Fishing Charters on Rarotonga

Going back to Rarotonga and want to experience game fishing. We've heard from all the locals and past travellers to the island that Akura Fishing Charters does the best job. Others have said its the most successful fishing charter while on the island. We've also heard that they allow you to catch all pelagic species ( tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi, and marlin) year-round.

We are thinking about doing a private boat as they have the most reasonable prices for how large their boat is. Has anyone else experienced chartered fishing in Rarotonga?

Two skippers to enquire about are 1. Moko (Steve) Kavana who operates his charters from Avana harbour - visit the Moorings Café to arrange a trip. 2. Pupuke Robati Jnr, except I don't know which boat he fishes from - very likely from Avatiu harbour.

Both are ace fishermen!

Not a great place for big game fishing since it's nowhere near the major pelagic currents be sure to inquire carefully about recent results since you could literally end up being taken for a ride/washing tackle all day in a relatively empty ocean-for no small amount of money.

Yeah... I think Raro's only real claim to fame when it comes to offshore fishing is a reputation for trophy-size spearfish, a little billfish that resembles a stunted sailfish. For that reason it attracts billfish fanatics wanting to fill in that spot on their trophy wall....

Spearfish are delicious eating though even if they don't fight worth a shit.

Recent photos of large game fish caught around the FADS off Rarotonga and displayed in the local paper didn't look enhanced by any means. Official weigh ins being held at the Game Fishing Club on Rarotonga.

Some of the fish were caught on Akura by Cameron Thorp, Corey Fisher and mates, while others were caught by Pupuke Robati, and Junior Ioaba - all are masters at their game.

Check the online feed by the Cook Islands News for evidence of recent successes.

Hi Jessica,

Today's local paper (C Is News) shows a 10 year old who caught a 55kg yellow fin, while his Dad, gun fisherman Pupuke Robati, only caught a 27kg tuna. Their boat is moored at Avana harbour.

Perhaps you will have good success too?

I can vouch for Steven Kavana, he has been involved in Rarotonga fishing for many years, is a local and involved in the tourist industry for over twenty years. Fishing is called "fishing" for a reason, it is not called, "cathing fish" for a reason. Regardlous of the skills of the charter captain, their are days that the fish do not cooperate, keep that in mind when chartering a vessel. Good luck and enjoy the day on the water.
Papa Mike