Hook Line and Sinker
Warm tropical ocean currents, vibrant reef systems and uncrowded waters makes fishing in the South Pacific a great way to combine adventure with relaxation. We tell you where the hot spots are in Samoa, Vanuatu and Fiji, and what you can expect to catch when you get there.
Samoa
You know something must be good when it’s a relatively new attraction and is almost immediately rated as one of the top 10 in the world. Samoa is a haven for anglers, with crystal clear waters, excellent spots and a huge variety of catches, including dog tooth tuna, masi masi, marlin, albacore, wahoo, sailfish, giant trevally, barracuda and yellow-fin tuna. There are various charters operators available to take you to the hot spots. One of the best is just outside the reef off Upolu, Samoa’s main island. Ask at your hotel reception for the name of local operators and don’t worry if you don’t have any experience – some charters offer lessons for beginners and can give you all the help you need to get started.
Keen anglers should also keep their hooks baited for the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament. This is the chance for teams from around the world to get together for a week of competitive game fishing. The next tournament is set for 3 May 2009. You can contact Tourism Samoa for details at www.visitsamoa.ws or visit the official Samoan Game Fishing Association site on www.fishing.ws/home.htm
Vanuatu
This beautiful chain of 83 islands is spread across the Pacific Ocean providing kilometres of prime fishing spots. The main island of Efate is the major big game fishing centre for Vanuatu, and charters at Port Vila will take you deep-sea, big game, reef, fly and sport fishing. Besides the stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to fish among untouched reefs, live volcanoes and underwater sea mounts.
The tropical climate and warm ocean currents bring a wide variety of species to these crystal clear waters. Giant trevally, queenfish, bonito, wahoo, mahi mahi, marlin (blue, black and striped), billfish and tuna keep the action going all year round. Black Marlin weighing in at 400kg have even been caught by some lucky anglers. If you’re visiting in November, the Annual International Billfish Classic at the capital of Port Vila will be underway. For details, visit Vanuatu Tourism at www.vanuatutourism.com and check out the events calendar, or email info@tourism.vu
Fiji
Fiji is well known for its fantastic gamefishing scene and the warm waters, deep ocean and rich reef systems mean the waters are teeming with marine life all year round. The big game fishing off southern
Viti Levu is excellent. Tuna and mahi mahi run here from January to May and look out for the big wahoos in June and July. The billfish season is from March through to November with sailfish available all year. The reefs around
Beqa and
Kadavu are also teeming with fish. In these deep channels, you can expect to find Spanish mackerel, marlin, yellow fin tuna and trevally. Just off the north coast of
Taveuni is another spot offering great casting for big fish. There are various charter operators throughout the islands, and many resorts have their own fishing guides. There are also some excellent charters located around
Denarau Marina (a 10 minute drive from
Nadi) and
Pacific Harbour.
Anglers with an eye to competition should time their visit for The International Game Fishing Tournament, which takes place annually at Pacific Harbour around late July/early August. It the country’s biggest fishing tournament. For details, visit Fiji Visitors Bureau on
www.bulafiji.com or email
Fiji Visitors Bureau.
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