Vanuatu Game Fishing Has it All

Vanuatu game fishing has it all! World Class Blue Marlin fishing all year round. Fishing just doesn’t get any better than you will find in friendly, peaceful Vanuatu, and because this is a small nation, it’s possible to enjoy it all on a single visit perhaps with a day of game and-or reef out of Port Vila or a week long trip through the islands passing by volcano’s and rain forest’s. In the waters of Vanuatu it’s common to release a sail fish and a marlin or two in a single day, and not unusual to catch several wahoo, yellow fin tuna and mahi-mahi. We also catch short billed spear fish, rainbow runners, G.T’s and the mighty dogtooth tuna.

The majority boat operators release all billfish that are not record contenders, so the future of the resource is assured. The tagging program is carried into the fishing competitions that are run mainly by the Port Vila Game Fishing Club. Any billfish that are killed or die during these events carry a penalty or deduced points. One of the biggest comps on the Vanuatu game fishing calendar for the year is the Marlin Classic which sees anglers coming from various parts of the world to try their hand at winning the USD$30,000.00 that is usually up for grabs. This comp is usually run in June and is tag and release only and each vessel carries an observer to make sure the I.G.F.A. rules are strictly followed.

If catching a giant billfish on a fly rod is more to your taste, a number of charter operators specialize in big game fly-fishing. Several Pacific blue marlin have been caught on a fly here in Vanuatu that are current I.G.F.A world records. A lot of the operators are also equipped and experienced in light tackle and ultra light tackle fishing. Generally the standard of the charter boat fleet is very good. Most of the top boats in Port Vila are around the 34ft mark. There are a variety of brands with Lures, Blackwatch, Capricorn, Bertram, Reefmaster all being represented. Most of the skippers pride themselves in gear preparation and maintenance. There are also some smaller, cheaper operations that can also provide a good day out on the water. Some of these operators are NiVan or local indigenous and can take you to some great spots in smaller boats.

Several of the operators with larger vessels run trips through out the islands either live-aboard or live-away. The live away option is very popular as it allows the anglers to get off the boat each evening and with the operators having arrangements with guest houses and resorts a lot can be learnt about the Vanuatu culture.

If you need to travel with your family however they don’t share the same passion for Vanuatu game fishing as you do there are lots of great quality resorts, hotels and accommodation to suit every budget and requirement. Some of the major resorts offer Watersports, golf, tennis and can organize other tours such as snorkeling, horse riding, off road buggy tours, rock climbing, sunset cruises and much more. If you decided on this idea there is fantastic fishing 15 to 20 minutes out of Port Vila so day trips are a great option. Several operators also offer accommodation and fishing packages for groups of anglers, corporate parties and incentive groups. These also make great opportunities to run a mine tournament to keep things interesting.

If you love fishing, warm weather, friendly people and amazing scenery Vanuatu Game Fishing is for you.