The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Fiji

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What Fish Can You Spearfish For in Fiji?

Fiji’s tropical waters and coral reefs provide the perfect environment for those fish species you’ve always dreamed of catching. Marlin, giant trevally, sailfish… You can tick a wide range of game fish off the bucket list on a spearfishing trip in Fiji.

Game Fish in Fiji

• Dogtooth Tuna
• Giant Trevally
• Mahi Mahi
• Pacific Sailfish
• Black Marlin
• Blue Marlin
• Striped Marlin
• Spanish Mackerel
• Wahoo
• Yellowfin Tuna

For more information on Fiji’s trophy fish, take a look at What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji.

Reef Fish in Fiji

The coral reefs of Fiji are where many locals source their food and can be a fun way to get into spearfishing in Fiji. Ask your spearfishing guide to take you reef fishing, where there are fewer restrictions on keeping the catch (although make sure you adhere to the minimum catch sizes, which can be referred to in this Fiji fishing guide) so you will be able to have the catch cooked up for dinner.

Reef fish species in Fiji include:

• Coral Trout
• Grouper
• Mangrove Jack
• Red Throat Emporer
• Spangled Emperor
• Parrot Fish
• Naked Eye Seabream

… and much more! For weight limits and more on catch restrictions, see What Types of Fish Can You Fish For in Fiji.

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When is the Best Time to Go Spearfishing in Fiji?

The short answer is anytime, really! With reef fish and many of Fiji’s game fish available to catch year-round, there is never a bad time to go spearfishing in Fiji. As a bonus, the weather and the water are always warm. However, if you are targeting a specific game fish, like marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahimahi, Spanish mackerel, wahoo and giant trevally, there are peak seasons for those fish where you’ll stand a greater chance of catching one, such as the following:

• Blue Marlin: February to April
• Black Marlin: July to October
• Sailfish: June to September
• Yellowfin Tuna: November to March
• Dogtooth Tuna: October to March
• Skipjack Tuna: January to February and August to October
• Mahimahi: October to January
• Spanish Mackerel: October to December
• Wahoo: June to September
• Giant Trevally: June to September.

Find out more about the fishing seasons in Fiji with our guide, What is the Best Time of Year for Fishing in Fiji. Plus, learn more about Fiji’s climate in Fiji Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month.

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Where to Go Spearfishing in Fiji

Because of fishing restrictions and local customs to abide by, for instance, protected areas and fishing “patches” of local villages where permission needs to be granted before fishing, it’s best for visitors to go spearfishing with a guide or a tour in Fiji.

Top 3 Spearfishing Locations in Fiji

1. Great Astrolabe Reef (Kadavu) – Known for its pristine waters and diverse marine life.
2. Beqa Lagoon (Pacific Harbour) – Offers excellent spearfishing conditions.
3. Yasawa Islands – Provides opportunities to spear a variety of fish species in crystal-clear waters.

Spearfishing Tours in Fiji

Spearfishing is available as an activity at the following places:

• Mantaray Island Resort – Based in the Yasawa Islands, Mantaray Island Resort offers reef and green water fishing trips only 5-20 minutes away from the resort. Bluewater fishing trips to catch selected species of game fish take you out further.
• Naqalia Lodge – Another Yasawa Island retreat, Naqalia Lodge on Wayasewa Island can arrange reef spearfishing by day and by night.
• Tides Reach Resort – This resort on the northern Fiji island of Taveuni offers spearfishing, as well as other types of fishing.
• Maqai Eco Beach Resort – On Qamea Island, off Taveuni, this surf resort offer fishing packages with spearfishing included.
• Big Blue Fiji – Departing Denarau, they offer customised spearfishing charters with expert guidance and flexible vessel options. Their trips cater to both reef and pelagic spearfishing.
• Immersion Fiji – Offers spearfishing experiences in world-class locations around Savusavu, Vanua Levu, attracting some of the best spearos globally.

Learn more about the resorts listed in the 5 Best Spearfishing Resorts in Fiji and fishing charters in the 20 Best Fishing Charters in Fiji.

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What Gear Do You Need to Bring for Spearfishing in Fiji?

Because spearfishing is a lot more physically demanding than other types of fishing, you will need to meet the following in order to spearfish in Fiji:

• Need to have good health
• Need to be a moderate swimmer with sufficient mobility to swim and dive
• Need to be able to follow and act on the instructions of your guide.

Spearfishing Gear for Fiji

As for equipment, the spearfishing operators will provide you with the appropriate gear needed depending on what type of trip you are doing. For reef spearfishing, you will be provided with a minimum of a speargun or a spear with a spear sling, as well as a snorkel and mask. For big game spearfishing trips, you will be equipped with a speargun, snorkelling gear, wetsuit, fins and possibly a weight belt and a dive knife. There will be no issue with bringing your own equipment if you wish, which we recommend:

• Spearfishing gun – a larger gun with a minimum of three rubbers is recommended
• 35 l float
• 75 ft bungee
• 75 ft hard line
• Weight belt
• 3 mm wetsuit or similar
• Fins
• Snorkel and mask

Things you might want to bring on a spearfishing tour in Fiji, regardless of whether spearfishing gear is provided or not, include:

• Sunscreen (use a reef-safe sunscreen to protect Fiji’s reefs)
• Swimwear
• Booties or flip-flops (footwear that you don’t mind possibly getting wet)
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Sunglasses
• Camera.

Light refreshments and drinks are usually provided with the fishing charter.

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Fiji Spearfishing Rules/Laws

In Fiji, spearfishing regulations are primarily governed by the Fisheries Act. Here are the key points regarding the legality of spearfishing:

1. Licensing Requirements: Anyone wishing to engage in spearfishing for commercial purposes must possess a valid fishing licence. However, recreational spearfishing for personal use typically doesn’t require a license.
2. Permitted Areas: Spearfishing is generally allowed in most coastal areas, but certain marine protected areas and reserves may have restrictions or prohibitions. It’s essential to check local regulations before spearfishing in a new area.
3. Equipment Restrictions: While spearfishing is legal, there may be restrictions on the types of equipment used. For instance, the use of scuba gear for spearfishing is prohibited in many areas to protect marine resources.
4. Species Restrictions: Some species may be off-limits for spearfishing depending on conservation efforts and regulations set by the Ministry of Fisheries. It’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the current list of protected species.
5. Responsible Practices: Spearfishers are encouraged to adopt responsible fishing practices, which include not overfishing, adhering to size limits, and ensuring they comply with local regulations regarding species and catch limits.

In summary, while spearfishing is generally legal in Fiji for both recreational and commercial purposes (with appropriate licences), adherence to specific regulations regarding areas, equipment, species, and size limits is essential to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Before you grab your gear and head out, we recommend checking with local authorities for the most up-to-date regulations (you don’t want to find yourself in hot water!).