Reef fishing

I was wondering if someone can tell me what to bring to go surf fishing in Rarotongo. Eg. Hooks, bait and how and where to fish. I would like to take my son surf fishing. Are we able to eat some of the fish we catch?

I wouldn't recommend eating any fish caught inside the reef on Raro. The best place to get information about ciguatera (fish poisoning) is from a trusted local source. Ask you host for advice. The next best thing would be to check with the hospital and see if they have any information, they have experience with all kinds of sea-related problems.

That said, standing on the reef and fishing on the ocean side shouldn't be taken lightly, especially with a youngster in tow. Knowing what to expect and how to cope with it takes experience and skill. Spend a little time observing and asking some local fishermen before you try it.

I usually take a 3 or 4-piece 7-8ft baitcasting rod and a Penn 965 or 975 filled with 50-lb Spectra. It'll work for most inshore stuff but a big black trevally will send you shopping for more line. If you go boat fishing outside the reef don't depend on it. An average-sized wahoo will be hard on the drag system of the little 900 Penn.

If you go boat fishing check with the skipper to see what his policy is regarding keeping what you catch. Raro and Aitutaki boats sell most of the catch to the restaurants and resorts. If you venture to the outer islands, and arrange fishing with the locals, you are usually treated as one of them and you will be expected to share your catch... and they will share their's with you. Locals usually boat fish with hand lines and fish the reef with bamboo poles or light-to-medium spinning tackle. Good luck!

Good advice!

"It'll work for most inshore stuff but a big black trevally will send you shopping for more line..."

LOL!!

How true the GT is King of the Reef!

"How true the GT is King of the Reef!"

Yup.... the last time I was on Mitiaro two guys had lost entire spearguns to them. The guns were big game, 6' shaft 3-band wooden stock models and the big Trevally just swam off with them.

Good advice provided above. There aren't many decent sized fish close to shore around Raro anymore, and the locals are finding it more difficult to bring home any catch. Having said that there had been good takes for deep sea fish leading up to Christmas. I suggest that you look at a charter tour because the local guides know where the fish are.

If you're more keen on casting a line from the reef I agree that local information will help to keep you safe. In general, check the weather and tides and let someone on shore know where you intend to fish. One of the favoured areas for casting a line is on the northern side directly across the lagoon from the airport. You'll likely encounter other locals there, and besides it's a very part of the lagoon to cross the short distance from shore. In general this is also one of the more sheltered positions around Rarotonga. As a general hint, avoid any patches of deep blue and disturbed water because this will most likely indicate a passage through the reef to the ocean. We have had several unfortunate incidents over the years; even including our local people who had been familiar with the prevailing conditions.

Another tip is to visit the fish cafe at Avana on Raro and talk to the operators there who are well into fishing for their livelihood.
On Aitutaki, I suggest that you talk with the guys at the Fishing Club because they go out regularly. Additionally going out on a fishing charter will help you gain access to the wider lagoon area.

Thanks for the info, PS i am only going to catch and release the fish. I wanted to try and snorkle fish as well. We did this in Cuba and it was fun. Again catch and release only for fun with barbless hooks