Bynoe Harbour Archives - Finniss River & Bynoe Harbour

Bynoe Harbour Fishing

Bynoe Harbour, less than two hours southwest of Darwin, is one of the Top End’s premier fishing destinations, renowned for its diversity of habitats and species. Here’s a detailed guide to what makes fishing here so special:

Habitats & Access

Estuary Complex: Bynoe Harbour features dozens of mangrove creeks, inlets, and bays-ideal for both boat and land-based anglers.
Offshore Reefs & Islands: The harbour opens to deep channels, ledges, artificial reefs (like Crab Claw Jetty and Simms Reef), and small islands such as Indian Island and Bare Sand Island, offering both reef and pelagic fishing.
Access Points: Multiple boat ramps are available, including Six Pack Creek and Dundee Beach, with sheltered waters for safe boating in most conditions.

Target Species

Barramundi: A signature species, often found in the shallow mangrove creeks (1–3 ft deep). Sight fishing with lures or flies is popular, especially during the run-off and dry season.
Threadfin Salmon & Mangrove Jack: Common in the creeks and estuaries.
Mud Crabs: Excellent crabbing in the mangroves and creeks.
Golden Snapper & Black Jewfish: Deep holes, ledges, and artificial reefs are hotspots for these prized table fish.
Queenfish, Trevally, Estuary Cod: Abundant around the foreshores and creek mouths, providing great sport on light tackle.
Pelagics: Offshore, target Spanish mackerel, longtail tuna, coral trout, red emperor, and cobia, especially around Bass and Roche reefs and during the dry season.

Fishing Techniques

Lure and Fly Fishing: Shallow water habitats are perfect for light tackle and fly fishing, with sight fishing possible in clear conditions.
Bait Fishing: Effective for snapper, jewfish, and reef species on deeper ledges and reefs.
Crabbing: Pots are commonly used in the mangrove creeks for mud crabs.
Bluewater Trolling & Bottom Bouncing: Productive for pelagics and reef fish offshore.

Best Times to Fish

Run-Off (March–May): Peak for barramundi as bait and fish concentrate at creek mouths.
Dry Season (June–August): Excellent for reef and pelagic species; clearer, calmer conditions.
Build-Up (September–November): Good for a variety of species as water temperatures rise.

Fishing Gear

Facilities & Regulations

No Permit Needed: You do not need a permit to fish or camp in the intertidal, reef, and beach areas of Bynoe Harbour and Cox Peninsula, but respect sacred sites and traditional owner restrictions.
Accommodation: Options include drive-in lodges, caravan parks, and guided fishing charters.
Vessel Use: Most anglers use boats 4.5m or longer, equipped with sounders and GPS for navigation and locating fish.

Special Tips

Sheltered Fishing: Bynoe Harbour offers plenty of sheltered spots, making it a good option even in windy conditions.
Sight Fishing: Polarised sunglasses are essential for spotting fish in shallow, clear water.
Artificial Reefs: Crab Claw Jetty and Simms Reef are reliable for big jewfish and snapper.
Tides: Some ramps require sufficient tidal height for access (e.g., Six Pack Creek needs at least 3.5m of tide).

Summary Table: Key Species in Bynoe Harbour

Species	Habitat/Technique
Barramundi	Shallow creeks, lures, fly, run-off season
Threadfin Salmon	Creeks, sight casting, lures
Mud Crabs	Mangrove creeks, crab pots
Golden Snapper	Reefs, ledges, bait fishing
Black Jewfish	Deep holes, artificial reefs
Queenfish/Trevally	Foreshores, creek mouths, light tackle
Spanish Mackerel	Offshore reefs, trolling, dry season

In summary:
Bynoe Harbour is a versatile and productive fishery, offering everything from barramundi and mud crabs in sheltered creeks to bluewater pelagics and reef species offshore. With easy access, abundant species, and a range of fishing styles, it’s a top choice for both local and visiting anglers in the Top End.

Where to Fish In The Top End

Fishing Gear

The Top End of the Northern Territory is a paradise for anglers, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences from iconic barramundi-filled rivers to bluewater adventures and remote island escapes. Here are the top places to fish in the region, each with its own unique appeal and standout catches.

