Namotu Island

Fishing at Namotu Island

Namotu sits in the heart of diverse reefs providing exceptional fishing grounds close to land. The resort's Mai Kana supplies fresh fish for the restaurant, with guests welcome to join morning and afternoon trips. For dedicated anglers, charter the 32-foot Cobalt catamaran with expert local captains for topwater fishing, jigging, trolling, and deep drops.

The Water

Fish the Mamanuca Islands' pristine waters with varied structure: shallow reefs for topwater GT action, deeper drop-offs for ruby snapper and grouper, open ocean for pelagics like tuna and wahoo. Most fishing is within sight of the island, allowing flexible half-day or full-day trips.

The Fishing

Techniques:

• Popping: GT, bluefin trevally, red bass, Spanish mackerel, yellowfin tuna
• Jigging/Soft Plastic: Dogtooth tuna, Spanish mackerel, trevally, red bass
• Trolling: Mahi mahi, marlin (blue & black), yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish
• Fly Fishing: GT, bluefin trevally, skipjack, yellowfin tuna (Dec–April)
• Light Tackle: Bluefin trevally, red bass, emperor, Spanish mackerel
• Deep Drop: Ruby snapper, flame tail snapper, grouper, pomfret

Target Species

Giant Trevally (GT)

Present year-round, peak season January–April.

• Size: Commonly 50 pounds, fish to 100+ pounds around reefs
• Techniques: Topwater poppers, stickbaits, fly fishing
• Behavior: Aggressive surface strikes, powerful runs
• Hot Spots: Shallow reefs around Namotu, resident and seasonal fish

Yellowfin Tuna

Peak season December–April during Western Fiji's annual run.

• Techniques: Popping, jigging, trolling, fly fishing
• Behavior: Schools feed on baitfish, explosive topwater action
• Notes: Fresh yellowfin tuna sashimi served at resort

Wahoo

Present year-round, excellent trolling target.

• Techniques: High-speed trolling
• Behavior: Fast, aggressive strikes
• Size: Varies, excellent table fare

Mahi Mahi (Dorado)

Peak May–October.

• Techniques: Trolling around floating objects
• Behavior: Travel in packs, acrobatic fights
• Notes: Fresh mahi mahi served at resort

Dogtooth Tuna

Year-round on deeper structure.

• Techniques: Jigging, live baiting, deep drops
• Behavior: Powerful fish on deep reefs
• Size: Trophy specimens available

Spanish Mackerel

Year-round, multiple techniques.

• Techniques: Popping, jigging, trolling, live baiting
• Behavior: Fast, aggressive
• Notes: Excellent sashimi quality

Marlin & Sailfish

Blue marlin, black marlin, sailfish available via trolling and live baiting.

Deep Drop Species

Ruby snapper, flame tail snapper, grouper, gold band snapper, pomfret—excellent table fare

Namotu Island Resort

Private six-acre island accommodating maximum 31 guests weekly in beachfront Fijian-style bures.

Accommodations

Beach Bures (3):

• Traditional Fijian style with high ceilings and hardwoods
• Private deck and beachfront path
• En-suite bathroom
• Air conditioning and ceiling fans

Pacific & Sunset Bures (4) plus Love Shack:

• Premium resort standard
• Private decks
• En-suite bathrooms
• Air conditioning and ceiling fans

The Villa:

• Complete house with Villa Suite and Cloudbreak Suite
• En-suite bathrooms
• Living room and bar
• Private pool
• Pool View Suite
• Perfect for families or small groups

Dining

All meals served al fresco—breakfast and lunch overlooking waves, dinner under stars. Fresh local seafood features yellowfin tuna, wahoo, walu, mahi mahi, and giant trevally. Daily menus incorporate international cuisines with freshest tropical fruits.

Fresh Fish Program

Mai Kana supplies restaurant with fresh catches. Guests enjoy yellowfin tuna sashimi, Spanish mackerel sashimi, barbecued ruby snapper, and more. Famous Namotu appetizers served nightly at 6:00pm.

Amenities

• Unlimited surf boat access to all breaks
• Pool and beach bar
• Daily yoga with instructor
• Boutique with basics and first aid supplies
• WiFi available

Beverages

Bar tab for alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and specialty drinks (not included in package).

Travel to Namotu Island

International Airport

Nadi International Airport (NAN), Fiji

Airlines

Multiple carriers serve Nadi from North America, Australia, and Asia. Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu.

Typical Routing from US:

Fly to Nadi on Saturday, overnight at Nadi/Denarau resort, Sunday morning transfer to Namotu. Alternative: Sunday arrival flights landing by 3:00pm for same-day transfer.

Arrival Day - Sunday

• Morning transfer from Nadi/Denarau resort or airport (if arriving early Sunday)
• 30-minute boat ride to Namotu Island
• Welcome to island, settle into bure
• Explore facilities
• 6:00pm welcome drinks with hosts

Departure Day - Sunday

• 10:00am checkout
• Boat transfer to mainland
• Transfer to Nadi Airport or Nadi/Denarau hotel

Transfers Included

Round-trip airport/hotel to Namotu Island included in package.

