barramundi (the alleged bad ass of ikan-fish…the culo malo pescado, the เลวลาปลา)

Barramundi

Barramundi Distribution

“…the  Barramundi justifiably commands respect from those who seek it out. Surprisingly, this, the gamest of all game fish is relatively unknown to many fly fishermen. Pound for pound the Barramundi will outrun, outstrip and outfight any salmonoid.”

“They are also protoandrous hermaphrodites: they start life as males, reaching maturity at 3 to 4 years old and later change gender to become females, usually at around 5 years old.”

How cool is this…a late morning start to fishing and the bite intensifies through the day, especially during that normal high sun, dead time on many waters. Not so with the Barramundi. 

“Generally, Thailand Barramundi commence daylight feeding during late morning, around 11 am. As the day progresses, so the Barramundi feeding becomes more intense. At the same time their metabolism increases, so as the day progresses, the Barramundi becomes stronger and a fiercer fight ensues. Also, rather strangely, the brighter and more intense the sunlight – the better the flyfishing !”

Baramundi Range

I didn’t find much in the way of pattern information, but all info suggested the fish would just as soon eat your boot as look at you, so I imagine baitfish and bigger streamers might be in order, but the suggested rod wts. were 6 or 7 to a 9 wt. So the patterns would have to match the rods you bring. The fish is reputed to be aerobatic and extremely tough to contain. I am certain this is true…I was shocked at the power of a 24″ bonefish…so I imagine these species we (U.S. types) are less familiar with are immensely satisfying to those living in the region. I offer this up not as an expert but to provide info on a species (and several others) that you might not be aware of…I had never really paid attention.. So, bringing a little fishing and geography info to your parochial brain…