What’s special about fishing tourism in Pacific Island countries?
There are a number of Pacific Islands countries that offer unique fishing tourism experiences and a few are also on the global fishing tourism list of “must fish” locations.
There are many species of fish in Pacific Islands countries that are an attraction for those tourists who are looking to fish during their holidays and those who are seeking a holiday purely to fish.
Country Insights
American Samoa
American Samoa has an established game fishing association and there are a few tournaments each year that encourage fishing tourists.
Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Giant Trevally.
Season is March to December.
Cook Islands
Main fishing tourism is centred on game fishing off Rarotonga and bone fishing in Aitutaki and possibly more remote locations such a Penryhn.
Species/season: Mahi Mahi (Sep-Mar), Marlin (Nov to Apr), Wahoo (Jun to Oct) Yellowfin
(Jul to Mar) . Bone fishing season in Aitutaki varies.
Fiji
There are several operators out of Port Denarau and Vuda Point near Nadi. Off shore islands such as Kadavu also offering great game fishing.
Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Giant Trevally.
Season is dependent on areas and species.
French Polynesia
There are a number of operators in Tahiti, Huahine and Moorea for game fishing. For more avid anglers the Tuamotu Islands of Rangiroa and Fakarava offer game and fly fishing options.
Species: Mackerel, Marlin, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo
Season is dependent on areas and species.
Kiribati
Part of the island national of Kiribati (pronounced Kiri-bass), Kiritimati Island in the Line Island group lies 3 hours flight directly south of Hawaii. Known the world over as one of the most consistent fly fishing destinations. There are also new fishing tourism businesses being developed on other islands such as Nonouti and the Phoenix Island group. Fishing tourism accounts for around 70% of Kiribati’s annual holiday visitors.
Species: Bonefish, Giant Trevally plus other tropical ocean species
Season: Year round
Marshall Islands
Most sports fishing is based out of Majuro and there is an active game fishing club that holds a few tournaments each year.
Species: marlins, yellow fins, wahoo, mahi-mahi, barracuda, sailfish
Season is dependent upon species
Niue
Described as a fishermen’s’ secret paradise, Niue offers fishing along its coral rock coastline as well as deep surrounding marine fishing.
Species: Black, Marlin; Tuna; Red Bass, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Wahoo and Giant Trevally
Season is dependent upon species
Papua New Guinea
Home to some of the world’s most pristine fishing grounds. PNG is one of the few Pacific Island countries to have dedicated fishing lodges. These include Baia Sports Fishing Lodge in West New Britain and Bensbach and Lake Murray in Western Province. There is also an active game fishing association and many marine, coastal, lagoon, estuary and river fishing opportunities.
Freshwater Species: Barramundi, Saratoga, PNG Black Bass.
Season: April to December.
Marine species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mangrove Jack, Mackerel, Yellowfin Tuna, PNG Black and Stop Tail Bass.
Season: April to November
Samoa
Samoa holds one of the Pacific’s leading Game Fishing Tournaments each year and has a range of charter operators who can also take clients further afield to destinations like Tokelau and Swains Island. There is an established game fishing association.
Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Giant Trevally.
Season is March to December.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands have a few resorts that specialise in game fishing and there are a number of fishing locations throughout the chain. Fishing includes reef, ocean and river estuaries.
Species: Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Giant Trevally, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Coral Trout, Red Sea Bass
Season is dependent on areas and species
Kingdom of Tonga
Tonga’s main fishing ground is Vava’u in the northern part of the group. There is an established game fishing association with a few tournaments through the year.
Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Giant Trevally.
Season is March to December.
Vanuatu
There is an established sports fishing tourism industry in Vanuatu and a range of charter operators are available from Port Vila and also Santo in the north.
Species include Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Mackerel and Giant Trevally.
Season is April to November.
Other South Pacific Countries
There is fishing tourism in most other Pacific Island countries. These include:
