One of the unexpected pleasures of Matangi Private Island Resort is its exceptional fishing conditions and almost guaranteed year-round fishing whatever the weather. Surrounded by an intricate pattern of fringing and open-water reefs, including the 25-mile Laucala and Qamea Reefs, all with exceptionally rich sea currents, we are able to fish all year-round for large game like Tuna, Mahimahi and Spanish Mackerel, with Sailfish appearing in the summer months only. Smaller reef fish including year-round Coral Trout, Giant Trevally, Large Long Toms, Barracuda and Reef Snapper are always biting in and around the lagoons. All provide exceptional sport for the light tackle or fly angler.

Fishing is offered from our 25-foot open craft, of robust design, with fast outboard motor, which can be hired for a reasonable hourly charge. Big game are best caught by casting into the fringing reefs and reeling in using poppers. In certain weather conditions, tides and seasons, we troll the open water offshore from Matangi Island for larger fish. A variety of light tackle is used including spinning reels for casting for the reef fish and 30-pound class trolling reels.

With the boat comes a fun-loving Fijian captain whose knowledge of the reefs and fish is inherited from youth and fine-tuned with experience.

Rods, lures and tackle for trolling and bottom fishing are all provided by Matangi Private Island Resort, but it is recommended that serious sports anglers bring their own equipment to suit their personal skills. A suitable selection of gear would include 15kg trolling rod and reel, fixed spool reel with suitable rod for casting to reef fish (this should be of robust size with good capacity as many of these fish, including Giant Trevally are of impressive size).

A light spinning rod and reel should be included, as many small species are often caught from the Resort's beachfront including Blue Fin Trevally, a great fighter on light tackle or fly.

Fly fishing enthusiasts will find the Resort's beachfront is ideal for fly-casting, with plenty of room to back-cast with sufficient depth of water in front of you on the high tide. There is no fly-fishing gear available at Matangi Private Island Resort so bring your own. A weight 6 is the lightest gear suitable for beach fishing but a weight 9 to weight 12 is required when fishing the reefs off Matangi Island. Floating or intermediate lines are mainly used as the coral can play havoc with sinking lines.