The Best Fishing Charters in Vava’u

1. Kiwi Magic

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 and is particularly well-suited for families looking to experience sport fishing together.

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, not 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 for targeting blue marlin and pelagic species.

Meanwhile, the rest of us will also be delighted that a light lunch of noodles, cake, fruit and drinking water is included.

You’ll have the opportunity to take a piece of the catch back to your accommodation if you wish but 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. Vava’u Sport Fishing Charters

Join the crew of Vava’u Sport Fishing Charters aboard the Fighting Lady, a Pelin custom-built 30 ft boat with 300 horsepower, fitted out for serious sport and game fishing.

The Fighting Lady accommodates up to four anglers, with your experienced skipper/guide who knows Vava’u’s waters intimately. All necessary fishing tackle is provided, though serious anglers are welcome to bring their preferred lures, jigs and poppers.

The charters focus primarily on Pacific blue marlin and sailfish, the premier big game species that draw anglers to these waters. Popular table fish like mahimahi and wahoo are also regularly caught.

The operation strongly supports tag and release practices for all billfish, with any fish that comes in dead being processed and distributed to local villagers. Complimentary pick-up services are available from sailing yachts and various resorts including Reef Resort and Mystic Sands.

To make your fishing holiday seamless, consider staying at Billfish Holiday Apartments where trips depart straight from the private jetty.

Learn more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Vava’u.

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3. Hakula Lodge

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 (which features an IGFA certified weigh station), a short drive south of Neiafu, where you’ll jump onboard Monu’la for a day of targeting marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, GTs, mahimahi, wahoo and Spanish mackerel.

Within five minutes of leaving the dock, you’ll be running some small lures on the way to the marlin grounds, located just 500 m (550 yards) from the edge of the island group where the ocean drops from 400 m (440 yards) to 1,200 m (1,310 yards).

The team have also placed three FADs in strategic positions along this drop-off, which typically hold bait fish and bigger pelagics.

The boat has both light and heavy tackle with chair and stand-up options for taking on the larger game fish. The full-day private charters accommodate groups of up to four anglers and include morning tea, lunch and drinking water.

Available from May to November (outside cyclone season), the lodge also offers accommodation with continental breakfast, airport transfers and on-site vehicles for exploring the island.

Learn more about the lodge in the 10 Best Fishing Resorts in Tonga.

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4. Reel Easy with Steve Campbell

Join Captain Steve Campbell, a passionate fisherman and author of a fishing book, aboard the Reel Easy. Your skipper has been fishing these waters since 2000 and has an impressive blue marlin tally of 2,574 fish and counting.

While he’s a blue marlin specialist with 44 All Tackle Records and 174 Line Class Records to his name, you can also target other game species if you like. Reel Easy operates sustainable fishing practices including the IGFA & TIGFA guidelines and promotes catch and release (with a 97% tag and release rate).

The boat, a 40ft O’Brien with full tower, is set up for serious fishing with light and heavy tackle, game chairs, fish boxes, live bait, Rupp outriggers and much more.

Tours depart from Billfish Holiday Apartments, signposted in Toula.

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