Things To See & Do > Adventures > Fishing

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About fishing in the Kingdom of Tonga
What you are likely to catch
What the bird life tells you
Fishing records
Fishing operators in Vava’u

About Fishing in the Kingdom of Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is widely regarded as a ‘fisherman’s Kingdom’ and it has the largest game fishing fleet in the South Pacific. Your chances of catching the mighty Blue Marlin are better in the Kingdom of Tonga than almost anywhere in the world.

With the fishing grounds so close, game and sport fishing in the Kingdom of Tonga are day trips so you spend more time on the water actually fishing – whether it be around the drop offs, sea mounts or reef systems.

The average charter is for 10 hours. The boats take four anglers and the tackle is first class and ranges from 12lb to 130lb. About 85% of catches are tagged and released.

Salt water fly fishing has tremendous potential and the fish you are likely to encounter in the inner shores are Giant and Blue Trevally, Tuna species and a host of hard fighting reef fish. Open Blue Water fly fishing offers five species of Billfish and all the pelagic species … making the Kingdom of Tonga the place to seek records!

The Kingdom ofTonga consists of a string of islands stretching almost 425 kilometers and that means going from shallow to deep water (the Tongan trench, at 10 miles deep, is the second deepest in trench in the world) and you are never far from drop offs.

Sea Mounts

Nuku’alofa and Ha’apai have three sea mounts between them, which are close to fishing grounds and a large reef system. In Ha’apai, you get the added attraction of Tofu and Kao volcanoes, which dominate the horizon.

In Vava’u, there are four sea mountains within a 20m radius and they go from 1200 metres deep to 110 metres below the surface. The sea mounts bases are three to five square kilometres and the surrounding waters are rich in pelagic and reef species.

Vertical walls run 8 to 11 miles long and from 300ft to 3000ft. The distance between the two can be as little as 150ft. Expansive coral banks cover about 10 square miles and the depth can vary from 100ft to 300ft.

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What you are likely to catch

There are a few desintations in the world where you can catch Billfish all year round but the Kingdom of Tonga is one of those rare fisheries that can claim the Billfish every month of the year – and that’s world class.

Marlin

Whether it be Black, Blue or Striped Marlin, the Kingdom of Tonga has them all and they are all found within a comfortable days charter trip. Trolling lures or baits, working the drop offs, sea mounts or just running the 1000 metre contour line you are likely to encounter the majestic marlin. On average the fleet are reporting two to three Billfish shots a day per boat.

Big Sailfish

The Kingdom of Tonga is world renowned for its big Sails and they are found all along the drop off and reed areas, as well as out wide in 3000ft of water. Live baiting is deadly on Sails and pack attacks are not uncommon. The average weight is 80lb to 90lb and great on sport and light tackle. Short Bill Spearfish are also good in numbers and are usually found out wide.

Mahimahi

Light tackle fishing whether it be trolling or baits is very productive and you will find them in just about every fishing ground. 40lb Mahimahi is average and double and triple strikes are not uncommon.

Wahoo

Fish areound the drop off areas and be prepared to get Wahoo’d. They love those expensive Marlin lures and can strip the skirt off in a flash. Excellent on light tackle and renowned for a blistering first run.

Yellow Fin Tuna

The sea mounts produce consistent catches and those quadruple hook ups add a new dimension to cockpit chaos. Fish from 40lb to 130lb will test any angler and on stand up tackle you are in for a battle.

Dog Tooth Tuna

If you are into early day break fishing, the “doggies” are hard to bear. They are pond for pound one of the hardest fighting fish you will experience. Trolling, jigs and baits all do the job and on light tackle …. well, take lots!

Coral Trout

Good fun when bottom fishing, but be prepared for a tough battle – a 20 to 30lb trout will give you a good workout. They take jogs and baits, especially live bait and they are excellent table fish.

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What the bird life tells you

Bird watching seems to go hand in hand with fishing and here in the South Pacific the bird life will often tell you what fish are about.

White Terns

Usually over Mahimahi, Kawakawa or Skipjack. They dance and swoop over the fish, picking up the bait left behind.

Booby Gannets

On mass, look out for Yellow Fin Tuna. Small groups – usually chasing flying fish spooked by Mahimahi.

Black Sooty Terns

Usually over Kawakawa, Skipjack or Frigate Mackeral. They are a good indicator of what big fish are around.

Frigates

Masters of the sky combining shear speed and the ability to spiral to the heavens. They circle over Billfish and Mahimahi waiting for scraps. If that doesn’t happen, they are just as happy stealing food from all the other birds. The Booby Gannets and Frigates have the uncanny ability to swoop down at tremendous speed and pluck the flying fish out of mid air.

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Fishing Records

National – All Tackle Records

Women’s Records

Junior National Records

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Fishing Operators in Vava’u

Hakula Fishing

Enjoy a day of fishing with Hakula Fishing Charters…more>>

Ikalahi Gamefishing Lodge

Ikalahi is just minutes away from the fishing grounds of the Vava’u waters. You will not be disappointed with the fabulous fishing that Ikalahi offers…more
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Dora Maria

Dora Maria offers you an unforgettable fishing trip…more
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Kiwi Magic

Go on a fishing trip with Kiwi Magic…more
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Target One

…more
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Tahi Pacifika

Come and enjoy the beautiful Vava’u waters with Tahi Pacifika…more
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Proteus Fishing Charters

Come and enjoy the ultimate fishing experience aboard “Proteus”. ..more
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