Fishing in the Cook Islands comes in three kinds. Game boats out of Rarotonga troll the open ocean for tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi and marlin. On Aitutaki, guides take anglers onto the lagoon flats to sight-fish for bonefish and giant trevally (GTs). On the smaller islands, fishing is a local, family affair on the reef. This guide covers the operators listed on the site, how to pick a trip, and the rules worth knowing before you go.

Game fishing off Rarotonga

Rarotonga's game-fishing boats target the big ocean species: yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi and marlin. Several leave from Avatiu Harbour in Avarua, on the north coast, and two of the operators below are based in Ngatangiia on the east side. Most offer a choice of a shared trip, where you book a seat, or a private charter, where the boat is yours.

Akura Fishing Charters runs game fishing, bottom fishing and blue-water spearfishing. Its bottom fishing uses a "drop stone" method for big tuna, and its spearfishing trips work the fish aggregating devices (FADs) moored around the island. Akura's website says trips last 4 to 4.5 hours and leave mornings and afternoons most days, weather permitting, as shared trips or private charters. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Marlin Queen Fishing Charters fishes out of Avatiu Harbour on purpose-built boats, with half-day and full-day trips, shared or private. The crew make their own lures and target marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Reelaxing Fishing Charters uses an 8.5-metre aluminium pontoon boat and offers half-day, full-day and private charters. Methods include trolling lures, heavy spinning with poppers and live-bait fishing. The same team runs a fishing and tackle shop at Avatiu Harbour. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Wahoo Fishing Charters fishes from a 9-metre (30 ft) Bluefin game boat, Speede Gas, which takes up to eight anglers and has a toilet on board. Besides deep-sea fishing, it runs party cruises, snorkelling trips and whale watching in season. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Vision Fishing Charters is the largest boat listed here: a 54-foot purpose-built vessel that takes up to 10 people fishing, with wheelchair access, a toilet and a shower. It runs private and shared charters, overnight offshore trips and a three-hour trip that mixes swimming, sightseeing and fishing. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Game Fishing Rarotonga runs half-day and full-day charters on three boats, Ruby, Lady D and Miss Kat. As well as game fishing, it offers sport fishing for GTs and saltwater fly fishing for anglers who bring their own gear. Light snacks and bottled water are provided. Its old website no longer works, so book by phone on +682 55 292. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Raro Fishing Charters is locally owned and operated, with half-day and full-day trips for beginners and experienced anglers, plus whale-watching tours in season. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Captain Moko's Fishing Charters fishes from a 7.5-metre Osprey hardtop pontoon boat, with shared, private, bottom-fishing and family trips. Reviewers describe a no-frills trip for people who want to fish rather than sightsee, and mention being invited to take the wheel. Where: Ngatangiia, Rarotonga

TVK Water Sports Limited is mainly a jet ski tour operator, but it also runs fishing tours outside the reef. Where: Ngatangiia, Rarotonga

GT fishing from the shore

Not everyone wants a morning on a moving boat. Robbie's GT fishing charters fishes from land, so there is no seasickness to worry about. Trips run on weekends only, by day or night, timed to suit the tides, and all the gear is supplied. The target is giant trevally, with smaller reef fish and sweetlip for younger anglers. Robbie also offers night walks on the reef to hunt crayfish, with headlamps and reef shoes. Where: Ngatangiia, Rarotonga

If you are planning a fishing trip with a group, GT's - Rarotonga Fishing Lodge is a self-catering house for up to 12 guests in six double rooms, with a pool and a barbecue hut. Its old website no longer works, so use the contact details on the listing. Where: Avarua, Rarotonga

Bonefish and GTs on Aitutaki

On Aitutaki the lagoon is the attraction. The Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR) says catch-and-release fishing for bonefish inside the lagoon, and for giant trevally from boats outside the reef, are the main draws for visiting anglers.

Bonefishing here is managed. Under the Aitutaki and Manuae Bonefish Management Plan, brought in by MMR and the government in 2010, bonefish spawning and nursery sites were identified and bonefish fishing was restricted to other, designated areas. The plan also introduced fishing licence and fishing guide requirements, gear restrictions and a ban on exporting bonefish. The simplest way to stay inside the rules is to fish with a local guide and ask about any licence when you book.

Aitutaki Blue Lagoon Flyfish is run by guide Butch Leone, who offers full-day and half-day guided fly fishing on the flats. He sight-fishes only, for bonefish and trevally, with queenfish, snapper and barracuda also about. Reviewers single out his eye for spotting bonefish. Bookings go through his Facebook page or by phone. Where: Arutanga, Aitutaki

Black Pearl Charters has been run by Mike and Mere Tekotia since 2005, with small groups on two 7.2-metre boats. It offers private and shared deep-sea fishing, reef fishing and spearfishing, as well as snorkelling and whale watching. Call +682 31 125. Where: Arutanga, Aitutaki

Wet & Wild Water Tours is a family-run water-sports company that runs fishing and spearfishing trips for yellowfin, wahoo, mahi mahi, GTs and bonefish, alongside boat charters, kiteboarding and seasonal whale watching. Where: Arutanga, Aitutaki

Splash Aitutaki runs private fishing charters by boat or by jet ski, with fishing gear included, as well as lagoon tours and water-sports hire. Where: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki

Reef fishing on Atiu

On Atiu, fishing is about learning how islanders do it. Reef Fishing with Andrew takes guests out with Andrew Matapakia and his family on day or night trips for octopus and crayfish, and on night trips you can try for flying fish. There is no website: call Andrew, or find him at Atiu Villas, where he also works behind the bar. Where: Tengatangi, Atiu

Choosing and booking a charter

  • Shared or private. On a shared trip you book a seat on a boat with other anglers. On a private charter the boat and the plan are yours, which suits families and groups.
  • Trip length. Times vary by operator; Akura's trips, for example, run 4 to 4.5 hours. Ask whether the time is counted from the harbour or from the first lure in the water.
  • What's included. Ask about tackle, drinks and snacks, and whether you can keep some of the catch. Some crews will fillet part of it for you to take away.
  • Weather. Trips run weather permitting. Ask what happens to your booking if the sea is too rough.
  • Seasickness. If you get seasick, shore fishing or the sheltered Aitutaki flats are easier on the stomach than the open ocean.

Prices, times and inclusions change, so confirm them with the operator before you book.

Rules and etiquette

  • Respect ra'ui. A ra'ui is a traditional no-take area in the lagoon, placed by traditional leaders. Don't fish or collect shellfish inside one. One example is the ra'ui at Aroa, in front of The Rarotongan Beach Resort, in place since 1995. A traditional leader told Cook Islands News that "the ra'ui stays for life". MMR has said ra'ui are not legally enforceable and many have been lifted over the years, so ask locally where they are now and treat them as off limits.
  • Release Aitutaki's bonefish. MMR describes Aitutaki's bonefishing as catch and release, in designated areas, and bonefish can't be exported.
  • Leave the maratea alone. The humphead wrasse (maratea) is common on Aitutaki's reefs and endangered worldwide. MMR notes that locals discourage fishing and spearfishing for it.
  • Leave the giant clams. Aitutaki's by-laws limit the harvest of giant clams (paua) and ban taking them off the island.