Ever since summer rolled around, all anyone’s talking about is their travel plans. Some people are headed for an island getaway, while others visit glitzy cities like New York and Paris. On the other hand, some people just want to go on a fishing holiday with plenty of game fish and some free time to catch them.
If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck. Every angler worth their salt knows that fishing in fisheries at home is all well and good, but the real fun lies in fishing in the endless turquoise waters of the Pacific.
But how can you choose where to go for the best fishing spots in the Pacific if you don’t know enough about them? Don’t worry, because we’ll introduce you to the great fishing spots of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Fiji, Hawaii, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia.
With this list of the ten best fishing spots in the Pacific, choosing a location to vacation in will be the easiest decision ever.
So, let’s dive in!
1. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a collection of 118 small islands in the Pacific. While most people consider it a luxury holiday, many people visit Moorea, Bora Bora, and Tahiti while on a budget by buying packages that allow them to visit the wild beauty of these islands without splurging.
Catch the best fish in this area from October to June, so you might want to book your holiday in this timeframe.
If you want to catch some great Wahoos, Tuna, Billfish, and Bonefish on your holiday, French Polynesia, especially Tahiti, but also the remote Tuamotus and Marquesan Islands, are the way to go.
Many charters provide fishing licenses, tackle, and a suitable time for you to try your fishing prowess.
Photo: Rich Catch on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
2. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific, is an angler’s dream come true. Game fish of all types surround its reefs, their tropical temperatures make everything perfect, and the sparkling blue waters are a sight to see.
So, what kind of fish can you catch there? Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Pelagics, Billfish, and Mahi Mahi are some of the great catches that you’ll find in the Cook Islands. And the best thing of all? There’s no specific season to fish there. It’s open season all year round and on all 12 inhabited islands for all types of fishing, including the Cooks No 1 method to catch fish: spearfishing!
Book charters for Aitutaki or Rarotonga to make sure that you score the biggest game fish all around. And we have all fishing operators for you, in our Cook Islands Travel Guide 🙂
3. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Tonga
Whether you are fishing in Tongatapu or Vava’u, it’s a guarantee that the pristine waters of Tonga won’t disappoint you in the fishing department. This tropical paradise is blessed with some of the best fish around, such as the Giant Trevally, Blue, and Black Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Pacific Sailfish, and Skipjack Tuna.
Arguably, the best place for fishing is Vava’u. However, Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai are close seconds in this regard. You’ll find a great selection of reputable charters for each of these places online. Just book one and spend a great day on the water with your family!
4. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Samoa
The reefs surrounding Samoa and its glittering waters are some of the best places to catch fish. This tropical paradise is a favorite among many anglers for its stunning views and variety of gamefish.
You can spot Marlins, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, Sailfish, and Yellowfin tuna at a single glance in these waters.
There is no specific fishing season, which means you have the freedom to book your fishing holiday at any time of the year.
Photo: Samoa – Upolu’s Wild Coast
To start fishing, you can either ask the resort you’re staying at to book you a charter, or you can book an independent charter service. Most of these services are run by experienced anglers who know the area and its fish and will explain to you the best techniques and tackle to catch many game fish.
5. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Niue
Niue is a unique Pacific getaway because it doesn’t really have beaches. In their places, it has a beautiful coastline dotted with caves, reef shelves, and chasms.
It’s also popular among anglers because you don’t have to venture out to get to deep water as the shore is as deep as it gets. You can just catch fish without getting on a boat. However, if you wish to do that, there are plenty of charters that will oblige you.
You’ll find all three types of Marlin, Yellowfin tuna, Mahi Mahi and Sailfish in this part of the Pacific. Generally, the fishing season in Niue is from October to April, which is when the water has the highest temperature in the year.
6. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Fiji
A collection of over 300 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji is more than a tropical paradise. For anglers, it is home to some of the hardest fighting game fish.
Viti Levu, the main island, boasts various fish around it, such as the Giant Trevally, Marlin, Dogtooth, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and Yellowfish. Most resorts in Fiji offer charter services along with their usual ones, which typically include accommodation, food, fishing opportunities, tackle, and license, all in one.
Fish such as Sailfish and Blue Marlin are present the entire year, but some of the other species have specific seasons that you’ll have to look out for.
7. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Hawaii
Hawaii is a popular location for people to holiday in because of its many virtues. Where else would you find stunning mountain sceneries, big game fishing opportunities, and all the cheer of a popular holiday destination?
Between May and September, Hawaii is a heaven for anglers because there’s more tuna than anyone can catch lurking under the glittering Pacific waters. The Yellowfin Tuna, Billfish, and Marlin are also sighted by anglers many times in their stay.
In Hawaii, there are more fishing charters than you can count. Just hop onto the internet and book one in advance. After all, you don’t want someone else to take your spot!
8. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Vanuatu
A South Pacific collection of over 80 islands, Vanuatu isn’t just famous for its World War 2 wreckages. This glittering island getaway is also famous for its game fishing, of which there is a lot.
Billfish, Short-billed Spearfish, Wahoo, Giant Trevally, Yellowfin tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin are some of the game fish varieties that you can find here.
Marlin and Yellowfin tuna are active from October to May, whereas other species such as the Mahi Mahi are at their best from April to November. Essentially, whenever you book your holiday, you will have no shortage of game fish to catch.
Charters in Vanuatu offer everything, such as full-day game fishing packages or hourly game fishing packages. You can also shop around and find one that offers all the add-ons that you’re looking for.
9. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands is a combination of almost a thousand islands. It’s famed for its World War 2 stories, but it’s also popular as a holiday destination. This luxury getaway boasts the finest selection of fish offered by the Pacific, along with friendly people who’ll help you out every step of the way.
With all the Pacific game fish such as Spanish Mackerel, Coral Red Trout, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Giant Trevally present, it’s no wonder that anglers love coming here. You can also fish here year-round because there will be no shortage of game fish to keep you occupied.
Papatura Island, Munda, and Gatokae Island are some popular holiday destinations for enthusiastic anglers.
You can either book yourself a spot in a fishing retreat or get a fishing charter that’ll take you straight to the heart of the action.
10. Best Fishing Spots in the Pacific: New Caledonia
Last but not the least, we have the tropical heaven that is New Caledonia. Some people might even rank it as one of the top spots for fishing globally.
With species such as Loche, Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Tazar, Mahi Mahi, and Marlin swimming in and out of sight, there won’t be a single dull moment while fishing in New Caledonia.
You’ll encounter fish like Giant Trevally between November to March, whereas other varieties are present year-round.
There are many approaches to fishing in New Caledonia, such as net casting, fly fishing, and spearfishing.
If you’re unfamiliar with any of these, the locals will be more than happy to guide you. For them, fishing is less of a hobby and more of a matter of their heritage.
Photo: Gorgeous Ile des Pins – New Caledonia
So….. If you’re an angler, deciding on a holiday destination is easy. All you need to do is go to some place with plenty of fish! However, that isn’t as easy as it sounds. With our guide to the best fishing spots in the Pacific, it’ll be easier for you to make your decision.
So, ready to have the time of your life this summer while fishing in a tropical paradise? Click here to learn all about it!
Curious about more adventures in the Pacific?
Then take a look at the stunning places for whale watching and fantastic sailing spots in the Pacific Ocean 🙂
