Known for its sandy beaches and stunning scenery, Samoa has long been a favorite destination for honeymooners–and now it’s gaining a reputation among sportfishermen, too. This island nation at the heart of the Pacific Ocean offers 365 days of big game fishing. Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Giant Trevally are just a few of the prizes swimming around Upolu, Savai’i, and numerous other islands here. Whether you’re hoping to get a taste of the local angling in just a couple of hours or planning to indulge in it for days on end, you can try it all with Samoa fishing charters.

Known For

Big Game Fishing on Upolu

You won’t have to stray far beyond the capital city of Apia to find good sport fishing. In fact, you can hook into big game fish within minutes of leaving the dock, and your chances improve with every passing mile. The seafloor drops 1,000 meters just 5 miles from the harbor, and continues to fall every 3 ml until finally reaching 4,000 m. Trolling along the surface will entice Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and more.

Samoa’s infamous “Marlin Alley” lies just 10 miles off the coast of Upolu. This 20-mile trench is bookended by a pair of permanent FADs which make it all the more attractive to the biggest and baddest game fish in the Pacific. The result is year-round fishing opportunity for Blue and Black Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi.

Meanwhile, the western point of the island faces the Apolima Strait, where large banks dotted with seamounts extend for 11 miles south before the seafloor plummets to 1,000 m. These seamounts are prime feeding territory for Wahoo and Dogtooth Tuna, while the banks provide some serious Sailfish and Spanish Mackerel action. The drop off beyond hosts Blue Marlin, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi.

Liveaboard Getaways

If the main islands start to feel a little too small for your taste, head to open sea! Anglers in Samoa have access to some 500 nautical miles of nearly pristine fishing grounds, and you can make the most of it on a multi-day charter (typically 2-10 days). Seamounts, canyons, coral reefs, and various islands are all within reach once you board a well-equipped vessel in Samoa. Some of the area’s premiere game fishing destinations include Swains Island, Iles Wallis, Tonga, American Samoa, Northern Cooks, Manua Islands, Curacoa Shoals, and more. These locations boast a selection of massive Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish.

Reef Fishing and More

On the other hand, there’s plenty to explore closer to shore if the open sea sounds a tad overambitious for your taste. Various reefs and lagoons around the Samoan islands provide excellent fishing for Giant Trevally, Golden Trevally, and other species. Permit and Bonefish are even known to appear here and there. The “big island” Savai’i has fewer fishing charters for hire than Upolu, but offers good shore fishing opportunity. Villagers on Savai’i own local fishing rights, so be sure to ask for permission before casting your line.

Need to Know

Getting There

Samoa is about a 3-hour plane from New Zealand, or 5 hours from Australia and the west coast of the United States. Faleolo International Airport is 40 km west of Apia, where you’ll find most of the nation’s charter fishing boats. The main islands Upolu and Savai’i are easy to explore by car once you arrive. Traveling between May and October is recommended so you can enjoy the region’s finest weather.

Regulations

Samoa fishing charters typically provide everything you need, from licenses and tackle to bait. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm that all the essentials are included by contacting the captain ahead of time. If you plan on fishing from shore by yourself, talk to some locals first to make sure you have permission to cast a line.

Samoan Fishing Techniques

Anglers use a variety of techniques while fishing in Samoa, including casting, popping, jigging, trolling, bottom fishing, and fly fishing. It’s common to troll for pelagic fish like Marlin and Tuna, while popping is the preferred method of catching Giant Trevally. Fly fishing in the lagoons and inshore reefs may produce Permit, Bonefish, and a variety of Trevally species.

Budget

Half day trips range from WST $600-1,200 (Samoan Talas), and full day trips tend to cost between WST $1,400-$2,400. If you book a multi-day liveaboard charter, you can usually expect to pay over WST $1,000 per person, depending on the length of the trip.

Guided shore casting trips can cost as little as WST $15 per hour.

Come cast a line in the heart of the Pacific and find out what makes fishing in Samoa so spectacular!