What You Need to Know About Spearfishing in Tonga
Crisp clean water, large pelagics and getting to spend some time at some remote Pacific Islands is just what any keen spearer wants, right?! Tonga can certainly provide with most of the highly-sought game fish available all year round in The Kingdom’s waters. Whether you’re a beginner or have been freediving all your life, there are options for spearfishing to suit all levels in Tonga. Find out more in this complete guide to spearfishing in Tonga!
Why Spearfish in Tonga?
- It’s possible to catch a wide range of South Pacific game fish, such as marlin, giant trevally, sailfish, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna and much more!
- The water is warm, with water temperatures not venturing too far from the 24°C (75.2°F) mark year-round
- The water clarity in Tonga is spot-on, with visibility rarely falling below 30m (100ft)
- There are half-day to multi-day options for spearfishing available, so you’re bound to find something to suit
- Spearfishing charters are well geared up for an epic day on the water, so if you don’t have all of your own gear with you, charters will still be able to sort you out.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismWhat Fish Can You Spear in Tonga?
Tonga’s tropical blue water and coral reefs provide the perfect environment for those fish species you’ve always dreamed of catching: marlin, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna… You can tick a wide range of game fish off the bucket list on a spearfishing trip in Tonga, including:
- Dogtooth Tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahimahi
- Blue Marlin
- Black Marlin
- Pacific Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Giant Trevally
- Coral Trout
- Green Jobfish
- Red Bass
- Mangrove Jacks…
… And a ton of other reef fish in the mix! Take a look at What Types of Fish Can You Fish for in Tonga? for more information.
(c) Pxhere.comThe Best Time for Spearfishing in Tonga
With consistently warm air and sea temperatures combined with the fact that most game fish species can be found in Tonga’s waters all year round, there’s never really a bad time for spearfishing in Tonga. Nevertheless, if you’re aiming for one species in particular, then there are times when certain fish species are more prolific than others.
Here’s a quick list of the popular fish species for spearfishing in Tonga and when are the best months to target them:
- Blue Marlin – June to December
- Black Marlin – June to September
- Pacific Sailfish – June to March
- Wahoo – August to November
- Mahimahi – June to February
- Yellowfin Tuna – August to February
- Dogtooth Tuna – July to January
- Giant Trevally – July to March
- Coral Trout – July to October and January to April
For more information, check out The Best Time for Fishing in Tonga.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWhere to do Spearfishing in Tonga
As spearfishing is such a specialised type of fishing, there are only a select few charters who offer it as an activity. However, there are two particular island groups you should set your sights on for spearfishing in Tonga: Vava’u and ‘Eua.
Vava’u
A fishing paradise in one of the northern groups of Tonga, Vava’u is the base of most of Tonga’s fishing and spearfishing charters. The island group is known for its blue marlin but also has mahimahi, wahoo and giant trevally to target, for instance. Dive charters like Dive Tonga, departing from Neiafu, offer half-day spearfishing trips with packages tailored to all levels of diver. You are able to take the catch after the trip, otherwise, it stays with the boat. Check out more fishing charters in the area in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Vava’u.
‘Eua
An island in the southern part of Tonga, just a short flight or half-day ferry journey from Tongatapu, ‘Eua is a playground for spearfishing. Spearfishing Tonga, also known as Blue Water Explorer, offer multi-day spearfishing holiday packages based out of their resort on the island, which includes accommodation, spearfishing trips almost daily with two guides and a skipper, meals, island tours and the ferry transfer.
(c) PixabayWhat You Need to Bring on a Spearfishing Trip
Spearfishing is physically demanding, therefore, the sport is best suited to those who are physically fit and have good breath-hold. Past spearfishing and/or freediving experience is advised in order to increase your chances of a successful catch.
As for equipment, spearfishing charters in Tonga tend to have gear, from wetsuits to spearfishing guns, weight belts, snorkel, mask, floats, lines and more. However, this depends on the company, as while Dive Tonga in Vava’u have all of the gear you’ll need, while Spearfishing Tonga advises guests to bring their own guns for their multi-day holidays.
Other Things to Take on a Spearfishing Trip
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimwear
- Reef shoes
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Camera
Light refreshments and drinks are usually provided with the fishing charter.
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