What Fish Species Can You Target in Tonga?
Always wanted to reel in a ridiculous-sized fish or looking for the next pelagic species to target on a list of many? Tonga’s going to sort you out. The island nation of 170 islands has most of the game species sought for in the South Pacific, from monstrous marlin to darting wahoo! Check out what are some of the most popular fish species to target in Tonga in this guide.
For more fishy talk, take a look at The Complete Guide to Fishing in Tonga and How to Choose the Best Fishing Tour in Tonga.
List of Game Species Commonly Caught in Tonga
- Blue Marlin
- Black Marlin
- Pacific Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Dogtooth Tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahimahi
- Barracuda
- Giant Trevally
- Spanish Mackeral
- Kawakawa
- Coral Trout
We go through some of the most popular and most targeted catches in the guide below. Plus, you might also be interested in the 8 Fishing Tips for Tonga.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismBillfish
Best time: June to December
Billfish are a big deal in Tonga, with Tonga having an international reputation for its blue marlin fishery.
The most common billfish species caught in Tonga include blue marlin, black marlin, striped marlin and Pacific sailfish. What’s more, the blue marlin, in particular, grow big here with catches over 200kg (440lbs) being quite a common occurrence. Marlins are best targeted between June and December.
As for sailfish, they average at around 40-50kg (88-110lbs) with the world record being set in Tonga for 95.5kg (210lbs)! There’s good opportunity to catch Pacific Sailfish all year round, with the best months being between June and February.
(c) PixabayGiant Trevally
Best time: July to March
Giant trevally or GTs are frequent in Tonga’s waters for most of the year, making them a popular fish to target. Not only do they put up a fight, but they’re a good fish to target if you want to try alternative fishing methods, like casting or spearfishing.
GTs are popular for eating in Tonga, which can feed a fair few people as 50kg (110lbs) GTs have been caught in Tonga. Usually, they are around 20 to 25kg (44 to 55lbs).
For targeting giant trevally, you’re best islands are Ha’apai and Vava’u. See some of the top charters in Vava’u here.
Other trevally species (albeit smaller species) also frequent Tonga’s waters, including black trevally, purple trevally, big-eye trevally and more.
(c) Tonga Ministry of TourismMahimahi
Best time: June to February
Mahimahi or dolphinfish are another popular species in Tonga, mainly because they’re good for eating but, also, well, they’re an interesting-looking fish!
The average size of a mahimahi in Tonga is around 10 to 12kg (22 to 26lbs) but have been up to 30kg (66lbs).
They can be caught for most of the year, making them a popular fish to target, whether you’re trolling or spearfishing.
(c) tongapocketguide.comWahoo
Best time: August to November
An open-water fish that is available to catch in Tonga all year round, wahoo are a fun fish to catch on trolling fishing tours, as well as spearfishing. They’re named after the incredible speeds they can move.
The average size of a wahoo caught in Tonga is 14 to 18kg (30 to 39lbs) but some have been caught weighing more than 50kg (110lbs)!
As we mentioned, wahoo is available to catch all year round, but the peak months are from August to November.
(c) Tchami on WikipediaDogtooth Tuna
Best time: July to January
A rewarding catch for the spearfisherman, dogtooth tuna are found year-round in Tonga’s waters. Affectionately known as “doggies”, dogtooth tuna provide a tough challenge for spearfishing, so be sure to hit one of the spearfishing operators up if you want to take on a doggie! See The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Tonga for more advice on that.
The average size of a dogtooth tuna in Tonga is from 15 to 20kg (33 to 44lbs) but up to 80g (176lbs) monsters have been caught.
If you’re looking for the best months to target them, make it between July and January.
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