Islands of the Pacific provide Kiwi anglers with a range of fishing opportunities just a short flight away.

One of the best for the variety of angling opportunities is Samoa, a destination Tight Lines Tours host Grant Dixon has fished many times. “I caught my first billfish in Samoa and was also on board when Sam Mossman was the first sports fisher to tag a marlin in its waters,” Grant says.

“What I enjoy about Samoa is not only the good fishing, but the hospitality of the people – Fa Samoa, the Samoan way.

Trip guests will stay at the beachfront, four-star Taumeasina Island Resort.

“In May (18-25) I will be hosting a trip to Apia, Samoa, staying at the four-star Taumeasina Island Resort for seven nights (share-twin basis). This beachfront property is one of the best on the island and is located just five minutes away from the marina where our fishing hosts Troppo Fishing Adventures are based. This destination is an excellent one for non-fishing partners to sit back and relax, with great swimming and snorkelling nearby.

Big yellowfin tuna patrol Samoan waters.

“Nearby is the Palolo Deep, a marine reserve which offers some great snorkelling. Just off the private beach are sheltered waters for a bit of kayaking and sailing, and there’s plenty of fish life for snorkellers right by the resort. And if you want to avoid the salt, the resort boasts a great freshwater pool and has a great cocktail list to work your way through during your stay!”

The inshore fishing options are superb, with GTs, spanish mackerel, coral trout, dogtooth tuna, and barracuda all on the hit list.

Included in the itinerary are two lay days, one of which will feature an optional island tour. For those who want more of a fishing fix, these days can be used to charter a boat for some more fishing, perhaps taking your partner out. Troppo Fishing Adventures has a 26-foot full walkaround centre console which is ideal for fishing the reef edges, and shorter half-day charters. Scuba diving is also an option. 

Samoan waters spoil the anglers for choice. The trip will target billfish, tuna, mahimahi and other pelagics offshore from well-appointed charter boats as well as the opportunity to jig, troll, and cast for GTs, spanish mackerel, coral trout, dogtooth tuna, and barracuda inshore.

On the rampage - a Samoan blue marlin.

Greg ‘Troppo’ Hopping and his experienced skippers and crew have been fishing the waters around Apia and beyond for three decades. His 35-foot Bertram Pure indulgence has just undergone a major refit inside and out, with new motors, electronics, and a smart paint job. The second vessel Free Spirit is a 32-foot Kiwi-built Kingfisher, powered by twin 275hp Yamaha outboards. For inshore work, Greg has a 26-foot centre console Get ‘Er Done, a great boat for close-in work and as a casting platform. Check them out at www.fishsamoa.com I have had the pleasure of fishing with Greg many times, including a live-aboard trip to the Pascoe Banks, and recommend him highly.

The charter vessels for the trip are comfortable and well-appointed.

At the back end of the trip is Treena Moore who has done much of the leg work to put this adventure together. Galaxy Travel and Treena managed the NZ Fishing News 20th anniversary trip to Vava’u Tonga last year. It was great to have her experience and knowledge on board, ensuring one of the smoothest Tongan trips ever.

Greg ‘Troppo’ Hopping and his experienced skippers and crew have been fishing the waters around Apia and beyond for three decades.

Check out https://www.galaxyactive.nz/fish/ for all the info or to book your place contact Treena on 07 349 7446 or [email protected]

- By Grant Dixon