Offshore Boats Private Full Day Barramundi Fishing Charter - Up to 5 guests - 'Offsure'

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A private full day Barramundi charter from Darwin for up to 5 guests, chasing trophy NT Barramundi in the 300hp Stabicraft 'Offsure'.

Days

8 hours, from about 6:30am

Group size

Private, up to 5

Start / finish

Darwin / Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

300hp Stabicraft fishing boat from a Darwin launch

Meals

Light breakfast, lunch, snacks and soft drinks

Route

Map of Offshore Boats Private Full Day Barramundi Fishing Charter - Up to 5 guests - 'Offsure'

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Included experiences

Darwin region creeks, rivers or Tiwi Islands — Barramundi fishing with a guide
Casting, trolling and live baiting — tutoring from your guide
Reef and sport fishing — optional, tides permitting
Mud crab pots — optional, tides permitting

Offshore Boats Private Full Day Barramundi Fishing Charter - Up to 5 guests - 'Offsure'

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Itinerary

Map

EARLY START: THE DARWIN BOAT RAMP

Your day starts at about 6:30am, depending on the tide, at the boat ramp in Darwin, usually Dinah Beach in Stuart Park. Your guide runs through the safety briefing and the plan for the day, and that plan is set by the water. Darwin Harbour has some of the biggest tides in Australia, rising and falling up to about eight metres, and the barra feed hardest as the tide moves. If the best water is out of town, the boat goes on a trailer behind a 4WD to another ramp. A light breakfast is served on the way out.

MORNING: FINDING THE BARRA

Where you fish is your guide's call, chosen for the tide, the season and the wind, and you can ask for a place if you have one in mind. It might be the Adelaide River, which is known for having some of the highest numbers of saltwater crocodiles anywhere, or Shoal Bay and its mangrove creeks to the east of town. Bynoe Harbour, south-west of Darwin across the water from the Cox Peninsula, is another favourite. Further afield there is Corroboree Billabong in the Mary River wetlands, Shady Camp, where a barrage on the Mary River holds the fresh water back from the salt, and the Tiwi Islands across the Beagle Gulf. Keep an eye on the banks wherever you go: crocodiles are part of the scenery here.

THROUGH THE DAY: CASTING, TROLLING AND LIVE BAIT

At the first spot your guide shows you how it's done and stays with you until you have it. You might be casting vibes and soft plastics at snags and drains, trolling hard-body lures along a rock bar, or fishing live bait. The main target is the barramundi, a fish with a strange life story: almost all start out male and many turn female as they grow. The other prize is the threadfin salmon, which isn't a salmon at all, and pulls just as hard. Snacks, cold drinks and lunch keep you going, and lost lures and jigs cost you nothing.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO THE RAMP

If the tides suit, the boat can stop for some reef and sport fishing on the way out or back, or set crab pots in the morning to pull up in the afternoon for a feed of mud crab. At the end of the day you decide what to keep and what to release. The crew clean, fillet and bag the fish you keep, packed with ice, and always within the Northern Territory bag limits. Flying home? For a small extra fee they can freeze your fillets and pack them in a box you can check in as luggage. You're back at the ramp about eight hours after you set off, with a story about the one that got away, or a photo to prove it didn't.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Usually Dinah Beach boat ramp, end of Gonzales Road, Stuart Park, Darwin, at about 6:30am depending on the tide. If the boat launches outside Darwin, you are met in Darwin and taken there by 4WD with the boat in tow.
Please note: The destination is chosen on the day for the tides, weather and season. Reef fishing and crabbing are on request, only if the tides suit.

What to bring

Polarised sunglasses
Cap
Camera
Change of clothes if fishing in the wet season
Your own alcohol, if you want it

What is included

Private charter with a fishing guide and skipper
Shimano fishing equipment
Light breakfast and lunch, or dinner, depending on charter time
Snacks, cool water and soft drinks
No charge for lost lures and jigs
Catch filleted, cleaned and bagged, with ice to take it home
Sunscreen, bug spray and water bottles

Not included

Alcohol — BYO
Freezing your fillets and packing them in an airline-approved seafood box (small extra fee)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.