Darwin Fishing.10 things a visiting angler should know. Part Two
Part two of two part series
Fishing licences
You don't require a recreational fishing licence when fishing in Darwin or the Northern Territory. Neverthelessrecreational fishers now need a temporary licence for recreational fishing on and overaboriginal granted land and adjoining waters. Enquiries should be directed to the Northern Land Council (NLC) on 1800 645 299. For recreational fishing access to the Tiwi Islands enquiries should be directed to Tiwi Enterprises on 08-8941 1162.
Distance
Everything in the NT is large. It is a giant land with a little population and accordingly travel over massive distances is a fact of life up here. Travel into remote regions should only bedone in well-equipped 4WD vehicles with lots of supplies on board. Roads in remote areas are generally dirt and often in poor repair. Many areas are restricted access Indigenous lands where permits are required. All kinds of cars can be hired in Darwin but usually only 4WD can be taken off paved roads.
Safety
In a word crocodiles.. And plenty of them!
The whole northern coast of Australia is crocodile habitat and they have been protected since the 1970's so their numbers are increasing. Estuarine or Saltwater crocodiles can be aggressive especially in the mating season from October onwards so great care should be taken and local guiding and knowledge should be obtained.Barramundi fishing in particular exposes anglers to crocodile habitat. Box Jellyfish are prevalent from October to May and off course there are snakes on land.
Heat stress can be a problem for residents and visitors alike.
Lodges, Guides and Charters
There are a great number of pro fishing lodges, guides and charter operations available in and around Darwin. And unfortunately some unprofessional ones too. Visiting anglers shouldchoose operations with well established reputations. The blue water day charters out of Darwin will book out well in advance during the main visitor seasons of June to Sep. The lodges will probably book out early for the top fishing months of April and May and also October and November.
Most remote area lodges will need fly in on smaller charter aircraft from Darwin. This isnormally included in the tariff. Most will also include all of the required fishing gear.
Other attractions.
Wildlife, nature and native culture are the most important reasons that general tourists come to the Top End. National parks, camping out and festivals are popular. The Darwin Cup horse racing carnival runs over 2 weeks starting late July and the Darwin Festival features all sortsof music, performance and art during August.