Fishing hotspots of Papua New Guinea
Thursday, 21 January 2021
Untamed rivers, coastal enclaves and blue ocean tranches – Papua New Guinea boasts some of the most spectacular and varied fishing sites in the world, and they’re quickly gaining a reputation as the perfect place to lure the catch of a lifetime.
From deep water giants like Black Marlin to fearsome fighters like the acclaimed Papuan Black Mass, the array of fish available in the island nation leaves anglers spoiled for choice.
But where oh where will you find these beauties? Here is a quick guide to the fishing hotspots of Papua New Guinea.
An untamed paradise
Papua New Guinea owes much of its growing reputation as a fishing paradise to the untamed landscapes and waterways that are a feature of this nation.
Vast rivers descend from the ranges and highlands, unspoiled ocean fringes more than 600 islands.
This relatively pristine environment has allowed marine species to thrive, with blue water monsters, giant Barramundi and native fish like Niugini Tiger Fish among the highly sought after catches available.
New Britain
Surrounded by ocean yet offering its fair share of rivers and estuaries, New Britain is home to an abundance of fish including Blue Marlin, Papuan Black Mass, Spot Tail Bass, Dogtooth Tuna, and Ruby Snapper.
For many anglers, these mighty monsters are on their bucket list, courtesy of their rarity and reputation for putting up a challenging fight.
Considered among the Top 5 fish to catch in PNG, they are highly sought after and see anglers travel the world for the opportunity to lure them in.
Western Province
Home to the mighty Fly and Aramia Rivers, Western Province is renowned as a must-experience destination when it comes to river fishing but is particularly popular with anglers due to the abundance of Barramundi.
In fact, this remote province offers some of the biggest Barramundi in the world, with destinations like the Bensbach Wildlife Lodge providing the perfect location to kick back, drop a line and reel in an enormous Barramundi.
The lodge runs a catch and release program when it comes to Barramundi fishing, while the rivers surrounding the site are also teeming with Saratoga and Tarpon.
Meanwhile, the Fly River is PNG’s largest and third longest, and also holds the title as the largest in the world without a single dam catchment.
This untamed river is regarded as a fishing hotspot, serving up a smorgasbord of sought-after fish including Papuan Black Bass, Niugini Tiger Fish, Saw Fish and plenty more.
Madang and New Ireland
Like New Britain, Madang and New Ireland boast a wealth of blue water fish that anglers from around the world seek to reel in.
The coastal waters abound with giants of the deep including Black Marlin, Sailfish and Dogtooth Tuna, while a wide array of tour operators are more than happy to accommodate the quest for that catch of a lifetime.
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