Darwin Harbour

Darwin Harbour is a must for any angler, boasting extensive mangrove-lined creeks, shipwrecks, and a rich variety of species including barramundi, mangrove jack, jewfish, threadfin salmon, trevally, and mud crabs. It’s accessible for both boat and land-based fishing, and numerous charters operate here, making it ideal for beginners and experienced fishers alike. The harbour’s size and diversity mean there’s always a new spot to try, and its proximity to Darwin ensures easy access and amenities.

Mary River System (including Corroboree Billabong and Shady Camp)

The Mary River is legendary for barramundi, especially during the run-off season (February to May). Corroboree Billabong offers 45km of fishable waters teeming with wildlife, while Shady Camp is famous for big barra and productive creek mouths like Sampan and Tommycut. The system is well-serviced with boat ramps and camping facilities, and is suitable for both boat and land-based anglers. Its variety of habitats supports a wide range of native fish and birdlife, making it a quintessential Top End fishing destination.

Dundee Beach

Dundee Beach is a favourite among locals and visitors for its easy access, beachfront facilities, and outstanding bluewater fishing. Here, you can target jewfish, barramundi, mackerel, and snapper, either from the shore or by boat. The area is well-served by charters and has a vibrant fishing community, with options for accommodation and a welcoming beachside atmosphere. Its protected boat ramp and proximity to productive reefs make it perfect for both casual and serious anglers.

Adelaide River

Adelaide River is renowned for its saltwater barramundi, golden snapper, and black jewfish, with multiple creek mouths and upstream rock bars providing excellent fishing grounds. The river is accessible via a concrete boat ramp near the bridge, and is especially productive during the warmer months. It’s also a great spot for mud crabbing and offers a mix of clear and tidal waters for different fishing styles.

Tiwi Islands (Bathurst and Melville Islands)

The Tiwi Islands offer a remote and pristine fishing experience, with exceptional estuary and bluewater fishing for barramundi, mangrove jack, queenfish, trevally, and even black marlin. Permits are required, and many visitors opt for guided lodge stays or charters. The islands’ untouched rivers and coastline provide some of the best fishing in Australia, especially for those seeking adventure and trophy catches.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is not only a World Heritage-listed park but also a top fishing destination, particularly for barramundi, golden snapper, and jewfish. The park’s rivers and billabongs offer a unique backdrop of ancient landscapes and Aboriginal culture. Fishing here is regulated to protect the environment, so always check current rules and access requirements. It’s perfect for anglers who want to combine world-class fishing with wildlife watching and cultural exploration.

Finnis River

Finnis River delivers both saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities, with barramundi, threadfin salmon, jewfish, saratoga, and tarpon all on offer. Its estuary and upstream sections provide varied habitats, making it a versatile choice for anglers. The river is accessible for day trips or as part of guided charters, and its mix of species and scenic surroundings make it a rewarding spot for all skill levels.

->Bynoe Harbour

Barramundi Fishing

Barramundi fishing in the Top End of the Northern Territory is legendary, attracting anglers from across Australia and the world. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering the best locations, seasons, techniques, gear, and safety considerations.

Best Locations for Barramundi Fishing

The Top End offers a variety of prime barramundi habitats, including rivers, billabongs, estuaries, and coastal creeks. Top hotspots include:

Daly River: Famous for its big barra and top fishing competitions.
Arnhem Land: Pristine wilderness with abundant barramundi.
Kakadu National Park: Iconic scenery and productive fishing.
Roper River: Known for trophy-sized fish.
Manton Dam, Finniss River, and Mary River: Easily accessible and productive spots.
Tidal estuaries and inland catchments: Offer great opportunities, especially during key seasons.

Fishing Seasons

Barramundi can be caught year-round, but certain seasons are more productive:

Build-Up (Oct–Dec): Warming water temperatures make barra more active in rivers and billabongs.
Tropical Summer (Jan–mid-Mar): Monsoonal rains connect waterways, making barra fishing abundant along coasts and inland.
Run-Off (Mar–May): Peak season. Floodplains drain into rivers, concentrating bait and barramundi at creek mouths-this is when most trophy fish are caught and major competitions are held.
Dry Season (May–Sep): Fishing slows for barra but bluewater species peak; barra still possible in some systems.

