Barramundi Sport Fishing Charters
Hunt Giant Barramundi with Australia’s Premier Trophy Guide
Specialising in 120cm+ Freshwater & Saltwater Barramundi. Master the water with Lowrance ActiveTarget and the revolutionary JerkFly.
Our specialty is the pursuit of elite, trophy-class Barramundi—the legendary giants that define an angling career. We don’t just "go fishing"; we execute a high-performance system designed to land the fish of a lifetime. By combining decades of expertise with Lowrance ActiveTarget precision and the revolutionary JerkFly hybrid lure, we put you in the strike zone of 120cm+ beasts that others simply can’t trigger. Armed with tournament-grade Mikado tackle, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and mechanical advantage required to extract a 30kg trophy from the heaviest cover. This is more than a charter; it’s a masterclass in modern trophy hunting.
2024Trophy Barramundi over 1m+159
- 1.3M plus fish 1
- 1.2M plus fish 44
- AVG Size 109.5cm
- Days Fished 63
- Total Barramundi 183
2025Trophy Barramundi over 1m+357
- 1.3M plus fish 1
- 1.2M plus fish 31
- AVG Size 98cm
- Days Fished 140
- Total Barramundi 514
2026Trophy Barramundi over 1m+339
- 1.3M plus fish 1
- 1.2M plus fish 5
- AVG Size 99.6cm
- Days Fished 113
- Total Barramundi 502
Your Sports Fishing Guide
Fish With Dean Silvester
I don’t just offer a day on the water; I provide a masterclass in trophy hunting. Based in Gladstone, QLD, I’ve spent decades decoding the behaviour of big Barramundi across Australia’s most iconic freshwater and saltwater systems. I am proud to hold personal bests of 132cm in freshwater and a near-record 138cm in saltwater. My approach is meticulous, utilising tournament-grade Mikado rods and soft plastics teamed with Shimano Reels to ensure you have the mechanical advantage when a lifetime trophy is on the line.
Barramundi Fishing Charter
Saltwater Barramundi
Giant saltwater barramundi are the holy grail for anglers, and the Fitzroy River in Queensland is a proven haven for these elusive trophy fish. Your experienced guide, Dean Silvester, will take you to the prime fishing spots where the average barramundi starts at an impressive meter mark, with the biggest he's landed so far reaching a jaw-dropping 138cm. Experience the thrill of battling these powerful fish in the heart of Australia's most iconic barramundi fishery.
Barramundi Fishing Charter
Freshwater Barramundi
Our barramundi fishing charters in Queensland offer unparalleled access to trophy-sized fish exceeding a meter in length and weighing over 30 kilos. These freshwater giants are renowned for their incredible fighting power, providing anglers with an unforgettable angling challenge and the chance to land a true trophy fish. We specialise in guided barramundi fishing charters at prime locations like Lake Awoonga, Callide, Fairbairn, and even Monduran upon request, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience the ultimate barramundi fishing experience.
Murray Cod Fishing Charters
Copeton & Glenlyon Dam's
Murray Cod Fishing Charters | Glenlyon Dam & Copeton Dam Murray Cod are the apex predator of Australia's freshwater systems, and we chase them at two of the country's finest destinations. Copeton Dam in northern NSW is steeped in angling legend — its rocky shorelines and deep timber hold some of the largest Murray Cod in Australia. Glenlyon Dam on the Queensland/NSW border is an emerging trophy fishery, offering a more intimate experience with genuine giant cod in spectacular surrounds. Dean Silvester brings the same high-performance trophy hunting approach that has landed hundreds of metre-plus barramundi — now focused on one of Australia's most iconic freshwater species. Glenlyon Dam charter dates: May, June, August & December. Copeton Dam dates also available — contact us to secure your spot at either location before they fill.
Looking for the Queensland Stocked impoundment permit before your fishing charter with us? Click here...
We aim to provide you with Queensland's best Barramundi Sport Fishing Charter experience possible.
Barramundi Fishing Charter FAQ's
We have answered a few of our most commonly asked questions below. If you have other queries feel free to contact us via our contact us page or email at info@sportfishingaustralia.com.au
When is the best time to fish Glenlyon Dam for Murray Cod?
Answer: Glenlyon Dam charters run during the prime Murray Cod feeding windows — May, June, August, and December. May sees post-spawn fish actively feeding. June and August bring cooler water temperatures with excellent open water fishing conditions. December activates fish as water temperatures rise, creating some of the most exciting sessions of the year. Dates fill fast — check availability on our booking calendar and secure your spot early.
Do I need a fishing licence for Lake Awoonga?
A: No, the lake is stocked and owned by the Gladstone Area Water Board GAWB. So you do not need a Stocked Impoundment Permit SIP like other Sunwater waterways.
When is the best time to fish Lake Awoonga for barramundi?
Lake Awoonga fishes year-round and every season has its strengths. Winter from May to August is one of our favourite times on the lake — calm, clear days with excellent open water fishing and visual boat-side strikes on lures. The post-wet season from February through April and the build-up from September to November are also particularly productive periods for trophy fish. December and January offer warm water and active fish while the Fitzroy saltwater season is closed.
When is the best time to fish the Fitzroy River for Barramundi?
While the Fitzroy River is a year-round fishery for various species, the Saltwater Barramundi season is the primary drawcard. To ensure a sustainable fishery, there is a legislated closed season for saltwater Barramundi throughout Queensland, including the Fitzroy River, from 1 November to 31 January each year.
- The Season Opening (February – April): This is a prime time for trophy hunting. Following the summer rains, the river is alive, and the Barramundi are highly active. We utilise our triple ActiveTarget setup to track fish moving with the large post-wet season tides.
- Winter Saltwater Fishing (May – August): Don't let the cooler weather fool you. While Barramundi in the dams might slow down, the Fitzroy River saltwater Barra remain a viable target right through winter. Using our 16-inch Lowrance HDS Pro screens, we pinpoint fish holding deep in the rock bars and "pressure pockets" where they remain active.
- The Build-Up (September – October): As the water temperature rises, the bite intensifies. This is arguably the best time for a "metreie," as the fish feed heavily before the saltwater closure begins on 1 November.
- King Threadfin Salmon: A major advantage of the Fitzroy is that King Threadfin Salmon can be targeted year-round. They are particularly prolific during the winter months, providing world-class sportfishing even when the Barra are less active.
Important Note: Please remember that during the closed season (Nov–Jan), targeting Barramundi in the saltwater reaches of the Fitzroy is strictly prohibited to allow them to spawn. However, our Freshwater Dam Charters (Lake Awoonga, Callide, and Monduran) remain open during this time, offering year-round trophy Barramundi opportunities.
Can you accommodate group bookings?
Yes, we can accommodate group bookings for families, friends, or corporate outings. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs and to create a customised charter package for your group.
What locations do you offer guided barramundi fishing trips at?
We specialise in guided barramundi fishing charters at prime locations across Queensland, including Lake Awoonga, Callide Dam, Fairbairn Dam, and Monduran Dam. We also offer exciting saltwater charters on the Fitzroy River.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Do you practice catch and release?
Yes, we encourage catch and release to help preserve the barramundi population and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Big trophy fish must be cared for and appreciated