Fishing in Niue: The Types of Fish in Niue

(c) niuepocketguide.com

Wahoo

Best time: Best in winter but can be caught year-round
Niuean name: Paala

One of the most commonly caught game species in Niue, especially during the wintertime, wahoo provide an exciting catch for anglers. These speedsters are fast and furious, providing a real challenge when reeling them in.

Wahoo is best targeted on a fishing charter at daybreak using trolling fishing techniques. They can reach 23 kg (50 lbs) but can reach as heavy as 45 kg (100 lbs)!

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Mahimahi

Best time: Only available in winter
Niuean name: Tolofine and Pelelafa

Also internationally known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahimahi is a popular species to target in Niue during the winter months (June to October). The colourful fish is enough to wow as you pull it to the surface but is also one of the best fish to eat. As Niue’s fishing charter policy is that the catch stays with the boat, most fishing charters will allow you to take enough home for a meal. Otherwise, some fishing charters work with local restaurants where you can try your catch prepared by professional chefs.

Mahimahi can weigh anything from 5 kg (11 lbs) to 25 kg (55 lbs). Learn more about seasonal fishing in What is the Best Time of Year for Fishing in Niue?

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Yellowfin Tuna

Best time: Best in summer but can be caught year-round
Niuean name: Vahakula

Yellowfin tuna is a Niue fishing favourite, mainly because they always put up a fight whether they’re big or small. The best time to target yellowfin tuna is during their migration through the South Pacific waters in the summer months (January to April), but there are always some hanging about throughout the year.

Typical weights of yellowfins are between 7 kg (15 lbs) and 23 kg (50 lbs). They are also a popular fish to target for spearfishing, which you can learn more about in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Niue.

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Striped Marlin

Best time: The fringes of summer but available year-round
Niuean name: Haku la

Arguably the most prized catch in Niue, mainly due to their sheer size of up to 4.2 m (14 ft) long, striped marlin are a fun fish to target. They often come with the runs of skipjack tuna during the beginning and end of summer (December/January and April/May). Although striped marlin is the most common billfish in Niue, blue marlin and Pacific sailfish also frequent Niue’s waters.

See who to catch them with in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue.

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Protected Fish Species in Niue

Just in case you wondering what fish not to fish for in Niue, as they are protected under Domestic Fishing Regulations (1996).

• Whales
• Dolphins
• Porpoises
• Turtles
• Rays
• Sharks
• Live Coral
• Eggs carrying crustaceans
• Soft cell stage crustaceans
• Giant wrasse
• Niuean banded sea snake
• Large spotted green/brown moray eel.

Note that there are also fish size and quota limits concerning crayfish, uga and clams, which you can learn more about in The Guide to Fishing in Niue.