Techniques & Tactics

Lure Fishing: The most popular method. Use hard-bodied lures, soft plastics, and vibes. Topwater lures are effective in the right conditions. Cast beyond likely fish-holding spots (snags, weedbeds, rockbars) and retrieve past them to avoid spooking fish and ensure your lure is working at the right depth.
Live Bait: Live mullet or cherabin (freshwater prawns) are highly effective, especially in murky water or during the run-off.
Trolling: Effective in deeper river channels and along drop-offs, especially with deep-diving lures.
Snag Fishing: Barramundi love structure-target sunken logs, overhanging trees, and rockbars.

Note: you cannot use live bait for fishing in Kakadu National Park. The park’s regulations are clear:

The only fishing equipment permitted is a rod or handline with a single hook or lure attached.
A live animal (including fish) cannot be used as bait.
Dead bait fish may be used only if caught within Kakadu.
Nets, traps, and pots are strictly prohibited for catching bait or fish (except for a small landing net, which can only be used to land fish, not to catch bait).

Fishing Gear

Gear & Equipment

Rod & Reel: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting outfits (6–8kg line class).
Line: Braided line (20–30lb) with a strong fluorocarbon leader (40–60lb) to handle sharp gill plates and snags.
Lures: Hard-bodies, soft plastics, vibes, and surface lures in natural or bright colours, depending on water clarity.
Terminal Tackle: Strong hooks and swivels; barra are powerful and can straighten weak gear.

Tips for Success

Timing: Fish early morning or late afternoon for best results.
Tides: In tidal rivers and estuaries, time your fishing around the change of tide.
Casting: Always cast beyond the target and retrieve past it to avoid spooking fish and to get your lure working at the right depth.
Persistence: Barramundi are known for being elusive-patience and repeated casts are often rewarded.

Safety & Regulations

Crocodile Awareness: Always be “Crocwise.” Never fish close to the water’s edge, and avoid cleaning fish or wading in known crocodile habitats.
Licensing: No recreational fishing licence is required in the NT, but some areas (e.g., Aboriginal land, Kakadu) may require permits.
Catch Limits: Observe bag and size limits as set by NT Fisheries to protect stocks.

Why the Top End?

World-Class Fishery: The Top End is renowned for its wild, remote, and productive barramundi fishing, with the chance to land a “metrey” (a barramundi over 1 metre).
Spectacular Scenery: Rivers and billabongs are set in stunning landscapes, often teeming with wildlife.
Accessible Adventure: Many locations are accessible by road or with guided tours and charters, suitable for all experience levels.

Barramundi fishing in the Top End is an iconic Australian adventure, offering thrilling angling, beautiful scenery, and the chance to catch one of the country’s most prized sportfish. Plan your trip around the run-off for the best chance at a trophy barra, use the right gear and techniques, and always put safety first.

Stay Connected

To stay connected to the internet while camping in remote areas, especially in Australia’s Top End, you have several options depending on how remote you are and your connectivity needs:

1. Mobile Phone Hotspot
If you are within range of a mobile network, using your phone as a hotspot is the simplest and most cost-effective solution.

Telstra has the best coverage in remote Australia, followed by Boost and other Telstra resellers.

Choose a plan with generous data allowances if you plan to use the internet extensively.

2. Dedicated Mobile Hotspot Device
A portable Wi-Fi hotspot (also called a MiFi device) uses a SIM card and creates a Wi-Fi network for multiple devices.

These are ideal if you need to connect several devices or want to avoid draining your phone battery.

This is a good solution for people working remotely or needing a steady connection for streaming or video calls.

Satellite Phones

4. Satellite Internet
If you are camping in areas with no mobile coverage, satellite internet is the only reliable option.

Devices like Starlink Roam are specifically designed for travellers and provide high-speed, low-latency internet almost anywhere, as long as you have a clear view of the sky.

Satellite internet is more expensive (both hardware and monthly fees), but it offers coverage in places where no mobile network reaches.

5. Wi-Fi Signal Boosters
If you are near a campground or caravan park with weak Wi-Fi, a signal booster can extend the range and improve connectivity.

Note: This only works if there is an existing Wi-Fi signal to boost.

Summary Table

Solution	Coverage	Cost	Best For
Mobile phone hotspot	Mobile network	Low	Occasional/basic use
Mobile hotspot device	Mobile network	Moderate	Multiple devices, regular use
4G internet router	Mobile network	Moderate-high	Work, streaming, better signal
Satellite internet	Anywhere (clear sky)	High	Full remote access, heavy use
Wi-Fi booster	Near Wi-Fi source	Low	Campgrounds with weak Wi-Fi

Tips:

Always check coverage maps of your provider before heading out.

