Fishing from Denarau

“Dear Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the size of the fish I catch, the courage not to lie about it and the wisdom to know that none of my fishing buddies would believe me anyway… Amen.”

There is no doubt that for those who are hooked on fishing, it is a consuming passion. And for these hook-line-and-sinker-types, Denarau is a great destination. There are so many options for indulgence, a vast array of fish to target, techniques to employ and places to fish. Decisions, decisions, decisions, and perhaps the most important question of all, “how to be in the right place at the right time?”

Sounding like a quandary? Yes, but an exciting one because it is part of the adventure. Anglers like finding out answers and making decisions, it is after all what they do. But as the most experienced hands will attest, the quickest and best decision when one is exploring a new location is to choose a good guide and follow the leader. Nothing beats local knowledge, that’s for sure.

Fiji lies in the tropical belt of the southwest Pacific Ocean. It has more than 300 islands, each surrounded by one or more coral reefs providing shelter and food to a myriad of fish that call them home. Beyond the islands in the deep blue ocean, the kings of the pelagic species, the mighty marlins as well as tuna, wahoo, sailfish, sleek sharks and mahi-mahi hold sway.

Fishing charters from Denarau island can be undertaken from a selection of types of boats which range from magnificent blue water vessels, equipped with every facility of luxury and comfort, to less ostentatious boats and those suitable for more sheltered waters.

Denarau is also home to the active and enthusiastic Denarau Game and Sport Fishing Club. The Club hosts tournaments throughout the year and everyone is welcome to participate. 
Information can be found by visiting the Club’s website at www.dgsfc.com (check and activate link) or search Denarau Game and Sport fishing club.

Denarau Island lies in the lee of Viti Levu on its western coast. Bordered and sheltered from the open ocean by the Malolo Barrier reef to the southwest, the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands to the north and west, as well as many other islands and reefs in between. The fishing areas are extensive and include Bligh Water.

An exciting form of fishing which has gained a lot of popularity over the last two decades is the casting of surface lures onto reef edges. You will be in pursuit of predator fish species, and there are so many different types it is, almost, an embarrassment of riches. The fish include giant trevally, many different varieties of cod and snapper, tropical barracuda and Spanish mackerel. The lures are usually positive buoyancy-floating lures worked by the angler to cause a disturbance on the water, suggesting an attack on baitfish. Most, if not all predator fish are prone to smash the lures in the belief that they are chasing injured prey. The sight is spectacular, very visual, and results in a surge of adrenalin as the fish then settles in to put up a gallant struggle to gain freedom. It is very satisfying to reel these beauties in, release them, and see them swim away to fight another day; although keeping one for a freshly caught dinner does seems like a good idea. There is nothing quite like eating fish straight from the sea, served just the way you like it, and your resort will be happy to prepare and serve your catch for you.

Another favorite fishing option is to spend a day on some calm and sheltered waters with your family for a bit of hand-line fishing. This is something everyone can do and enjoy with the added benefit of catching a fish, which, after all, is the purpose of the trip, isn’t it? Still, no matter what sort of trip you decide upon inevitably the time will come to tell your stories about it. It’s ok; in the words of William Sherwood Fox, “of all the liars among mankind, the fisherman is the most trustworthy!”

There are many fishing charter operators who operate from Port Denarau. There is also very little-known place, although growing rapidly famous by those in the know, that is based about two hours from Denarau where there is but one charter fishing boat. It is at Golden point and you can contact them here https://www.goldenpointresort.com/activities