Port Douglas: Barramundi Fishing Experience & Fresh Fish Lunch

Summary

Hands-on barramundi fishing with locals near Port Douglas plus fresh catch tasting

You’ll try your luck catching Queensland’s iconic barramundi with friendly local guides near Port Douglas — no experience needed. Get hands-on with expert tips and real fishing gear before tasting fresh-cooked barramundi at the onsite kitchen. Expect laughter, surprises, and a real sense of place that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Just flick it out there — not too hard!” That’s what Mick kept saying as I tried (and failed) to get my lure anywhere near the spot he pointed at. The ponds at Hook-A-Barra, just a bit north of Port Douglas on the way to Daintree, are bigger than I expected and full of these silvery flashes — barramundi, apparently over a thousand of them. The air had that mix of salty tang and something green, like wet grass after rain. There were families next to us, kids shrieking every time a fish swirled near their line. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at my own clumsy casting.

Our local guide (I think her name was Tash?) gave us this quick rundown on how barramundi actually hunt — she even let us peek into the viewing tanks where you can see them up close, all prehistoric jaws and wide eyes. She told us not to feel bad if we didn’t catch one right away; apparently even pros get shown up by these fish sometimes. When I finally felt that first tug on my rod — honestly, it startled me so much I almost dropped it. The whole thing lasted maybe an hour but it was weirdly absorbing, like time just sort of slipped past while we tried to outsmart these fish.

The best bit? After we finished fishing (catch and release — they’re pretty serious about sustainability), we wandered over to the little Barra Kitchen for lunch. You can actually eat barramundi that’s been raised right there — 50 meters from pond to plate, they said. It came out hot and flaky with this crispy skin; I still think about that first bite sometimes when I’m back home in the city. So yeah, if you’re anywhere near Port Douglas or heading up toward Daintree, this is one of those things you don’t really plan for but end up talking about later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hook A Barra Fishing Experience

• Arrive at Hook-A-Barra fishing site
• Attend Barramundi fishing introduction
• Use provided equipment to fish
• Receive expert fishing guidance
• Fish in catch and release pond
• Visit special viewing tanks
• Enjoy fresh fish at onsite Barra Kitchen

Top questions

Is the Hook-A-Barra fishing experience suitable for beginners?

Yes, no fishing experience is needed and guides provide tuition for everyone.

How long does the fishing session last?

The main Hook-A-Barra fishing experience lasts for one hour.

What kind of fish can you catch?

Mainly barramundi, ranging from 50cm to over 1 meter in length.

Is equipment provided or do I need to bring my own?

All fishing rods, tackle, lures and bait are included in your booking.

Can children participate in the activity?

Yes, it's family-friendly and suitable for all ages; infants can be in prams or strollers.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Hook-A-Barra is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Do you get to keep the fish you catch?

No, it's catch-and-release only due to sustainability practices.

Is there food available onsite?

Yes, there's a Barra Kitchen serving fresh-cooked barramundi raised onsite.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided introduction to barramundi fishing with all rods, tackle and bait provided; hands-on tuition from local experts; access to special viewing tanks; an hour of catch-and-release pond fishing; plus the option to enjoy freshly cooked barramundi at the onsite kitchen after your session.