There are many lightening strikes and strong prolonged runs from these fish, and light tackle is not the go here. Strong, medium length baitcasting or spinning gear, loaded with at least 10kg line is required as is hardy lures with beefed up hooks and rings. With all these positives there must be a down side. Barramundi are fairly inactive in cold water and Lake Tinaroo is in the mountains and subject to a much greater temperature variation that coastal waters. During the cooler months they are almost impossible to catch, while during the summer the conditions must be almost perfect to be able to target these fish with any confidence.
Persistence is the key.
On warm, balmy, humid days, sunrise and sunset is prime barra time up here. You must be on the water early or late to consistently catch these monsters. As the first, and last, of the suns rays hit the mirror surface waters of the lake, the bait fish go crazy. And so do the barra. Feeding barra will turn on and off just as quickly, having gorged themselves on the ample supply of food.