Angling New Caledonia

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Photo by flickr user ktsugita

These island groups are surrounded by the world’s largest barrier reef, enclosing the main islands in something like a vast, shallow, bright turquoise lagoon which offers some of the best light tackle and fly fishing in the South Pacific. Small boats decked out for trolling, jigging and popping can also be seen on the lagoon while larger boats set up for big game fishing trawl the surrounding blue for the bigger and more challenging predatory fish. Giant Trevally, snappers, jacks and groupers patrol New Caledonia’s waters along with local celebrities, huge bonefish and hundreds of other species (I should mention batfish, mackerel and red bass also.). Bonefish of record dimensions are being caught quite regularly on the very accessible flats. Much of this area is protected marine reserves where fishing is banned and corals, shell fish and other marine life thrive, these safe feeding havens probably also contribute to the abundance of fish in the fishing grounds. New Caledonia’s culture is a blend of French, Polynesian and Asian traditions. The main island is one of the largest in the South Pacific and is as yet not offensively touristy. Most boat charters leave from capital city, Noumea’s harbour.

Written by  Robert Emmerton.

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