Tonga Fishing Holiday

| Overview | Accommodation | Activities | Fishing | Boats | Resorts & Fishing Ratings |
| Fishing Calendar |

Tonga is an archipelago of 170 tropical islands scattered across a 425 km stretch of the South Pacific just 775 km south east of Fiji. Fewer than 40 of the islands are inhabited. It is the island group of Vava'u in the north of Tonga where its islands rise from the iridescent waters that surround the emerald green islands and their white sandy beaches, that the diving and fishing is at its best.

Vava'u is a paradise pure and perfect for those interested in diving, snorkelling, fishing and whale watching. Vava'u has more than its share of beautiful white sandy beaches, protected by colourful coral reefs. This is a superb location to combine world-class game or sportfishing with your tropical holiday. One word that best describes why you should go to Vava'u is the VARIETY of things to do and see.

The main town of Vava'u is Neiafu, a quaint little seaside town with its waterfront lined by a number of old Victorian style wooden buildings, palm trees and churches. The town has a very Victorian atmosphere . Neiafu is trying hard to cater for the tourist, with small gift shops selling local handcraft, plus some little cafes, restaurants and bars.

A visit wouldn't be complete without attending at least one feast where you sit on mats and tuck into roast suckling pigs, octopus, clams, fish, lobster, papaya and watermelon while enjoying traditional dancing and songs.

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The Tongan Beach Resort

Located beside one of the best beaches in Vava'u, The Tongan Beach Resort has a fully licensed restaurant specialising in local and European cuisine plus a sumptuous selection of local fish dishes. A Tongan feast and floor show is held once a week and on Saturdays there is a themed buffet night. The Tongan also has a nice beach bar, library, small gift shop and laundry service. Laser sail boat, kayaks and snorkelling equipment are available at no charge.

There are 12 Beachfront double/twin rooms in motel style. All have private facilities, hot/cold water showers, ceiling fan, fridges and tea/coffee making facilities. The rooms are clean, comfortable and have a nice sea view.

CHILDREN : 12 & under stay FREE (maximum of 2 children) if staying with adults. The rooms may be on the small side for a family, however a second room, for the children, is a good option.

Hukula Fishing Lodge

Nestled in the hillside overlooking picturesque Neiafu Harbour, the latest word in comfortable accommodation, Hakula Fishing Lodge, is ideally located in a lovely tropical setting and is highly recommended .

This intimate lodge has two waterfront self contained units. Each is equipped with a king size bed (or 2 king size singles), plus sofa bed. Units have ensuites with shower and toilet facilities. Each unit has air conditioning and fans for your comfort, and full kitchen facilities including stove, fridge, sandwich maker, toaster and gril. Units open onto a deck with full harbour views.

The lodge has a BBQ area with seating for 8, weigh station, wharf jetty and pontoon almost at your doorstep.

Puataukanave International Hotel

This hotel was only opened in late 2003 and it is a great addition to Vava'u. It's in the heart of Neiafu, overlooking the Port of Refuge Harbour and complete with waterfront restaurant and bars, swimming pool and organised for all marine activities.

It has 36 rooms - 30 of them brand new - including a 16 bed backpacker wing.

Ika Lahi International Gamefishing Lodge

Experience gamefishing at its very best and enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of Tonga's first fleet based gamefishing lodge, enclosed in the protected waters of Hunga Island Lagoon, with its very own private beach. Nestled in tropical rainforest, 6 quality twin or triple log cabins with private ensuites overlook the lagoon and beach.

The resort features a full service restaurant and bar on the beach, a smokehouse, on site VHS and editing facilities.

Adventure backpackers Lodge

A purpose built waterfront lodge centrally located in Vava'u Township. The lodge has 5 bathrooms and 9 bedrooms - 4 share dormitories, private twin or double rooms and one suite.The rooms are all clean and comfortable and are great value for those on a tight budget. Most rooms have balconies and many have harbour views. The lodge has good communal kitchen and BBQ facilities, plus there is a spacious communal lounge and decks.

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Outer Island Beach Tour: Guided ½ or full day trips to the beautiful outer Vava'u Islands. Enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the many uninhabited islands. On your way you will pass through interesting villages and plantations.

