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Offshore Fishing Report – Kadavu - Fiji Islands - March 2007

PostPosted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:56 pm
by BiteMeFiji
For the waters around Kadavu Island- Fiji Islands
Charter Operator – Matava Resort Gamefishing
Boat Names – Bite Me
Average Water Temp – 28.5
Average Sea State – Calm / mild chop
Average Winds – 5-10kts
Water Clarity – Excellent

We have had a hot bite from the blue marlin over Feb / March with most of the fish following the schools of skipjack tuna around the Kadavu seamount and up the Kadavu trench. The largest blue caught (was sadly gut hooked by a circle hook) weighed in at a respectable 420lbs with a couple of much bigger fish lost on lures. The average size as been about 200lbs. :D

Normally the water temp goes up to 29/30 by Jan / Feb and this kills a lot of the action but this year it rose to 28.5 and there it has stubbornly stayed which I think is why the blues are still here in numbers.

This lower than average water temp happed last year as well and it lead to a spectacular sailfish season from May – September. We found packs of sails on every attempt.

The Yellowfin are around with lots of fish in the 20 – 40lb range close in to the barrier reef and some nice cow Yellowfin around 100lbs farther out on the trench.

Mahi mahi are a bit thin on the South side of the island but round the North side there are quite a few juveniles chasing the flying fish a couple of miles offshore.


Summary:

Water - Didn't get too hot over Dec / Jan/Feb, good oceanic current and excellent clear water.

Blues - Plenty, best method at the moment - find a skipjack shoal and run a couple as skip baits.

Sailfish – Not here yet but the baitfish they follow starting to show on the sounders.

Wahoo - First few showing, looking good for the winter season starting in May.

Yellowfin - Here now in big numbers but patchy from one week to the next.

Mackerel – Plenty of small ones inshore

Mahi Mahi – Yes, lots to 20lbs

Adrian was born on the island of Cyprus and graduated to his first rod & reel at the age of five. Having fished around the world from the Arabian Gulf to the North sea and English Channel, he finally settled for the tropical waters of the South Pacific around the island of Kadavu, Fiji Islands. Director of Matava Resort Gamefishing, he skippers 'Bite Me', the resort's 31ft DeepVee Gamefishing vessel and thoroughly enjoys exploring the light and heavy tackle fishing around the island and Great Astrolabe Barrier Reef. An IGFA Certified Captain, he advocates tag & release and is a keen supporter of the IGFA and the Billfish Foundation.