Question 1

Can you fish off the Derby Jetty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Derby jetty is the town's main land-based spot, dropping into deep tidal water that holds barramundi, threadfin, mangrove jack, queenfish and trevally. Fish it around the tide change with bait or lures. Mind the height and the enormous tidal range, especially with children, and never climb down toward the water — this is crocodile country.

Question 2

How big are the tides at Derby?

Accepted Answer

Derby has the largest tides in Australia — up to about eleven metres between low and high in a single day. King Sound funnels and amplifies the ocean tide as it narrows toward the town. The range governs the whole fishery: launch only from mid-tide up, and fish the neap tides rather than the biggest springs, because the run on an eleven-metre tide is often too strong for lures.

Question 3

Are there crocodiles at Derby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and they are a genuine, constant hazard. King Sound, the Fitzroy and the other river mouths, and every mangrove creek around Derby are saltwater crocodile habitat. Do not wade, swim, clean fish at the water's edge, or stand on a low or steep bank. Keep well back from the water, keep children and dogs close, and follow DBCA and Shire crocodile advice. Treat every bit of tidal water as occupied.

Question 4

When is the best time to fish Derby for barramundi?

Accepted Answer

The barramundi run peaks across the build-up and the run-off, roughly October to April, with the run-off after the wet the standout. The dry season, May to September, is the more comfortable and safer time to visit with settled weather, and the jetty and King Sound still fish well for threadfin, queenfish and trevally. Fish the neap tides for the best lure results.

Derby (Derby Jetty / King Sound)