6 Best Fishing Charters in Tonga

1. Kiwi Magic (Vava’u)

Troll for game fish species with skipper Keith McKee and his local deckhand aboard the Kiwi Magic. The long-established game fishing operator in Vava’u has all the set-up for an awesome day on the water. The boat is a 34 ft Mariner sport fisher with a large fishing cockpit and a shade for sun/rain protection, making for a comfortable day out on the water – note to mention, it also has a toilet on board.  Avid anglers will be pleased to know that the vessel also features a custom-built heavy-duty game fishing chair and heavy tackle, from 60 kg Avet reels to 60 kg Shimano Tiagra bent butt rods.

Meanwhile, the rest of us will also be delighted that a light lunch of noodles, cake, fruit and drinking water is also included. You’ll have the opportunity to take a piece of the catch back to your accommodation if you wish but, needless to say, most of the (usually) mammoth catch goes back with the local deckhand to his village. If you have a good time on the boat with Keith, you might also want to join Kiwi Magic for whale swimming tours during the season. Check out whale tours over at the 10 Best Whale Swim Tours in Vava’u.

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2. Blue Water Retreat (‘Eua)

One of the most comprehensive fishing charters in Tonga, the adventure sports specialists at Blue Water Retreat are well worth considering. Either choose sports fishing or spearfishing departing from the rugged island of ‘Eua on their custom-built boats complete with all the essential equipment, including for spearfishing. The charter is operated by a former nine-time Australian Open Spearfishing champion and has come to learn some major hotspots around ‘Eua – including immediately outside of Blue Water Retreat’s beachfront accommodation. Learn more about their spearfishing offering in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Tonga.

(c) Blue Water Explorer

3. Vava’u Sport Fishing Charters (Vava’u)

Join the crew of Vava’u Sport Fishing Charters on either the Fighting Lady, a Pelin custom-built 30 ft boat with 8,000 horsepower, or their smaller sport fisher, each fitted out for some serious sport and game fishing. Fighting Lady is designed for two to four anglers, while your skipper/guide has years of experience on Vava’u’s waters, previously operating Blue Marlin Magic. In short, you have the perfect set-up in place to have a stellar experience out on the water. What’s more, all of your standard fishing tackle and refreshments throughout the day are included but serious anglers are encouraged to bring their own lures, jugs and poppers if they prefer.

To make your holiday all about fishing, make it easy by staying at the base of Vava’u Sport Fishing Charters; Billfish Holiday Apartments where trips depart straight from the private jetty. Learn more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Holiday Apartments in Tonga.

(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism

4. Sea Change Eco Retreat (Ha’apai)

For a change of scenery, experience fishing in the archipelago islands of Ha’apai. Sea Change Eco Retreat offers half-day fishing charters from their base on the idyllic Uoleva Island. Species targeted through trolling and jigging include giant trevally, sea bass, wahoo, barracuda and bluefin trevally. They will keep one or two fish to feed guests at the retreat but mostly aim for catch and release using barbless hooks to minimise trauma to released fish. What’s more, the fishing begins just 10 minutes away from the resort! Note that fishing trips are only available in May and June.

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5. Hakula Lodge (Vava’u)

After spending 25 years in Vava’u, the team at Hakula Lodge has a wealth of knowledge about the local hotspots for fishing. Tours depart from Hakula Lodge’s private dock, a short drive south of Neiafu, where you’ll jump onboard Monu’la for a day of targeting GTs, mahimahi, wahoo and Spanish mackerel. Within five minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll be running some small lures for marlin then later setting up three FADs for catching bigger pelagics. The boat has both light and heavy tackle and a chair for taking on the larger game fish. The charter also includes morning tea, lunch and drinking water. Learn more about the lodge in the 10 Best Fishing Resorts & Lodges in Tonga.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

6. ‘Alakoka Tahi Moana Guesthouse – Kiko’s (‘Eua)

For independent spearos looking for their next challenge, you may just want to hit up Kiko at ‘Alakokoa Tahi Moana Guesthouse who provides transport to the top spearfishing spots around ‘Eua Island. As a local who has grown up fishing the blue waters of ‘Eua, Kiko has the passion, knowledge and boat; you just need to bring your spearfishing gear and freediving skills. What’s more, they’ll even cook the catch for you for free! Note that there may be limited availability during the whale season, as Kiko also uses his boat for whale swimming tours. Learn more about the guesthouse in the 20 Best Guesthouses in Tonga.

© TongaPocketGuide.com