Kadavu Black Marlin – New Fishery in Fiji?

Kadavu Black Marlin – New Fishery in Fiji?

Some time ago, Bite Me Gamefishing was contacted by Peter Mumford, a regular Australian East coast black marlin fisherman who was looking for the chance to explore new waters in search of his favourite species, the black marlin. Peter had landed a number of huge fish (including granders) on the world famous black marlin fishing grounds of Queensland Australia and was looking to find a new fishery.

Aboard Bite Me, we occasionally head well offshore and successfully target Blue Marlin on 80lb class bent butt chair tackle but looking for a grander black along Kadavu island’s Great Astrolabe Barrier reef was going to be a whole new experience for us.

We know the big Blacks are here, I have personally seen a black in excess of 16ft swim right under the inshore game boat and resort divers have returned with stories of huge marlin herding them up against the reef…and photos to prove it.

One of my colleagues skippering the charterboat Wai Tadra tagged a black on the Kadavu seamount estimated by BlueWater magazine editor David Granville at 950lbs.

There is no doubt that large Black Marlin cruise the Astrolabe Reef but targeting and catching one was another matter. Peter’s quest gave us the perfect opportunity to give it a serious try.

We didn’t muck around. We flew in Glen Gardener, a friend and professional deckie from Sydney Australia who normally works the deck leadering marlin aboard the charterboat ‘Bounty Hunter’.

Glen brought with him and extra 18″ flying gaff and two of Bounty Hunter’s 130lb chair rods.

We fished ‘Cairns style’ in that we spent the mornings catching and rigging bait, then moved to trolling big lures around lunch time. Lures such as MBT’s 22″Buddha and Pakula’s big Smokin Joe.

Early afternoon, the time we most expected a bite, we switched to just one skip-bait and one swimming bait on the 130s run off the riggers. Strike drag was set at 20kg but when run, the reels were left just in gear with the ratchet on and a large drop-back loop was pulled off the reel and dropped back in the wake.

We used shark mackerel (scad) and Narrow barred (spanish) mackerel as baits with the scad generally making the best swim baits.

All baits were gutted, stitched with waxed thread and rigged with a 130lb dacron bridle on the nose to a 16/0 Mustad 39960BL circle Demon hook. The hook was held securely away from the bait with a three inch piece of stiff tubing.

The Penn Internationals were spooled with 130lb Greenspot Dacron with a 200 yard mono top shot ending in a short plaited double and Yo-Zuri HD ball bearing snap swivel. The 600lb mono leader to hook was then attached to this.

Our prefered fishing grounds were just 10 minutes away, right in front of the resort. It didn’t take long. At 12:55 the skip-bait on the left rigger was engulfed in a ball of spray as a billfish left a hole in the wake. Everybody sprang into action. Peter grabbed the howling outfit and made for the chair as the fish swam away with the circle hook rigged bait. When Peter was strapped in and ready, the drag was eased up, the circle hook lodged in the corner of the fish’s jaw and 300 pounds of angry black marlin took to the air.

I have seen and fought many blue marlin but this was my first black and the differences were amazing. Blues eat hard and fast then pick a direction and go go go with no intention of ever stopping. If you do manage to stop one, they then often sound on you and it can turn into a slug-fest. Blacks are totally different and this fish fought like a typical black. It charged around, mostly on or just under the surface with no clear battle plan and put on a spectaculor show for the photographers. As acrobatic as a Pacific Sailfish and as strong as an angry bull she typified why so many anglers spend yearafter year fishing for black marlin. What an amazing fish.

It took us one hour and ten minutes to bring the leader to hand. We had her in close fairly quickly but she was so green and therefore a serious danger to the crew, that we eased off and took our time. At 320lbs she smashed the existing M-130 Fiji National Record and Peter decided to weigh the fish. The first ever documented Kadavu Great Astrolabe Reef black that I know of tipped the scales just shy of 320lbs. Hardly a grander but what a start !