Sailing : Vava'u is one of the most popular yacht cruising areas of the South Pacific. Several charter companies as well as several independent yacht owners, offer a full range of excellent yacht charter services including sailing/diving/fishing cruises. Enquire for details.

Panoramic Coastal and Lake Tour : A 1/2 day scenic drive around the west coast stopping at local villages, taking in the breathtaking views of Port of Refuge Harbour and numerous islands. Then it is on to the fresh water lake of Tu'anuku.

Mariner's Cave and Swallow's Cave: These caves are interesting for snorkellers and can also be combined with your fishing trip.

Mariner's Cave Snorkelling Tour - The drowned grotto on the island of Nuapapu gave refuge to a young chief and his beloved in ancient times. Boats wait at the entrance of the cave while guides take snorkellers through the heart-shaped entrance into the mystical, blue-lit cavern.

Swallow's Cave Tour - Boats wend their way down the magnificent Port of Refuge Harbour to the Swallow's Cave on the island of Kapa. This multi-coloured chamber is a sanctuary for thousands of swallows in the autumn and can be entered by boat.

Shopping: Renowned for the high quality of its exquisite basketware, woven from coconut ribs and Pandanus leaves, Vava'u is also home to some of Tonga's best bone carvers and jewellery makers. A large selection of handicrafts is available for purchase and there is an opportunity to make direct personal contact with local artists, weavers and carvers.

Taxis, cars and push bikes are available for hire.

Whale Watching : Available in season. $150 per person. Must be prebooked. From July - October each year, humpback whales arrive in the warm Vava'u waters to mate and calve. Whalewatch Vava'u know where to find the whales and you will sometimes have the opportunity to snorkel among these magnificent creatures.

Diving: One word that describes the diving in Vava'u: MAGIC! The waters are crystal clear with the visibility being as good as it gets in the Pacific averaging 30 metres plus. The water temperature is warm all year long with an average temperature of 25°C in winter. A big plus for Vava'u diving is the incredible variety of diving found all in one small group of magnificent islands. Vava'u diving offers hard corals that truly are untouched, and soft coral gardens with rainbows of colours. One of the best life size Gorgonia fan dives in the South Pacific is here, along with unique caves and caverns, spectacular underwater archways, large black coral trees, and wall dives that vanish into the inky blue. There is also the 122 metre wreck of the Clan McWilliam which sank over 50 years ago, sitting upright and still intact.

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Escape to a fisherman's Kingdom where the fishing adventures are as varied as the anglers' catch. Troll Vava'u's crystal clear waters for Blue, Black or Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Mahimahi, big Yellow Fin Tuna and Wahoo. Spear fish or cast jigs or poppers for predators like Blue Fin and Giant Trevally. Virtually all species of tropical fish frequent Tongan waters, and with its vast areas of reef structure, drop offs, canyons and sea mounts, as well as several offshore F.A.D's, every angler can experience a smorgasbord of tropical fishing. Saltwater flyfishing is also becoming popular.

Vava'u, in a short space of time, has become one of the comfortable range of resort accommodation suitable for the family and for the more budget minded.

The game fishing grounds are close to Vava'u and "Hakula" , "Kiwi Magic" , "Reel Addiction", Reel Devotion and "Target One"

depart in the early morning, returning by evening. Most Marlin, Mahimahi, Sailfish and Tuna are caught fishing the 100 fathom drop-offs, which are located between a quarter and three quarters of a mile off shore.

The best ways to extract the most fun from the fishing in Vava'u is to charter a sportfishing or a specialist game fishing boat. Fish the immediate area where there are many smaller sport fishing species like Mahimahi, Wahoo, Dog Tooth Tuna and of course, closer to the white water, the awesome Giant Trevally. These Trevally frequently beat even the most experienced of fishermen; an adversary well worth the challenge of any keen angler, along with the big Blue Marlin.

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For reservations between June and early October, you will need to book early to avoid disappointment. We have the best package prices available and can arrange quarter, half share or full charters.