Carry backup power (power banks, solar chargers) to keep devices running.

Consider your data needs and the reliability required for your activities (work, navigation, emergencies).

For truly remote camping, satellite internet (like Starlink Roam) is currently the most reliable way to stay connected anywhere in Australia. For less remote areas, Telstra-based mobile solutions are usually sufficient.

Hunters Retreat

Named after a member of our family, Hunters Retreat is located about an hours drive from Darwin, Northern Territory. Situated high and dry above the Bynoe Harbour storm surge, Finniss River floodplain and billabongs. All weather, all season perfection.

Privately owned acreage currently undergoing revegetation and development. A secluded, tranquil, private piece of the Northern Territory. Located within an hours drive of Darwin. No crowds, no hustle and bustle, just the sounds of nature. An easy and convenient location to explore a one-of-a-kind unspoilt natural environment and enjoy a piece of the NT’s paradise!

Help us work towards providing an experience you too can enjoy by taking our survey.

Eco-Friendly Resorts/Retreats

A lot of accommodation offered in the Bynoe, Finniss River and Dundee areas are offered by people who have lived for a while in the immediate area. They know the seasons and how the environment changes during the year. They know the risks and adjust accordingly. With great incite they offer affordable and considerate locations to enjoy.

However, there are some, who see a quick buck and develop under the auspice of “Eco Friendly” without any due consideration for the surrounding flora/fauna, environ, guests or neighbours. Like so many places today, they haven’t lived in the surrounds and have no idea. Business comes before anything else. Don’t be fooled by their glossy pictures or marketing strategies, it’s all gimmicks & hype with little if any basis to their claims! Do your homework before deciding to part with your hard earned dollars. Think twice about lining the pockets of those that don’t care about anything but the money unless you make the conscious informed decision to do so. According to our survey, the majority of respondents want a quiet, safe, self-catering family vacation/accommodation, not hoon-ville, rowdy partying or large expensive resorts.

Some Resorts/Retreats may cite function/education facilities with bars/restaurants etc. but that means noise, excess lighting and traffic! Ok if you are in party mood, but if not are you prepared to pay a high price for high end or luxury accommodation only to find some arrogant group booking taking over the whole place day and night with no regard to yourselves? How would you feel if you booked a week’s holiday with the focus of relaxation only to find 20-40 school kids running a muck on a school camp! Eco-Friendly being just token words as our wonderful fauna that we want to see and appreciate is not necessarily going to stay around organised (or disorganised) chaos. They are just pushed further and further away into smaller and smaller locals! Accommodation star ratings mean nothing to our fauna.

Have you seen sites announcing themselves as eco-friendly but displaying pictures of people tracking wildlife with guns at the ready and implying shooting/hunting safaris, especially as they rip up the ground on quad bikes? That’s really reducing, minimising, or excluding harm upon flora/fauna and ecosystems or the environment isn’t it? NOT! I visited one website that stated there were kangaroos to see at their place within an hour’s drive from Darwin. Sorry to spoil the illusion, but there are no kangaroos just wallabies in the top end! They really know their stuff! Ever seen the environmental impact reviews of these places? No? You’re not likely to either!

These “out of towners” won’t let on about and support you with the sand flies,

mosquitos, march flies, wasps, spiders, snakes and other undesirables either which are more prevalent at certain times of the year. Yes we may know about the dangers of crocodiles but your holiday vacation will be very uncomfortable if you and yours are covered in itchy welts for the whole time. Just imagine your wedding party bathed in a swarm of blood hungry suckers or your honeymoon ruined by constant itching. It’s also an hour or more to medical assistance! Want to listen to pig hunters shooting day and night?

