What Fish Species Can You Target in Niue?
If you’re looking at this article, then chances are you already know how awesome Niue is for game fishing – just check The Guide to Fishing in Niue for a complete overview. But what types of fish can you fish for in Niue? We go through a list of common game fish species, as well as more details on Niue’s biggest and most popular game fish to target.
For more fish talk, take a look at the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue.
In Brief: The Game Fish Species in Niue
- Wahoo
- Mahimahi
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Dogtooth Tuna
- Skipjack Tuna
- Pacific Sailfish
- Striped Marlin
- Giant Trevally
- Bluefin Trevally
- Red Bass
- Pacific Baracuda
- Queen Fish
- Long Toms
- Pike
We’ll go through some of the most popular catches in the guide below. Plus, you might also be interested in the 10 Fishing Tips for Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comWahoo
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 challenge 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 23kg/50lbs but can reach as heavy as 45kg/100lbs!
(c) PixabayMahimahi
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. With 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 5kg/11lbs to 25kg/55lbs. Learn more about seasonal fishing in What is the Best Time of Year for Fishing in Niue?
(c) TunaYellowfin 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 15lbs/7kg and 23kg/50lbs. They are also a popular fish to target for spearfishing, which you can learn more about in The Complete Guide to Spearfishing in Niue.
(c) Niue TourismStriped 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 420cm 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.
For more Niue fishing advice, see How to Choose the Best Fishing Tour in Niue.
More About the Species to Fish for in Niue
