Got a volunteer role coming up in Tonga at end of September. Just after some thoughts and experiences of Tonga. Pretty keen fisherman, so will be after alot of that. Unfortunately its a volunteer role, and so wont be able to afford the charter boats. Wondering about landbased stuff, stuff you dont need a guide for? Also, gear to take. Will likely abuse the credit card and get a stella or saltiga and matching rod for throwing poppers etc. Also got a chronarch baitcaster with 30lb braid for smaller stuff, and maybe even a small 'trout' outfit for small stuff. What about lures? Are they available there, or very pricey? Best to take them with me? What else? Split ring pliers etc as well? 

Also, I know this is a fishing site, but I am also pretty keen photographer. Like I said, not much budget to play with, so an aluminium housing for my SLR is unlikely. Anyone here use http://www.outex.com/waterproof-camera-covers-products/ before? I have my PADI licence, but havent dived much. Likely more snorkeling (also alot cheaper!). Have a GoPro and gopole and a few mounts etc, and a D3s. Lens wise have 24 2.8, but might look at something like a Samyang 14mm 2.8. Non autofocus, so not sure how it will go underwater.  

Anyway, hope to hear some words of wisdom from here. :-)

Cheers,

Coop

Same with any specialist gear like spilt ring pilers, photography gear. Expect that you will be unable to buy anything like that over there. There are no bunnings warehouse, mitre 10's etc and what shops there are, are often closed and don't do NZ opening hours.

You don't need a guide, walk and cast and you will find fish.

Take some old or cheap running shoes (maybe even 2 pairs) that you will throw away at the end of your trip, Good to use on the coral and offers protection for your toes on the reef and reef cliffs etc. Don't try and wear jandals/sandals as your feet will get sliced to bits.

Take lots of storm type lifelike soft plastics, like the ones from rebel sport, deadly on inner reef species and good fun on light tackle.

Enjoy your time there!

Just to update, I am on Tongatapu, in Nuku'alofa. Not one of the outer islands. So far have done stuff all fishing (weather not good, plus no car, and no boat, all reef around here). As for tackle though, lures are quite plentiful here. A shop called E M Jones has a range of Halco stuff, as well as a few others. Mostly big poppers and stickbaits, laser pros, and tremblers. Also has hooks, leaders, and various other things, a few owner split rings etc. Ideally bring all terminal tackle, but lures can at least be restocked here. Prices are reasonable as well. Halco haymaker roosta popper about 38 $TOP, others same price point. No plastics such as squidgies etc, so bring smaller tackle gear. Reef shoes here, but a bit dearer than home, but good to know they are here if needed.