FISHING TRIPS AT SEA

Practiced by professionals and private individuals alike, fishing is as much a leisure activity as it is a food source. “A bit of fishing” is a timeless tradition in New Caledonia. Fly-fishing, big game fishing, crabbing, spearfishing… There are various ways to do a bit of fishing, whether you’re guided by the pros or going solo. In a setting that’s both intimate and breathtaking, Caledonian and overseas anglers share their common passion. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, join in on a fishing adventure! Southern New Caledonia offers plenty of opportunities to reel in a catch, out at sea, in the lagoon, and even in freshwater.

A bountiful lagoon

Going fishing in the early morning under a radiant sun and coming back with stunning photos of fish is not just a sweet dream in New Caledonia. The offshore waters and lagoons of South Province are teeming with fish of all kinds, some of which are highly prized by fishers: loaches, jacks, mahi-mahi, dogtooth tuna, bonefish, marlin… The sea creatures here often stand out for their enormous size! You can also find these fish at the local market or on the menus of restaurants.

Heading out for “coup d’pêche”

Big game fishing and recreational fishing can be done all year round, though the best times are typically in April-May and September-October. There are free boat ramps available all around South Province. New Caledonia has identifiable fishing zones thanks to Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). These floating objects attract a large number of fish, especially the big pelagic species. There are about a dozen of them in South Province. You can find them on the site of the Nouméa Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (French) (MRCC).

A word of advice

Check weather conditions and tide schedules before hitting the open water. Keep an eye on the Special Marine Bulletins (BMS).

Franck, Tourist Office of Nouméa

Going offshore for big game fishing

In the shallows offshore of the New Caledonian lagoon, the scenery changes, and so does the fishing gear. Here, big game fishing is the norm, usually under the guidance of a pro. Faced with a marlin, swordfish or tuna, fishing becomes more physical. Taking a fish of its weight (or more) out of the water definitely requires good stamina. In this sport, the thrill lies in winning the battle against the fish. But not necessarily at the cost of its life: there’s nothing to stop you releasing it alive back into the ocean once the hunt is over! This “catch and release” or “no kill” practice is becoming increasingly widespread here.

Four good reasons to hire a guide for your trip:

Discover secret spots
Learn the proper techniques for catch and release
Enjoy an organized day with lunch on board
Get expert advice

Underwater hunting

Free diving with a spear gun is a favourite activity in New Caledonia. It has to be said that the spots are truly breathtaking: in crystal-clear water, you can admire the reefs, the coral “potatoes” (coral heads or spurs), and their entire ecosystem. The beauty of the seabed is simply stunning. You can combine the joy of snorkelling with your passion for fishing.

Embracing traditional techniques

While fly-fishing and big game fishing are modern techniques for catching fish, New Caledonian fishers mastered the art of catching their prey long before these methods came along. Mangrove crab fishing, for example, involves setting traps with bait at night to lure the crustaceans and capture them. Hawkfish are hunted by throwing a leaded net vertically, so that it falls around the target.

Share a night or a meal with a local tribe, and your hosts will be delighted to share their traditions with you!

Fishing with respect for the local wildlife

To enjoy fishing while respecting the local wildlife, there are a few things to remember. The catch and release technique is of course encouraged. You’ll also need to comply with current regulations. Certain species, such as mangrove crabs, spiny lobsters, rabbitfish, and turtles, are protected under the regulations of South Province’s Environment Code. A calendar indicates the allowed and prohibited fishing periods for each species. The allowed catch quota for seafood (fish, crustaceans, shellfish) is 40 kilograms per trip per day. As for pelagic species (e.g. wahoo, mahi-mahi, bonito, tuna, marlin, swordfish) are limited to 15 individuals per boat per trip.