Weekly Itinerary (Sunday–Sunday)

Saturday (Pre-Arrival)

• Fly to Nadi, overnight at Nadi/Denarau resort
• (Alternative: Sunday morning arrival by 3:00pm)

Sunday – Arrival Day

• Morning boat transfer from mainland to Namotu
• Tour island and settle into bure
• Explore beaches and facilities
• 6:00pm welcome drinks with hosts
• Dinner under stars

Monday–Saturday – Fishing & Activities

Included Fishing:

• Join Mai Kana for morning/afternoon trips (volunteer fisherman program)
• Catch fresh fish for restaurant
• Flexible schedule—fish when you want

Optional Fishing Charters:

• Full day Cobalt charter (8 hours): Dedicated fishing with expert captain
• Half day Cobalt charter (4 hours): Morning or afternoon trips
• Multi-day charter packages available
• Signature Fish Week: 3 full days guided fishing included

Other Activities:

• Unlimited surf boat access to Cloudbreak, Namotu Lefts, Swimming Pools, Wilkes
• SUP, kayaking, snorkeling
• Kitesurfing, windsurfing, foiling, winging
• Daily yoga
• Diving (additional cost)
• Relax on beach or by pool

Meals:

• Breakfast overlooking waves
• Packed lunch for full-day fishing or lunch at resort
• Famous Namotu appetizers at 6:00pm
• Dinner under stars featuring fresh catches

Sunday – Departure Day

• 10:00am checkout
• Boat transfer to mainland
• Afternoon flight or additional night in Nadi

Package Rates

Contact Front Range Anglers for current Namotu Island pricing and availability

What's Included:

• Seven (7) nights air-conditioned accommodation (Sunday–Sunday)
• Three meals daily plus famous Namotu appetizers each night
• Unlimited use of surf boats to local breaks, first boat to Cloudbreak daily
• Surf guide in water for safety
• Fishing aboard Mai Kana with resident fisherman, basic gear included
• Use of soft top surfboards, longboards, fun boards, SUP boards
• Beginner SUP foils and kayaks
• Snorkeling gear
• Daily yoga
• Round-trip airport transfers: Nadi Airport/Hotel to Namotu Island
• Hotel taxes

Not Included:

• International flights and airline luggage fees
• Beverages and bar tab
• Massage services
• Internet/WiFi
• Gratuities (tip box available, typical $50-100 USD per guest)
• Travel insurance
• Photography services
• Optional charter fishing (Cobalt full/half day)
• Surfboard rental
• Wind sport equipment rental
• Private coaching
• Jet ski hire

Fishing Charter Rates (Cobalt 32' Catamaran):

• Full Day (8 hours): Includes bait, ice, fuel, tackle, drinks, beers, packed lunch (max 4 guests fishing)
• Half Day (4 hours): Includes bait, ice, fuel, tackle, drinks, snacks (max 4 guests fishing)
• Signature Fish Week: 3 full days guided fishing included in special package (max 4 anglers per week)

Contact for current charter pricing

Cancellation Policy

Front Range Anglers follows standard terms. Rates subject to change until paid in full. Trip cancellation insurance highly recommended.

Travel Insurance

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue) and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our Fiji Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing and water sports at Namotu Island? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions about the fishing, combining activities, travel logistics, and what to expect.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and our lead saltwater expert. He can provide insights on GT fishing techniques, fly fishing for tuna and trevally, and trip preparation.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles trip logistics and coordination, ensuring every detail of your Fiji adventure is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

• GT fishing techniques and topwater tactics
• Fly fishing for trevally and tuna
• Gear recommendations for Fiji species
• Combining fishing with surfing and water sports
• Charter fishing options and pricing
• Travel coordination and international flights to Nadi
• Signature Fish Week details
• Current fishing reports and seasonal timing
• Pairing you with compatible trip partners

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see saltwater gear for GT and tuna, test cast rods in our outdoor area, and talk with our team about your Namotu adventure.

What to Bring to Namotu Island

Fishing Gear (If Bringing Your Own)

Mai Kana has basic fishing gear. Charter boats (Cobalt) include all rods, reels, tackle, and equipment.

If You Want to Bring Fly Fishing Gear:

Rods & Reels:

• 10-12 weight rod for GT and tuna
• 8-9 weight rod for smaller trevally
• Large arbor reel with strong drag
• Backing (300+ yards for GT)
• Weight-forward floating line
• Intermediate sinking line

Flies:

GT & Trevally:

• Large poppers (sizes 3/0-5/0)
• Clouser minnows
• Deceivers
• Baitfish patterns

Tuna:

• Smaller poppers
• Streamers
• Baitfish imitations

Leaders & Tippet:

• Heavy leaders for GT (40-60 lb)
• Tippet 20-60 lb
• Wire leader for wahoo/mackerel

If Bringing Conventional Gear:

• Poppers and stickbaits for topwater
• Jigs for jigging
• Soft plastics

Surfing/Water Sports Gear

• Surfboard(s) - soft tops available for use
• Wetsuit or rash guard
• Reef shoes
• Light board bag for boat transport

Clothing for Fiji Climate

Sun Protection (Essential):

• Long-sleeve UPF fishing/surf shirts
• Board shorts/quick-dry shorts
• Wide-brim hat or surf hat
• Rash guard

Casual:

• Light pants/shorts
• T-shirts
• Light jacket for evenings
• Sandals/flip-flops

Essential Accessories:

• Polarized sunglasses (multiple pairs)
• Sunglasses retainer
• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reef safe)
• Lip balm with SPF
• Insulated water bottle

Personal Items

Documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity for Fiji)
• Cash (USD or FJD for bar tab and tips)
• Credit card

Other Essentials:

• Personal medications
• First aid items (basic supplies available in boutique)
• Toiletries
• Headlamp
• Waterproof phone case/dry bag

Optional Items:

• GoPro or underwater camera
• Binoculars
• Reading material
• Your own snorkel/mask

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with everything you need for Fiji fishing. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our Adventure Travel team for personalized gear recommendations.