Fishing in Fiji: Catch Your Bucket List Fish at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

There are few things more relaxing in life than casting a line into the serene blue waters of the Fijian coast, lying back and waiting for a fish to take the bait. After all, your holiday is all about recharging your batteries, and fishing in Fiji is one of the finest ways to escape from the hectic realities of modern life.  

Fiji stands out as a dream destination for anglers, offering some of the most diverse and productive fishing grounds in the South Pacific. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are teeming with a wide variety of fish species, from the powerful yellowfin tuna to the elusive sailfish and the legendary giant trevally.  

Whether you’re looking to land a trophy fish or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the water, Fiji’s fishing charters are designed to cater to every preference and skill level. At Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji, you can charter a boat and head out into the sumptuous seas of Savusavu, where you’ll have the opportunity to catch your own dinner.  

The waters of Savusavu are among the best in all of Fiji for fishing, so you’re practically guaranteed a bite - here's what you need to know. 

Fishing Charters in Vanau Levu with Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort 

Savusavu is located on the northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu, and it’s here that you’ll find the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji itself. The resort represents the perfect place to bait up your rod, framed by swaying palms on the sun-kissed shores of the island. You can bring along your own equipment if you like, but don’t worry if you’ve left it at home – we have plenty here that you can borrow. All necessary fishing gear is usually included, and advanced techniques like deep drop fishing with electric reels are available upon request. Usually, we’ll troll for fish (dragging baited hooks behind the boat), but you can cast if you have brought along your own rod.  

Fishing techniques in Fiji include trolling, jigging, popping, bottom fishing, and deep drop fishing. Popper fishing is an exciting surface technique that involves casting lures that create a popping sound to attract predatory fish like giant trevally. Bottom fishing targets species near the sea floor such as snapper and dogtooth tuna, while deep drop fishing uses electric reels to reach depths of 200m to 500m for rare deep-water species.

Typically, we run two Fiji fishing charters per day at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort. One will leave at first light when the fish are looking to feed, and the other in mid-afternoon, as our finned friends sun themselves near the surface. The best time of day for topwater fishing is around dawn and dusk (which are also beautiful times to see the sun rise and set on the ocean).

Additionally, we run two different types of fishing trip – a gentle cruise around the bays, or a deep-sea fishing venture where you’ll really get the chance to hook a whopper. Guests can choose the kind of fishing experience they prefer, and charters can be tailored to individual preferences, including family-friendly options for families with children. Many of our boats are built specifically for fishing, with comfortable amenities on board such as shaded areas, toilets, and storage for gear. Snacks and drinks are included, especially on full-day trips. Fishing charters often allow guests to keep their catch, though some species may be subject to catch-and-release policies due to local regulations. 

Our crew’s passion for fishing and their work behind the scenes ensures a memorable experience for every guest. Guides are available to help guests choose the best spots and techniques, and the charter operator is responsible for organizing the trip and may offer to cook your catch. We welcome families, with special accommodations for children, and encourage you to remember your fishing adventure as a unique and unforgettable experience.

Because the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji has long been dedicated to conserving the environment, our fishing trips are sustainable, with a focus on both the safety of our guests and our ocean ecosystems.

The sailfish is one of the ocean’s fastest swimmers – can you catch one? 

What Types of Fish Can I Catch when Fishing in Fiji?

On your fishing trip, you’ll be aiming to snare such fish as walu, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, marlin, dogtooth tuna, Spanish mackerel, and the hard-fighting mahi-mahi – a great prize for any sea angler. Seasonal fish include marlin, Pacific sailfish, and dogtooth tuna. Reef predators like barracuda and giant trevally can also be caught, and Fiji’s waters teem with fish year-round. Arranging your fishing trip on the calming South Pacific is simplicity itself. All you have to do is give our JMC Resort Dive Centre or Activities staff 24 hours notice before you intend to head out, and we’ll do the rest. 

What Should I Pack For a Fiji Fishing Charter?

Don’t forget to bring essentials like polarised sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof sunscreen, and light clothes that dry easily. Fishing is prohibited in marine protected areas known as 'Tabu' zones, and certain species such as Humphead Maori Wrasse, turtles, giant clams, and pearl oysters are strictly protected. You cannot apply for a recreational fishing license in Fiji, but every commercial charter operator is required to have a license that covers guests. Please remember to only take what you need and release the rest, especially for reef fish and Giant Trevally, to help preserve Fiji’s marine life. 

The Best Time to Fish in Fiji

Fishing in Fiji is possible year-round, with the dry season from April to October offering the best conditions for anglers. 

Game Fishing in Fiji

For those seeking the ultimate thrill, game fishing in Fiji is an experience not to be missed. The waters around the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are renowned for their abundance of big game fish, making them a hotspot for anglers looking to target species like marlin, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna.  

Be sure to get in touch with us to arrange your fishing trip in paradise – we look forward to helping you tick off your fishing bucket list!