Besides the usual, here are a few things you should consider when booking accommodation in the Bynoe, Finniss River and Dundee locations:

Who manages the accommodation? Is it managed by paid staff or local owners?
Are staff/owners easily available for immediate assistance? On site, local area, back in Darwin?
What insurance and in particular liability insurance does the accommodation have?
How many camping/caravan/room/cabin sites are available? The more there are the more potential for noise, lighting and disruption if quiet and tranquil is your goal.
Is there private or shared bathroom facilities? Internal or external?
Is the accommodation nestled within trees and bushland? Overhanging branches? Great for shade but branches drop and so does the wildlife. Ever woken up in a green tree ants nest!
Green Tree Ants Nest
If a bush fire was to approach, would you be safe?
What shade structures are there for everyone or privately?
Is the accommodation roofing and under floor areas accessible to wildlife like snakes/spiders to crawl in/on or under?
Are there great looking low set tropical/native bushes around camp sites or guest accommodations? Great places for snakes to hide!
Northern Brown Snake: Highly venomous snake. Known to inhabit the Finniss River area.
Is the site well cleared with easy line of sight for nature’s intruders i.e. snakes? Or might you suddenly have an encounter at close range?
Are there private cooking and BBQ facilities including kitchen or are you forced to eat at the sites restaurant or travel some distance? What precautions have been taken for opportunistic ants?
What parking areas are available close to accommodation sites? Room for car and boat or caravan? What is the security like?
How far is it to launch a boat? Are there boat ramps accessible dry and wet seasons?
How far are you away from a water source? The closer you are the more potential for problems. Fresh or salt water. Will the water source rise in the wet season? If so be prepared for everything to move up to join you too!
King Brown Snake : One of the longest venomous snakes in the world. Recently spotted on Hardcastle road.
Rising flood waters, rivers and billabongs can smell. Accommodation close to or over water sources can smell and develop mold. They may look inviting in a picture but your nose won’t know till it gets there!
Are water sources on the property or close by protected by fencing or other deterrents so croc accidents are minimised and children can’t easily access either? Crocs do move around some distances.
Where is the septic tank? Are the wet season rains and rising water tables going to over whelm it? There is no town sewer system in these areas. That fish you just caught and are cooking– what’s it been swimming in?
Is the site hilly? Will there be lots of walking up and down slopes/stairs? Does the accommodation cater for the disabled?
If the site is on a significant slope are the grounds terraced or has the site been cleared retaining the original landscape. Wet season rains can contribute to significant erosion of cleared lands if not managed well.
How good are walking paths or bike tracks? Again erosion issues and potential for loosing ones footing? Turning an ankle can be painful!
Can you control the outside lighting? Is there excess lighting that will attract flying insects? Insects bring cane toads and other frogs and in turn this brings snakes.
Does the accommodation have bar facilities? Be prepared for drunken idiots stumbling around! If BYO, then this can be just as bad if you’re not looking for a booze up!
Does the accommodation offer a swimming pool? Are you prepared for noise!
Does the Retreat/Resort offer guest motor bike or quad bike rides? More noise, dust etc.?
Does the Retreat/Resort offer night walks? Potentially more light, noise and carry-on.
Do you have to buy insect repellent or sprays or does the accommodation offer free of charge? There isn’t much opportunity to buy locally.
Is the accommodation positioned close to a road or set well back? On a corner? Nothing worse than traffic noise and dirt road dust.
Does the accommodation have fly screen protection? Is there al fresco dinning/bar without necessary protection from insects etc. The last thing you want to swallow is the natives!
Golden Orb Spider
Does the accommodation have air-conditioning or fans or both? A nice enclosed breeze way? It can get hot and steamy in the top end!
How is waste managed? Accumulating food scraps and other wastes attract mice, rats and again snakes.
What is the water source for the accommodation use? The best is rain water. The worst is river/billabong/dam water.
Where is waste/grey water going? What’s that puddle you just stepped in?
Is the electricity provided by generators? These can be noisy. Does it have solar power?
Is mud racing/motorbike riding circuits available in wet areas? Have you heard of Melioidosis?
Are you in an area renown for pig or goose shooting/ hunting i.e. Finniss River and associated flood plains? Gun shots can be unnerving for the unprepared.
Do you want a place that excludes pets? Can you take your beloved canine, and if so what protective measures are in place? It’s no fun for “Fido” if he has to be chained up all the time! The prey instinct is often high in many breeds and they are likely to chase wallaby well out of your sight. Even trained hunting dogs are lost, never to be seen again. Good fencing etc is a must. Keep them away from water. Many a dog has been lost to a croc attack!

Don’t be taken in by the use of marketing terms such as “ECO”. We humans impact wherever and whenever we go.

Whatever you want to do, wherever you go and stay in this unique place in the world, please choose wisely and be safety and environmentally conscious!

