Thanks for the great report Grunta... haven't managed to make it to Vava'u (yet!) but sounds like I should add it to my ever growing bucket list....
but I have spent time fishing in the Cook Islands and thought a short speil may be of interest:-
Apart from the obvious draw cards of endless sunny days, sandy beaches and the slow pace of island life, Rarotonga has much on offer to the average or not so average fisho. There are a huge selection of charters to choose from, starting from humble outriggers through to larger charter boats, all based at Avarua Harbour... home to the infamous "Trader Jacks" - a great place to while away a few hours in the bar / restaurant and watch the whales beyond the reef.
In August I spent a few weeks at Rarotonga and a day or so out on Akura Charter with skipper George, well known for his record winning catches including largest record marlin at 327kg.
We set out early and spent a short time just off Trader Jacks watching a pod of whales play - not an uncommon sight apparently!
The target fish for the day was Wahoo and Mai-mai, but after an hour or so trawling just outside the reef without luck, George decided we should head deep and trawl for marlin.. great, I wasn't too unhappy about that. Akura has the ability to trawl seven lines and lines were set with flying fish and a couple of lines with lures.
With seven keen fishos on board, we were numbered off and each given time in the chair. If someone is on the chair when theres a strike they stay put, unless they become worn down and conceed their place to the next eager fisho... and yes surprizingly a few did that, as seems you need real muscles to land even the smallest of marlin.
So ours was a "lucky day" - five strikes - three on bait (flying fish) and two on lures, with two blues landed - both small according to skipper George - hey not so small too me George!
So, if youre looking for a great holiday - this is it. Fishing at its best and the cost can be surprizingly very reasonable. Besides the huge selection of resorts, hotels and villas - there are a huge amount of private homes and baches available for rent... all on line and similar to our "book a bach" system which makes accomodation unbelievably cheap. Travel round the island is simple as the entire circumfrance of the island is 32km, making the hardest decison whether to go clockwise or anticlockwise. Most popular mode of transport is scooter at approx $28 per day to rent, they almost run on the smell of an oily rag. Muri Beach is probably the pick of the island for beaches and is home to the Rarotonga sailing club wich hire sunburts (boats with sails!!!) But even more appealing and just up the road is the Rarotonga fishing club.. where everyone is welcome.
But if you still need further convincing and remember "these were the little ones"..
or... perhaps the sunrise on Muri Beach.
... where even the dogs spend all day chasing the fish :)
I once gave up fishing, it was the most terrifying weekend of my life.