It is our intention to take every opportunity to continue fishing for Kadavu island’s Black marlin and to tag and release enough to paint a clear picture of their habits and seasons. Given the sightings by divers and our own experiences of huge Black marlin here, our aim is to find Fiji’s first Grander.

Sometimes its fun being a charterboat skipper…..

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Fishing Vacations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica, with its two coastlines facing out into the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and its superb collection of lakes and rivers, offers unequaled opportunities for fishing. Whatever the time of year, Costa Rica offers a huge range of fishing types within a compact, easily accessible area, and this is fishing of the highest quality.

From a base in the capital city, San Jose, fishing enthusiasts can be in the major fishing areas of both Costa Rican coasts within just thirty to forty minutes, and with daily air services available from two national airlines, travel in Costa Rica couldn’t be easier. A drive of just three to six hours will bring fishing lovers to any part of the country they could wish to explore.

The world-renowned reputation of Costa Rica as a destination for fishing is well deserved. To ensure the best chance of a good catch however, it is necessary to be aware of the natural variations in weather, the prevailing winds and currents, as well as seasonal variations and other natural forces that can influence the fishing.

The stretch of the Northern Pacific Coast between Cabo Blanco and the Gulf of Papagayo offers excellent opportunities for fishing. The Flamingo Beach, for example, has a full-service marina. There are several nearby centers for sports fishing, at Nosara, Samara, Tamarindo and Playa. According to season and natural variations, the range of fish which can be found here includes Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo and Roosterfish.

Quepos, on the Central Pacific Region coast between Cabo Blanco and Drake Bay, is a busy fishing center. More than fifty well equipped boats here are in the 27 feet and above range. Smaller boats can also be found, and are ideal for the superb inshore fishing in the area. Boats rarely have to venture more than 12 to 20 miles out from the coast to reach the blue waters rich in Billfish. A longer, multi-day trip to nearby Drake Bay can also be arranged to fish for its plentiful Wahoo, Roosterfish and big Cubera. Other fish that are commonly found in this region include Tuna, Dorado, Marlin and Sailfish.

Even more great fishing opportunities abound on the Southern Pacific Coast, at Golfito and Playa Zancud. Golfito is the most popular center for fishing on this coast, and most days during peak season will find a catch of a couple of Marlin, an abundance of Jacks, Runners and Mackerel, as well as a good dozen Sailfish. Amberjack, Roosterfish and Big Snappers are sometimes found inshore. Golfito offers opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing. A vast range of small coves and rocky isles around the bay provide chances for light-tackle fishing, while small Barracuda, Snapper and Corbina have been found offshore- as well as Snook that can be more than forty pounds.

The challenge of Caribbean fishing is that it can vary more from day to day than it does between months. Of course, this does mean that a day of bad weather is often followed by an ideal fishing day, so one poor day does not mean the whole trip will be the same, and with fish in rich abundance, year-round, the opportunities are endless.

Costa Rica, with its many, varied coasts provides some of the best fishing in the world.

Deep Sea Fishing in New Zealand

New Zealand is surrounded by wide expanse of ocean. Its continental shelf is large and what you get is a country with rich natural resources for deep sea fishing. Over a thousand types of fish are found in New Zealand waters, but less than a ten percent of these are exploited by the commercial fish industry.

New Zealand is a meeting place for cool and warm ocean currents – a natural playground for a large variety of fishes. Cold currents from the Antarctic bring in hake and; blue and red cod, while in warmer currents, tuna, sharks, snapper, marlin, kahawai and trevally are often found.