Wildlife of the Finniss River NT

Australia’s Northern Territory is teeming with exotic birdlife, mammals, reptiles and marine life. The Finniss River and Bynoe Harbour included. The Finniss River coastal floodplain, about 70 km south-west of Darwin is dominated by seasonally inundated grassland and sedgeland with areas of paperbark open-forest. The Finniss River floodplain is also of international significance. This site is listed as a wetland of national significance in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

The area supports very large numbers of waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world’s populations of Magpie Geese and Pied Herons, and high densities of many other waterbird species. It supports important breeding activity by Saltwater Crocodiles, Magpie Geese and other waterbirds, and three

large waterbird breeding colonies are known to be located in paperbark swamps on the floodplain. Approximately five threatened birds and one threatened plant species also call this area home.

Of national importance are the vulnerable and threatened species of:

Plants – Monochoria hastate

Vertebrates – Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis,

Masked Owl Tyto

novaehollandiae kimberli, Partridge Pigeon Geophaps smithii, Red Goshawk

Erythrotriorchis radiatus, and Yellow-spotted Monitor Varanus panoptes.

Cycas canalis subsp. canalis on the other hand grows prolifically only in the in the Darwin Coastal bioregion. Wallaby

Wallaby are also very abundant.

Less than 1000 ha of mostly dry rainforest occur in this site, especially in coastal areas near Stingray Head. Most of the rainforest occurs

as small patches (<10 ha) but one significant patch is >100 ha.

Floating grass mats of the billabongs of the Finniss and Reynolds Rivers not destroyed by buffalo, provide an important habitat refuge and source of food for a range of fauna in the dry season, especially crocodiles. There are more crocodiles in the Northern Territory than anywhere else in the world.

Although the Finniss Sub-Region is an establishing rural living area and an important recreational area for Darwin residents and visitors, careful growth and development is required to preserve the very reason it is so popular!

Important wildlife breeding sites and concentrations of rare, threatened or endangered flora and fauna species are worth protecting.

Bynoe Harbour & Dundee Beach : Weather and Tide Times

Bynoe Harbour : Weather and Tide Timeshttp://www.willyweather.com.au/nt/darwin/burge-point.html

Dundee Beach : Weather & Tide Times

Northern Territory Weather Alerts!

No feed items found.

dundee beach’s weather

Boat Ramps

There are at least half a dozen boat ramps in the Finnis River & Bynoe Harbour area.

MILNE INLET – At Milne Inlet. Turn off Fog Bay Rd along Bynoe Haven Rd past Sand Palms Roadhouse and then Milne Road. Best with tides higher than 3 meters.

STINGRAY HEAD BEACH LAUNCH – Turn off Cox Peninsular Rd onto Fog Bay Road. About 55 km along Fog Bay Rd the road makes a sharp turn where the large Dundee sign is. Instead of heading to the lodge, follow the dirt track to Five Mile Beach.

DUNDEE – Turn off Cox Peninsular Road, the ramp is about 60km down Fog Bay Road. It is best to launch the boat with tides above 3 meters.

SIX PACK CREEK – At Mackenzie Arm. Turn off Fog Bay Road along Barramundi Drive. Best with tides higher than 2 meters.
At Mackenzie arm. Turn off Fog Bay Road along Dundee Road. Best with tides higher than 2 meters.

MOUTH OF ANNIES – If you are heading towards Cox Peninsular driving along Fog Bay Road there is a dirt track on the left 1.8 km past Lenny Creek. Follow the track to the end. Need a 4WD as it is necessary to drive onto sand to access launch site.

MOUTH OF FINNISS – Drive along 5 mile beach to the mouth of the Finniss. Launch boat off the beach – or – with permission from the Professional Fisherman’s Camp. Ramp is a couple of kilometers upstream continuing along a track from the mouth of the Finniss

River Road FINNIS River – Not Tidal. Take Hardcastle Road which is 500m before/after SandPalms Roadhouse on Fog Bay road then turn right about 3km along and go all the way down River road. River road and adjacent land floods in the wet season making access impossible for large periods of time. Check the NT Road Reports page and look for restriction alerts like this:

River Road & HardCastle Rd Restrictions 2017 — 2017 Road Report Website Restrictions

In December 2016 The Northern Land Council declared that a permit is required in relation to the areas marked in red on the Sea Country Access map. This is regardless of the six month waiver until 30 June 2017 on the requirements for a permit.

