fishing trip is a success by integrating technology into your gear. No angler likes to plan a trip, spend hours waiting, and come home empty-handed. That's why you should consider using a fish finder on your next fishing trip. Fish finders like the Humminbird Helix 9DPI GPS, the Lowrance HDS-7, the Hook series and much more are all top-rated and can really make a huge difference on your next trip. 

After spending hundreds of dollars on a great fish finder, though, the last thing you'd want is for it to fall in the water! When you buy a fish finder, it's a good idea to purchase a mount as well. That way, you can rest assured that your fish finder is secured on your boat with no risk of it falling in. 

Contact Modest Mounts to find the perfect mount for your next trip.