Barramundi are one of Vietnam’s most exciting lure-caught species. Powerful, aggressive, and unpredictable, they hit everything from soft plastics to surface lures — but only if you choose the right setup for the conditions.
After years of guiding in Vietnam’s brackish mangroves, oyster-heavy waterways, and shallow saltfields, these are the lures that consistently produce barra for our guests.
1. Paddle Tail Soft Plastics (The Most Reliable Option)
If you could only fish one lure type for barramundi in Vietnam, this would be it.
We strongly recommend 3.5 inch paddle tail soft plastics, rigged weedless for maximum efficiency in snaggy water.
Our go-to setup
- Soft plastic: 3.5” paddle tail
- Hook: BBK Titan Diver 3/0
- Rigging: Weedless (Tex-posed)
This setup allows you to cast confidently into:
- Mangrove roots
- Oyster-covered structure
- Tight edges and shaded pockets
You’ll spend less time re-rigging and more time fighting fish.
A slow roll with occasional pauses works best. Most hits come as the lure drops or just after it clears structure.
👉 If you’re fishing oyster-heavy areas, our
offers the highest hookup rate for barra using weedless soft plastics.
2. Topwater Lures (The Star of Sunrise & Sunset)
Topwater barramundi fishing in Vietnam is addictive.
When conditions are right, it’s the most exciting way to target them.
Best time for topwater
- Sunrise
- Sunset
- Low wind
- Calm or lightly moving water
Recommended popper sizes
- 60 mm – 120 mm
Guide’s favorite
- Duel L-Bass Popper 65F
This lure has the perfect balance of:
- Splash
- Pause
- Subtle walk
Barramundi often follow before committing — the strike usually comes right after the pause. Be patient.
Topwater fishing is a highlight on many of our private trips listed on the
3. Hardbody Minnows (Deadly in Shallow Water)
Hardbodies are impossible to ignore when barra are actively hunting.
Vietnam’s mangroves and saltfields are usually under 1.5 meters deep, so shallow runners are essential.
Proven hardbodies
- IMA Sasuke 95SF
- IMA Kosuke 85
- Any quality shallow-running minnow
These lures excel when worked slowly along edges, drains, and open pockets between structure.
Best colors
- Natural baitfish
- Shrimp patterns
- Pink (especially around oyster structure — barra absolutely love it)
Hardbodies are also great for covering water quickly when fish are spread out.
Which Lure Should You Start With?
If conditions are tough or the water is full of structure:
➡ 3.5” weedless paddle tail
If light levels are low and fish are active:
➡ Topwater poppers
If you want to search water efficiently:
➡ Shallow-running hardbodies
We rotate all three styles daily based on tides, clarity, and fish behavior.
Fishing Gear & Lure Availability in Vietnam
If you’re looking to buy tackle locally, our #1 ranked guide
Fishing Store Ho Chi Minh City
covers where to find quality lures, rods, and reels.
For planning your trip around seasonal patterns, see
Best Time of Year to Fish in Vietnam.
Fish These Lures on a Private Barramundi Tour
Barramundi are one of our main target species on private lure-only trips.
All tours include:
- Hotel pickup & return
- Premium rods, reels & lures
- Ethical catch & release
- Local knowledge of tides and structure
Explore all options on our
or browse experiences on the