Arrangements in the Northern Land Council Region map, include:

…..(b) those parts of the Delissaville/Wagait/Larrakia Aboriginal Land Trust, more particularly described as the upper Finniss River.

Northern Land Council Sea Country Access Arrangements
in the Northern Land Council region

It was supposed to be that from 1 July 2017 all commercial fishing operators and recreational fishers will require permission from Aboriginal land owners and the Northern Land Council (NLC) through the grant of a licence or permit to fish in tidal waters over Aboriginal land except in permitted access areas. But typical NT, this still doesn’t appear to be fully resolved!

Note: The Finniss River, access and fishing at River Road/Hardcastle road, has been highlighted as “No Access Permitted”. Time will tell as to whether this is fully implemented.

Crab Claw Island Resort– Private boat ramp to access the fabulous fishing. Turn off about 24 km from Cox Peninsula Rd – Fog Bay Road intersection. Dirt road – well sign posted. Great accommodation too!

Fishing Tips

Hunter’s Fishing Tips!

Top End Northern Territory Fishing: How to Fish

Safety First! Make sure you have sufficient life jackets for every person on the boat.
Don’t go alone. Besides the safety aspects, it’s more fun. There are lots of dangers, don’t take risks in the Top End.
Check off the requirements at the NT Government Marine Safety site here.
Have the latest EPIRB – digital 406 MHz and it’s registered.
During the dry season in the Top End, weather conditions are pretty constant and ideal for fishing. During the wet season (November to May), the weather can change suddenly. Always check weather forecasts before departure. Always keep an eye on conditions whilst your pulling in that big fish! Find sheltered estuaries, creeks etc to ride out a storm should you get caught. Be aware winds and swells can blow in very fast.
Never choose to enter any water in the Top End no matter how deep or shallow.
Salt water crocodiles can be found in both fresh and salt water everywhere.
Take care how and where you gut that fantastic fish! Don’t attract crocodiles by leaving food scraps around. Even fresh water crocs can bite!
Fill your boat a day or two before your planned departure. Don’t fill on the day. Fish will stay clear of the smell of fuel if you get some on you and subsequently your line and bait.
Don’t let fuel sit too long. In the tropical humid atmosphere petrol will absorb the moisture from the air and you may end up with engine problems. Make sure petrol caps are tight.
Similarly put sun screen on before departure and wash hands well with soap before leaving shore. Fish won’t bite bait affected with sun screens, especially those that are scented. Cover up. Use wide brim hats and long sleeves. The tropical sun burns!
Top End waters lined with mangroves and mud flats are the breeding grounds for mosquitoes, midges and sandflies. Flies come from nowhere. Spray with a reliable deterrent again before departure. Always keep some handy. It’s no fun getting eaten alive – fish or no fish.
Refrain from smoking whilst fishing. Firstly your boat is full of petrol that could ignite, but again, fish are not nicotine adicts and they will smell you a mile away.
Check your anchor chain and rope. D shackles have a tendency to work loose. The last thing you want is to throw your anchor over board only to find on its retrieval – your anchor’s gone.
Know your bag limits for different fish species. Check out the info here.
Check and know your tide times. No run – No fun! Best to fish on the change of a tide. In the Top End, 6-7m tide changes are common. Be aware that sand bars and rocky reefs may be just below the water in low tides. What water you travelled over an hour ago, may now be dangerous.
Heard about that big fish that got away? Too many Times? Suggest use braid rather than filament fishing line.
Use quality fishing leader line. Many a good fish has got away by breaking the line at its weakest point.
Way Points: Good starting point but also use navigation, depth sounders to finely adjust your boat to the edge of a reef, ledge or wreck, not directly over a hole etc.
Use freshest bait you can get. Don’t thaw and refreeze multiple times. Fish are picky eaters!
Always clean your boat, rods, reels, tackle, immediately at the end of each day no matter how tired you are! Your fishing gear will last longer and be ready as soon as the fish are biting. Fishing is enjoyable, exciting, but all that fresh sea air and sun can be tiring. Plan you travel and clean up taking this into account.
Take plenty of drinking water. The tropical sun and climate does take its toll, especially out fishing for a couple of hours.
Enjoy!