Australian Fishing Charters and Adventures

Roper River Mothership Charter

When it comes to fishing for Australia's most iconic sportsfish, the Gulf of Carpentaria is a region that's difficult to beat. Here in this remote and unspoilt marine wildness the Barramundi is found in numbers, large numbers, with metre plus catches not uncommon.

The Gulf of Carpentaria covers an area approximately 300,000 km2 and with such a huge expanse of water it's not surprising to learn that the Barramundi hotspots are plentiful and the fish are in large numbers. From the waters around Groote Eylandt to the bommies, coastal reefs and rock bars of the mainland, the opportunities are endless.

So what better way of exploring the area than to base yourself on Groote Eylandt at the famous ET's Escape Sportsfishing and Wilderness Lodge and explore the region using the custom built live aboard mothership, Escapade?

Once on Groote Eylandt your first couple of days will be spent acclimatising, practicing your technique, and fishing some of the most stunning waters in the Gulf - whilst targeting your favourite species, the Barramundi. Once you've had a chance to relax, unwind and enjoy the hospitality of the lodge, you'll be ready for the next phase of your adventure, aboard the mothership Escapade.

Living aboard the mothership means you can get right out into the most remote locations, without the restriction of having to head back to your base camp. This means you can target Barramundi, Mangrove Jacks and many other species in fishing hotspots, such as the Walker River, the Roper River and the numerous bommies and reefs along the coast of the mainland.

The Walker River is situated north west of Groote Eylandt and has a large rock bar, a couple of creeks and a nicely defined gutter at its entrance. Barramundi are located in all these spots, and it's just a matter of working out what stage of the tide works best at any given spot. Sometimes trolling is the perfect way to find a school of feeding fish, sometimes it's just a case of dropping down a foot or two and there'll be dozens of fish queuing up. Your experienced guides know these areas like the back of their hands, so they'll work out the best spot and have you hooked on to a metre plus Barra in no time at all.

The real jewel in the crown of this Barramundi adventure is the Roper River. This massive river system meanders some 250km through the Top End before reaching the Gulf of Carpentaria. The famous Roper Bar, located on the southern boundary of Arnhemland, separates the freshwater upper reaches from the tidal saltwater influence and here in the saltwater is where Barramundi over the 30kg mark can be targeted and landed. Imagine the battle, the incredible aerial acrobatics and the huge rush of adrenaline as you land the fish of a lifetime!

Australia is the world's best fishing destination and this region is right up there with the best in Australia. The Towns and Limmen Bight Rivers, situated further south into the Gulf are also renowned hotspots for Barramundi. These river systems are so remote that's it's very rare to find anyone here, so chances are that it will just be you and your fisho friends on the water!

Your mothership, Escapade, is air conditioned with all the modern conveniences to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable one. She sleeps up to eight anglers and three crew, and all meals and drinks are provided.

At the end of the mothership adventure, you'll head back aboard Escapade to the lodge on Groote Eylandt for the last couple of fishing days. Here you can choose to continue your Barramundi focus, take a trip out to the reef, or just relax on one of the wonderful sandy beaches and enjoy a picnic!

To pack the most into your experience, the Roper River Mothership Charter is best enjoyed as a six day trip. There are eight trips for up to eight people each, running over the peak run off period of March, April and May and can be booked as an individual trip or a private charter for eight.

Book the Roper River Mothership Charter with FishingEarth

We want you to experience the fishing adventure of your dreams, which is why at FishingEarth we only offer the best charters and lodges, with the most experienced guides, in the most stunning fishing hotspots in Australia.

We'll help you select the charter that's right for you, as well as taking all the hassle and stress out of organising your fishing adventure. We'll make your travel arrangements, book your accommodation and even advise you on the best equipment to take and where to get the best deal.

All you need to do is call us on 044 777 3003 or email info@fishingearth.com to find out more