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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Silent Assassin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Fishing in Rarotonga...
    Posted: 08 May 2011 at 1:18pm
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Hi,
 
Going to be in Raro late August and keen to check out the fishing. What is it like ? what are the options ? Prob do a charter one day but also considering bringing my jig rod and have a play from a kayak just outside the reef...is this worthwhile ? or should I try softbaiting ? What are the local fishing regulations ?
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote bazza Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 2011 at 2:55pm
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Originally posted by Silent Assassin Silent Assassin wrote:

Hi,
 
Going to be in Raro late August and keen to check out the fishing. What is it like ? what are the options ? Prob do a charter one day but also considering bringing my jig rod and have a play from a kayak just outside the reef...is this worthwhile ? or should I try softbaiting ? What are the local fishing regulations ?
 
 
Caught a mahimahi there a few days ago.
Softbaiting ? never heard of it being done but you could be the first
to start a trend. Be aware tho water depth drops almost sheer once
over the reef up to 4500 mtrs. so allow plenty of line if you want to
get near the bottom. Also unless sea has been calm for several days
then the surf where it hits the reef can be fairly formidable leaving only
3 possible launching locations namely :-
Avana
Muri Beach
Avatiu :- which is the main harbour but even large ships cannot get in at
times in extreme conditions. 
 
Not aware of any regulations but there are several no fishing marine reserves.
 
 
 
What is the fishing like?
 
 
 
As with anywhere can vary ... brilliant one day hopeless
the next ... possibly even moreso than a lot of places as given the depth of
water have to wait until the fish come near the surface to feed then know where.
 
Yes there seem to be different seasons for different species .... stand corrected
on this but understand currently has been largely wahoo with mahimahi just beginning
followed by yellowfin then marlin with overlaps & tuna likely all year.
 
As for a charter ... would recommend Capt Moko [email protected] situated
at Avana.  
 
For other pics & info
 
 
 
When you cry, feel pain or sadness, no one notices your sorrow .... BUT
fart just ONE time !!!!!!!!!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Silent Assassin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Aug 2011 at 3:20pm
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Anyone else have any advice ? Not long till I go to both Raro and Aitutaki. Do I bring the jig rod or softbait rod ?
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote FarmerBrowne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Aug 2011 at 6:45pm
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Originally posted by Silent Assassin Silent Assassin wrote:

Anyone else have any advice ? Not long till I go to both Raro and Aitutaki. Do I bring the jig rod or softbait rod ?
Last couple of years we have done an annual trip to Aitutaki - I usually take a couple of softbait sets - portable and light - took a 3 piece softbait rod this year that fitted in the bag - saved having to pay an extra charge to Air NZ for a rod tube (both ways).
Tend to avoid gulp softbaits as they are to soft - usually take over a range of grub tails and some small hex spinners.  This year I managed to land 5 mahimahi on the softbait gear whilst livebaiting at Aitutaki.
I'd be more iclined to take popper gear than jigging gear as you can use it from the reef as well as a boat if conditions permit.
If you get to Aitutaki I can highly recommend Black Pearl Charters if they are available.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Atlantis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2011 at 9:46pm
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Just got back from raro yesterday went on 3 different fishing charters and had a good chat to the local fisherman, fishing has been pretty slow of late, the locals are catching their tuna in about 150m off the FAD in town with sorf baits and burley, some guys went out jigging next to them but had no luck although they did get sum black trevally with poppers from outside the reef, I would probably take popper or soft bait gear as it gives you a few more options.

If going out on a charter i would fully recommend seafari they definately worked the hardest to get us fish and had the most knowledge and were willing to share it.
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