Fishing Trips in Tonga
Offering year-round fishing of some of the South Pacific’s most-sought game species, Tonga is at the top of many keen angler’s “must-visit” list. The island groups of Tongatapu, Ha’apai and Vava’u all offer some epic days out on the boat, with arguably, Vava’u, taking the limelight at the game fishing mecca of The Kingdom. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable guide to take you out with high-quality gear to reel in the big ones, then these are the fishing charters in Tonga we think you should consider…
1. Blue Marlin Magic
Base yourself in the capital of billfish fishing and head out with the billfish experts, Blue Marlin Magic. Your skipper, Steve Campbell, has been fishing Vava’u’s waters since 2000, pulling in some 2,000 Blue Marlins and counting. While the Blue Marlin is what this tour specialises in, they also have a wealth of knowledge for targeting other game species if you like. The team operate to sustainable fishing practices including the IGFA & TIGFA guidelines and promotes catch and release. As for the boat, you have a 34ft Luhrs Sport Fish Convertible set up for serious fishing with light and heavy tackle, game chairs, fish boxes, live bait, Rupp outriggers and much more. See more charters like this in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Vava’u.
(c) Blue Marlin Magic
2. Poppin’ Tonga
Another popular option in Vava’u, this time for giant trevally enthusiasts, Poppin’s Tonga is based at Lucky’s Beach House at the bottom of ‘Utungake Island. With more than 30 years of experience fishing GT, your guide, Kurt, is the best man for the job when it comes to showing you how to pop of GTs. Tours are on a small but effective boat, Lupo, a Boston Whaler Montauk 17 powered by a Yamaha 60 HP 4-stroke and ideal for two anglers. Whether you prefer to take your own gear or want the gear provided, there are rates to suit. Learn more about Lucky’s Beach House in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
3. Blue Water Explorer
One of the most comprehensive fishing charters in Tongatapu, Blue Water Explorer is well worth considering. Either choose sports fishing or spearfishing departing from Nuku’alofa on their custom-built boats. The charter is operated by a former nine-times Australian Open Spearfishing champion and has come to learn some major hotspots around Tongatapu. Sportsfishing and spearfishing packages are also available for the island of ‘Eua. Learn more about spearfishing in Tonga in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Tonga.
(c) Blue Water Explorer
4. Hakula Lodge
After spending 25 years in Vava’u, the team at Hakula Lodge knows a thing or two about fishing in the fishing mecca of Tonga. Charters depart from Hakula Lodge’s private dock, a short drive from Neiafu, where you’ll spend the day targeting giant trevally, mahimahi, wahoo and Spanish mackerel. Only within five minutes of departing, you’ll be running some small lures for marlin. Later, you’ll up three FADs for catching bigger pelagics. The charter also includes morning tea, lunch and drinking water. Learn more about the lodge in the 8 Best Luxury Accommodation in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
5. Matafonua Lodge
While Vava’u and Tongatapu take all of the limelight for fishing, Matafonua Lodge shows guests how epic game fishing in the Ha’apai island group can be. Departing from Matafonua Lodge and its sister resort, Sandy Beach Resort, daily (except for Sundays and when the weather is bad), the lodge offers half-day fishing charters either trolling for bluewater fish or casting for giant trevally on the reef. Learn more about the islands of Ha’apai in The Complete Guide to Ha’apai.
(c) Matafonua Lodge
6. Big Fish Vava’u
The drawcard of Big Fish Vava’u has to be their 31 Express walk-around vessel providing excellent fishing from every angle of the boat! The team specialise in Vava’u sports and game fishing with some of the highest-quality reels and rods to give you a maximum advantage against the big ones. Target the likes of sailfish, mahimahi, wahoo and tuna or try your hand at jigging tackle to target giant trevally, dogtooth tuna and jobfish. Charters also include snacks, fruit, lunch and bottled water.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
7. Kiwi Magic Tonga
Join this long-established game fishing operator in Vava’u who has all the setup for an awesome day on the water. Troll for game fish species with Kiwi Magic with all the toys including a custom-built heavy-duty game fishing chair and heavy tackle, from 60kg Avet reels to 60kg Shimano Tiagra bent butt rods. The boat is a 34ft Mariner sport fisher with a large fishing cockpit with a shade for sun/rain protection, as well as a toilet and shower on board.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
8. Vava’u Sport Fishing Charter
Join the crew on the Fighting Lady, a Pelin custom-built 30ft sport fisher fitted out for some serious sport and game fishing. Designed for two to four anglers, their charter includes all of your standard fishing tackle and refreshments throughout the day. However, serious anglers are encouraged to bring their own lures, jugs and poppers if they prefer.
(c) Tonga Ministry of Tourism
9. Dive Tonga
For something more specialised and, arguably, more on the adventurous side, Dive Tonga offers excellent spearfishing charters with all the gear you need. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro wanting to target specific game fish, Dive Tonga can tailor a spearfishing trip to suit. Trips come with the Rob Allen guns, floats and lines provided and operate a spearfishing buddy policy for safety. The half-day charters cater up to six people. Look them up for scuba diving, snorkelling and swimfaris too – see the 5 Best Scuba Diving Tours in Vava’u.
(c) tongapocketguide.com
10. South Seas Charters
Back in Tongatapu, hop in on a comfortable 30ft catamaran for a day out on the water with an expert guide who has been working the waters around Tongatapu for more than 25 years. Part of South Seas Charters’ offering is game fishing, where your guide will take you some 40-50km (25-30 miles) from Nuku’alofa to a seamount known for attracting large pelagic fish. See how this Tongatapu fishing charter compares in The Best Fishing Charters on Tongatapu.
(c) tongapocketguide.comMore About Fishing Charters in Tonga
