Sigatoka may be known as ‘The Salad Bowl of Fiji,’ but we can assure you that it has a lot more to offer than just fruit and vegetables. Sigatoka fishing charters will provide you with plenty of opportunity to go after exciting gamefish during the entire year. Add to that the huge coral reef right off the mainland, and plenty of resorts and hotels nearby, and you’ve got all the necessary ingredients for a fun and exciting trip.
Known for
Most tourists go to Sigatoka for two things. The first are the many parks which are a wonder to behold for all nature lovers. The Kula Wild Adventure park, the only wildlife park in Fiji, is just a couple of miles away and is filled with a number of endangered native species.
The other beloved tourist destination is the Sigatoka river, after which the town itself was named. From jet boat safaris to diving at the coral reefs, the river remains a popular hotspot for people looking to get wet. Taking a jet boat ride is probably the easiest way to get acquainted with both the scenery and the people who inhabit it. If you were looking to get a glimpse into the authentic Fijian lifestyle and culture, you’re sure to find both in spades.
The coral reefs themselves are a great bottom fishing location that’s close to the shore. Those looking for a challenge are welcome to try their hand at hooking and boating a Giant Trevally (GT). Local anglers mostly use poppers to draw out these aggressive fish that can weigh well over 100lbs in some cases. The Great Astrolabe Reef is some 50 miles out and is a fantastic spot for fishing in winter when the winds can get a bit rough elsewhere.
When it comes to fishing, though, the real adventure lies offshore. You can find most tropical game fish species during the entire year, but it’s definitely easier if you are looking for your target during the peak season. For example, Fiji’s winter months - June, July, and August - are usually the best time to be fishing for Striped Marlin. Other fish you can expect to see on your offshore trips are Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and lots of Tuna.
The diversity of fish species, as well as the fact the waters are very clear, make for world-class spearfishing trips, so be sure not to miss the chance for a trip to remember. Guides who run spearfishing trips are very passionate about the craft, so you can expect to learn a thing or two as well.
Shorter trips are a perfectly valid option round these parts since the fish themselves aren’t far in most cases. Bottom fishing near the coast can be as short as three hours. However, if you’re looking to troll for prize Sailfish and GT’s, a six-hour trip or longer is generally recommended.
How much will it cost?
Prices for fishing trips in Fiji are all over the place, which means you have a very high chance of finding a trip that meets your needs and price range to the letter. From as low as $35 up to $150 and more per hour, you can feel free to shop around for the trip of a lifetime.
Most captains run all-inclusive packages, meaning that you will get all the necessary fishing gear and bait that’s needed for a good trip. In some cases, you might have lunch included as well.
Rules and Regulations
While surf fishing may seem like a great idea when you look at the coastline, it’s important to remember that all land in Fiji, including beaches, is privately owned. Some resorts have a strict no-fishing policy when it comes to the land they own, so you should always obtain the owner’s permission before heading out to the coast.
All licensed charters will provide you with the necessary fishing licenses at no extra cost. Fishing on private property without prior approval can result in a hefty fine, so be careful.