fishing

fishing in new ireland

Being so close to the Equator allows angler’s access to these many islands all year round, as the area does not experience either cyclones or typhoons. Most pelagic species are available and include Black & Blue Marlin and Sailfish. The area is also home to Yellow fin, Skipjack, and Dogtooth Tuna and no tropical fishing trip is complete without casting poppers for the famous GT’s (Giant Trevally) and standing awe struck at the Volkswagen size whole in the ocean as the fish vanishes to the depths with your lure. Other game fish that can be caught within 5 minutes of the town are Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish undoubtedly the best eating fish of all the pelages) and the highly sought after Mackerel & Wahoo - catches of over 30Kg have been recorded.

The area also has an abundance of fish inhabiting the hundreds of coral reefs. Anglers who prefer the deeper water can test their skills on Coral & Coronation Trout, Red Emperor and Sweetlip, along with dozens of other species. For those who like serious deep-water challenges there are sufficient Goldband Snapper & Amberjack to be jigged up from 100 meters to wear even the fittest angler

A short boat ride from the town will find the angler in the heart of a mangrove estuary system with several rivers empting into Bagail Bay making the area a haven for several species of Trevally, Cod and another favourite, the Mangrove Jack.

New Hanover is the largest of the islands with its closet point approximately 20 nautical miles from Kavieng and its furthest point being 55 nautical miles. The area around Three Island Harbour has to be one of PNG’s best kept secrets with its breathtaking beauty, cobalt blue waters, pristine rivers and an abundance of fish. It is an area where the angler is assured of not only catching any of the above species but can witness village life on the banks of the many rivers as it has been lived for thousands of years.

The eastern side of New Hanover is protected by a string of narrow islands called the Tsoi Group, these islands create large areas of sugar white sand covered by crystal clear water and sea grass beds that are ideal foraging grounds for the very timid and difficult to catch  “Bone” and “Milkfish”

does all this talk of fishing make you feel like going fishing????

Here are some links to some people who can make that happen!

Also, most guesthouses who are anywhere near a beach will also be able to arrange a local boat to take you out fishing. You may just need to bring your own gear in these situations.