A number of game fishing opportunities exist and the game fishing boats we are associated with are all well founded vessels with the crews and skippers having not only local knowledge but a great depth of experience in sport fishing to ensure your fishing experience is successful. NOTE: These boats are heavily booked June until October and you need to book early. We are not just saying this to get you to book: many customers go to Vava'u thinking they can get a booking when they arrive, but are sadly disappointed, or it costs them more.

"Kiwi Magic "

"Kiwi Magic" is a modern 11 metre (36ft) custom built sports fishing vessel which has the latest electronics and carries full safety equipment. Keith McKee, owner of "Kiwi Magic", is a New Zealander and is based in the tropical waters of Vava'u 12 months of the year. "Kiwi Magic " has been the highest scoring charter boat for Tonga over several seasons and holds 15 of the 27 T.I.G.F.A. Billfish Line Class and all tackle records.

"Hakula"

Launched in September 1999, the " Hakula" is a 10.5m (34') purpose and custom built game fishing boat. Powered by twin diesel, 105hp Nissan motors, she is equipped with a depth sounder, GPS, VHF radios and all the usual electrical Equipment. "Hakula " has four berths, toilet and shower, and a fully equipped galley complete with stove, fridge etc. The large cockpit has a sun canopy to provide shade, and the large fish/ice storage hold will keep your catch in peak condition.

Jeff & Janine Le Strange, are the owners of "Hakula". Jeff has been fishing in Tongan waters since 1987, is a founding member of TIGFA and 5 times president. He has been Fisherman of the Year twice, and was Highest Scoring Angler at the TIGFA Tournament 1999/2000.

"Hakula" also offers liveaboard charters to the Ha'apai group of islands, 60kms south of Vava'u. This is truly the ultimate experience in fishing the Kingdom.

"Target One"

Henk and Sandra Gros, owners of "Target One", have been fishing Tongan waters since 1992. "Target One" is a fast 8.5 metre (27') game and sport fishing boat. She is fitted out with the latest electronic gear, game chair, outriggers, downriggers, rocket launcher, the latest in Shimano light tackle and big game gear, 2 Shimano 37 kg and 2 x 24 kg. "Target One" has a 2-berth cabin with toilet and is a dry and comfortable boat for up to four anglers, her experienced skipper and deckhand. Henk has held many Tongan National records for Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo and Marlin - so you will have the benefit of a keen and experienced local skipper in charge ! Henk will be happy to coach you in sportfishing techniques if you are not so experienced. Fewer anglers means more chance for you to catch that special fish!

"Ika Lahi International Gamefishing Lodge"

This is Steve Campbell's gamefishing lodge, situated on Hunga Island close to Vava'u. It is the closest accommodation to the fishing grounds, and within 35 mile radius they can cover all the major offshore islands, reefs, sea mounts, drop offs and FAD's. This cuts down travelling time to the fishing grounds dramatically.

The lodge is brand new and enclosed within the protected waters of the lagoon, with it's own private sandy beach, 4 Quality twin share log cabins, each with it's own ensuite toilet and shower. Each room has 2 double beds plus dble settee/pullout, so it can sleep up to 4 persons. Can mix and match beds to accommodate different bedding requirements. All rooms have views. Restaurant, bar, BBQ area, windsurfing , kayaking, hobie cat sailing, snorkelling and bush walks all available.

Steve has 2 custom built fishing boats, equipped with quality Shimano tackle combinations. "Reel Addiction" and "Reel Devotion" are new 11 mtr Genesis Profishers powered by twin 200hp Volvo diesel engines, featuring tuna towers, 11 ft cockpit with Reelax 80lb chairs, livebait tanks and state of the art electronics.

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SPECIES

TIGFA ALL TACKLE

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Blue Marlin

394.2kg

Black Marlin

263kg

Striped Marlin

162kg

Pacific Sailfish

95.5kg*

Shortbill Spearfish

21.2kg

Yellowfin Tuna

80kg

Dogtooth Tuna

54.5kg

Skipjack Tuna

14.8kg

Mahimahi

28kg

Wahoo

53kg

Barracuda

24kg

Giant Trevally

39kg

Spanish Mackerel

24kg

Coral Trout

14.6kg

*Current world record

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