NT Government Launches Fishing App

Kristof on Jun 22, 2015

The Northern Territory Government is giving keen anglers a hand up with this nifty new mobile app.

For many of us, setting off to catch the big one is a big part of any motorhome camping trip. There’s nothing quite like taking a break from everyday life, having all your gear in one place, ready to find the best place to set your lines down away from all the hustle and bustle.

When you’re basking in the serenity of a good fishing trip, the last thing you want to have to worry about is whether or not you’re in the bounds of the law. With so many different rules and regulations surrounding what and where you can or cannot fish, it’s easy for your relaxing holiday to turn into drudgery pretty fast. That’s why the Northern Territory Government released a new mobile app yesterday, NT Fishing Mate, to give you all the information you need right at your fingertips.

Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said the app will help fishers to know their limits when out on the water. “NT Fishing Mate offers anglers a user friendly, one stop shop of information on everything from fish species and possession limits, to restriction zones,” Westra van Holthe said. 

 

Available for both iPhone and Android devices, key features of the app include:

  • information on 30 different fish species and their possession limits

  • easy access to maps, images and links

  • notifications of restrictions when approaching management areas. 

  • a reporting system for incidents such as croc kills and suspicious fishing activity

  • general information about things like barotrauma, fish handling and boating safety

 

Which means that all you have to focus on is where the big ones are biting . In fact, “trying out the new app” is the perfect excuse to take a worry-free fishing trip. When it comes to fishing in the Northern Territory you’re pretty spoiled for choice. With a picturesque coastline, massive tidal rivers and scenic inland billabongs, you really just need to pick a spot and go. But if the plethora of angling options leaves you stymied, we’d suggest trying Katherine, a town about 3 and a half hours southeast of Darwin. 

Why Katherine? Well, for a start there’s the multitude of prime camping options right nearby - everyone knows that fishing and camping go together like Vegemite and toast. Between Darwin and Katherine lies the famed Kakadu National Park, while right on Katherine’s doorstep sits the lesser known, but just as beautiful Nitmiluk National Park. 

So what are fishing prospects around Katherine? This prime country for barramundi, the aggressive predatory fish that’s legendary for putting up great fight. They’re not particularly picky eaters, so a range of lures should work here - just be prepared for a struggle once you hook one! 

 

Some of the best spots around Katherine to snag this iconic Aussie fish:

  • Just upstream of Knott’s Crossing, near Katherine Hospital

  • Near Katherine Hotsprings - head along the rough paths to the left or right of the springs to find deep pools perfect for hiding big barramundi.

  • Opposite Paraway Hotel you’ll find a track leading down to the base of the Stuart Highway Bridge - this will give you easy access to deep water, even during the dry season.

 

But if you’re willing to make a bit of a detour on your way to Katherine, the Daly River is one of the best stretches of water for angling in the Northern Territory. Despite its remote location you’ll find fantastic facilities including boat hire, a campervan park, a pub and guided fishing. Surrounded by rainforest and paperbarks, barramundi love the deep snag-filled waters created by numerous sunken trees.

For ultimate flexibility and convenience when it comes to choosing the best spot to stay, pick up a campervan from Darwin and strike south with fishing tackle in tow. With the freedom of a campervan rental, you can stay where you like for as long as you like, then move on to the next great fishing spot.

Know any more great fishing spots around Katherine? Where would you go with the new NT Fishing Mate? Let us know in the comments below!


Darwin not your location of choice? Why not consider other Australia Motorhome Rental options and look into a Motorhome Hire Melbourne, Tasmania Campervan Hire or even head over the ditch and grab a Campervan Hire in NZ.

Written By: Kristof Haines

It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.