Who to Go Fishing with on Aitutaki
Aitutaki might be a relaxing holiday destination but if you want to add a bit of excitement to your getaway, if you want to experience the thrills of reeling in the big one or mastering the techniques of bonefishing, then you’ll want to spend the day with one of the best fishing charters on Aitutaki.
Aitutaki presents three main types of fishing: fly fishing for bonefish within the sheltered waters of the lagoon, spearfishing either in the lagoon or at the deep-sea FADs, and bluewater/deep sea fishing for pelagic fish species. Learn about these types of fishing in The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in the Cook Islands, as well as what species you’re likely to catch in The Types of Fish in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
One thing you need to know about fishing in the lagoon, which includes bonefishing, is that you need a fishing license. This can be purchased from the tourism office in Arutanga or the Marine Research Centre near the airport. You do not need a licence for deep sea fishing. Again, this is further explained in our complete fishing guide.
1. E2’s Way
Join a local to experience Aitutaki’s famed bonefishing scene with E2’s Way. Specialising in bonefishing, fly fishing and spin fishing, Itu will take keen anglers on a half-day or full-day experience with transfers, gear and drinking water included. Although the main target is bonefish, which are available all year round, other fish species caught can be giant trevally, Napolean wrasse, snapper and emperor. Tours are available Monday to Saturday.
Location: From anywhere on Aitutaki; transfers are included.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com2. Black Pearl Charters
If you’re looking to catch some South Pacific whoppers, such as mahimahi, wahoo and yellowfin tuna, then Black Pearl Charters should be a serious consideration. Although they offer half-day and full-day private charters for a more personalised experience, their half-day shared charters are definitely welcome for anglers on a budget.
Speaking of anglers, you don’t have to be experienced to enjoy a trip with Black Pearl Charters who have a lot of success fishing around the FADs just outside of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Depending on the length of your tour and the time of day, transfers, breakfast/lunch, hot and cold drinks and snorkelling equipment are included. Fish caught can usually be filleted for you to take back for dinner.
Spearfishing is also an option with Black Pearl Charters which you can learn more about in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in the Cook Islands.
Location: Transfers included. Tours depart from Arutanga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com3. Wet & Wild
The kings of watersports on Aitutaki, Wet & Wild offer a huge range of activities on the water including fishing charters. Head out deep sea fishing, trolling around the FADs, or try jigging down to the depths for dogtooth tuna. For something a little more technical, try casting for giant trevally at the edge of the lagoon or test your skills at the ever-addictive spearfishing. Just tell the team what you want to do, even if it’s adding some watersports or snorkelling to the agenda, and they can sort out an incredible day for you. Transfers, drinking water, towels and all the gear for your chosen activity are included.
Location: From anywhere on Aitutaki; transfers are included.
© Sean Scott - Cook Islands Tourism4. Aitutaki Blue Lagoon Flyfish
The longest-running bonefishing charter in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki Blue Lagoon Flyfish is a good go-to for sampling/honing the skill. Owner and guide, Butch Leone, has a wealth of experience fly fishing in the U.S. to more than 15 years in the Aitutaki Lagoon. He’ll teach you how to sight bonefish and help you catch one of the averages of a 28-30″ (70-76cm) long bonefish. Other species that might make their way onto your hook include snapper, queenfish and barracuda.
Location: Tours depart from Ootu Beach.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Wahoo Fishing Charters
Join Captain James for a day or half-day on the rolling waters outside of the Aitutaki Lagoon. Wahoo Fishing Charters offers private charters for bluewater/deep sea fishing, typically catching the likes of yellowfin tuna and, of course, wahoo. Your catch can be prepared at the charter’s sister business, Mouarii Cafe. Learn more about the cafe in the 9 Best Cafes & Takeaways on Aitutaki.
Location: Tours depart from Arutanga.
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Fishing on Aitutaki
That’s it for our list of the best fishing charters on Aitutaki. See how they compare to the 10 Best Fishing Charters in the Cook Islands and check out these other guides to have a blast on Aitutaki:
- 20 Best Things to Do on Aitutaki
- The Food Guide to Aitutaki: Places to Eat & Food Tours
- Aitutaki Transport Guide: 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Aitutaki
Finally, plan the rest of your itinerary using the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.
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