If you come to New Zealand to fish, you can bring your own fishing gears into the country. This includes reels, rods, clothing and most tackle. Your equipments must be clean and officially declared in the New Zealand customs service upon arrival. Homemade trout flies aren’t allowed into New Zealand. To get more information, you may want to contact the New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Anglers wanting to fly fish and trout in New Zealand from October to March will find it easier and more comfortable to have a pair of soft soled boots or sports shoes, T-shirts and shorts. Waders are usually bulky, clumsy, and hot in the humidity and heat of a New Zealand summer. However, during evening fishing or unseasonably cold weather, fishers may consider wearing waders. In early spring, winter, and autumn, most good fishing spots are cold and require waders, regardless of the time and weather. You should wear polarized glasses; ultraviolet exposure in New Zealand is among the most dangerous in the world. You should consider these health precautions as indispensable no matter what the season is. These should be viewed as part of your standard kit or pack during deep sea fishing around New Zealand. A hat or cap is a must, while sunscreen is essential during summertime or at midday.

You may think that fishing is acceptable in any weather, but you should take the weather forecast into consideration before going out far in the middle of ocean. Get free weather information from New Zealand Meteorological (Met) Service, the forecast includes marine weather forecasts, temperature and tidal reports. New Zealand weather patterns are sometimes unpredictable and erratic, especially through the periods of autumn and spring.

No matter what, safety measures should always be your earliest consideration. Fishers need to have thoughtful safety precautions, and be particularly vigilant during deep sea fishing. When venturing the deep seas of New Zealand, It pays to have an experienced fisher who understands the area or get a few expert advices during fishing. Drowning at sea is the 3rd highest cause of accidental deaths in New Zealand, after traffic accidents and unintentional falls. Many of those drowning victims are new people or visitors who don’t know the local conditions or area. Call the Water Safety Council of New Zealand to get more information on fishing safety.

Deep Sea Fishing in the Bahamas

One of the world’s most favored fishing areas, The Bahamas is comprised of 700 islands where fishing enthusiasts can find many of good fishing sites and more than any anglers could dream of. The blue skies, the warm tropical climate and the clear blue water are a part of deep sea fishing vacation in the Bahamas. It is a trip that is never easily forgotten. Nearly all beach resorts can make arrangements for guides who can take you to fish feeding grounds. You can comfortably leave your wife behind to go fishing for hours and not afraid to get a single complaint as there are many attractions found onshore.

More than 50 world fishing records took place in the Bahamas. Most captains and crews have plenty of knowledge and experience with deep sea fishing. They’ll guarantee you that you’ll have the most extraordinary angling experience ever. You’ll be able to see attractive coral reefs and good fishing locations with their experiences and skills.

The steep drop offs, reefs, and flats encircle many islands in the Bahamas and they draw an assortment of fish species along with many amateur fishers who look for competitive experiences and excitement. Draw fly and spin casters fishers are usually drawn to the bonefish schools along the flats, these fast moving fighters has great speed and power; and can weigh up to fifteen pounds sometimes. Bonefish schools are consisted of more than a hundred fishes each, and present exciting spurts of deep sea fishing in the Bahamas.

The deep sea fishing enthusiasts, who are fascinated with large fishes, can have their skills and patience put to the test. Anglers who favor the excitement of heavier catches can venture deeper into the Atlantic.

In places where the drop off is very steep from the shallow reef to the bottomless pit of the Atlantic; deep sea fishing is simply a fantastic experience. The angling method used consists of dragging some baited lines through the deeper waters to attract marlin, sailfish, mackerel, mahi-mahi, or tuna. Apart from these species, reef fish, Billfish, and bottom fish can also be baited in the deeper parts of Caribbean.

Bahamas fishing charters can be found at several marinas along with experienced skippers who understand all the challenges and opportunities that are present in each season. The summertime is the best time for blue tuna, mahi-mahi, and blue marlin. The winter months are good for king mackerel fishing. November through April is good for white marlins and Wahoo fishing.

According to the rules and laws of the Bahamas, a fishing charter isn’t allowed to have more than 6 lines in the water at the same time. By not allowing too many fishing lines clog up the waters during peak fishing season, the law will protect the natural balance of spawning, feeding and fishing cycle to ensure sustainable fishing activities around the Bahamas.