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Fishing Papatura
River, reef and offshore. Yellowfin, mackerel, coral trout, GTs — or head up the rivers for mangrove jack and spot-tail bass.
We're geared up to offer all types of fishing — bottom and reef, trolling, popping, and some great river fishing in the area.
At Papatura we've landed sailfish, shark, sweetlip, coral trout and cod, marlin, jobfish, kingfish, trevally, wahoo, mackerel, barracuda, wrasse and some big snapper. The rivers boast huge mangrove jacks and spot-tail bass. Please come over and add to the list.
The fishing grounds are within easy access of the retreat. Within the lagoon there are small and large reef systems, atolls, islands, flats and bommies, as well as a host of other locations offering a wide range of sportfishing options. It's here you'll find tackle-crunching GTs and a huge variety of other species ready to rip your gear apart — which makes Papatura and its surrounds one of the best locations in the South Pacific.
- Boats
- 5 per day
- Anglers per boat
- 2–3, plus a driver/guide
- Long boats
- 7–8 m, 60hp Suzuki 4-stroke
- Twin rig
- 9 m, twin 115hp Suzuki
- Tracking
- Zoleo GPS for wide trips
The fleet
Boats and the men who drive them
We fish from 7 or 8 metre long boats with 4-stroke 60hp Suzuki outboards, or for larger groups a 9 metre twin rig with 115hp Suzuki 4-strokes.
They include life jackets and safety gear, gaffs, rod holders, seat padding and eskies — plus a driver/guide who knows the ocean, atolls and fishing grounds like their back yard. All boats are set up differently. We also have Zoleo GPS tracking for those who want to fish out wide.
Our boatmen are all from Isabel, and most from the local area, so they know these waterways backwards. Whatever the conditions on the day, they'll take you to the best of it.
Boat hire & extras
What it costs to get out there
| Boat / extra | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Long boat hire | Fuel, driver/guide, basic fishing and snorkelling gear. Full day charged at 10 hours. | $100 AUD / hr |
| Twin rig (9 m) | Larger centre console, twin 115hp. One hour uses two long-boat hours. | $200 AUD / hr |
| Pasagari & Rakata rivers | Fished at no extra charge | Included |
| Three other rivers | Mangrove jack and spot-tail bass. Landowner fee, and a small cost to maintain the walking tracks to the fishing holes. | $150 SBD pp |
| Doyle's Reef (offshore) | Minimum of two boats, fuel extra — or take the twin rig with a $300 SBD surcharge | $170 SBD / boat |
| River trip with guide | Minimum 2 people. Take your lunch, camera and fresh-water gear. | $80 AUD pp |
The rivers
Exceptional, and largely untouched
For anyone interested in river fishing some of the best untouched rivers in the world.
They boast spot-tail bass, trevally, cod, herring and mangrove jack, plus loads more. Best suited to more experienced anglers.
We can also arrange an overnight jungle camp — boat as far as possible, then walk further into the jungle to your overnight camp spot.
After a quick photo, we release over 90% of the river fish caught in the three local rivers using a fish-friendly release net.
Tackle
What's here, and what to bring
We have a range of gear available to use free of charge — though if you're a serious fisho, bring some of your own. Any lures are to be paid for in advance.
Available at the retreat
- SW reels 8000–14000, PRN 750–950s on Wilson Graphwrap rods, 10–15 kg
- Ugly Stiks
- Lighter set-ups from 2500–6000 reels on various spin rods
Bring your own lures
- 2 m and 6 m+ diving lures, skirts and surface lures
- Vibes, plastics and Squidtrex work well on the bottom
- Metal jigs and blades
It all depends on your personal preference of fishing — ask us and we'll tell you what's been working.
Get a fishing package priced
Tell us how many rods, how many days, and whether you're chasing reef, blue water or rivers. We'll build it and quote the boat hours up front.