Big Fishing at Volivoli: Bligh Water Game‑Fishing Base

Volivoli Beach Resort sits on a peninsula near Rakiraki in Ra Province — the north side of Viti Levu — and it doesn’t get as much attention as the Coral Coast or the Mamanucas in most Fiji travel guides. That’s precisely why serious anglers know about it.

The resort’s access to Bligh Water is the key. Named after Captain William Bligh, who sailed through this passage after the infamous Bounty mutiny in 1789, Bligh Water is the deep-ocean channel between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. It has the kind of seamounts, drop-offs, and pelagic activity that serious offshore fishing requires — and because it’s less trafficked than the waters around the main resort areas, the fish populations are in good shape.

Why Bligh Water produces

The geography here drives productivity. Deep water comes close to shore relatively quickly, meaning you can be over significant pelagic fishing grounds within a short boat ride from the resort’s jetty. The currents that run through Bligh Water carry baitfish, and where the baitfish go, the large pelagic species follow.

Yellowfin tuna are the headline target — fish of 50-100kg are caught regularly during peak season, and the area produces them with consistency that anglers from Australia and New Zealand have learned to plan trips around. Wahoo, dogtooth tuna, mahi-mahi, and giant trevally are also taken regularly. The reef fishing for coral trout, snapper, and grouper is excellent for those who prefer to stay at shallower depths.

The charter operation at Volivoli

Volivoli’s fishing operation is well set up for both experienced and first-time anglers. The skippers are local and know the grounds well — local knowledge in fishing is worth more than almost any other factor, and guides who have fished the same waters for years understand the seasonal patterns, the productive seamounts, and the current conditions in a way that no visiting captain can replicate.

Half-day and full-day charters are available. For serious pelagic fishing, a full day gives you the time to run to productive grounds offshore and work them properly. Half-day trips work well for reef fishing or for guests with limited time.

Equipment is modern and appropriate for the size of fish being targeted — proper heavy-duty outfits with good quality rods and reels, rigged for trolling or jigging depending on what the target species are that day.

Planning your fishing trip

Book charter slots before you arrive, especially during the Australian summer holiday period (December-January) when demand is high. Confirm what’s included in the charter price: tackle and lures are usually provided, but check whether bait, refreshments, and filleting/packing of any kept fish are included or additional.

Ask the operation about their catch-and-release approach if this matters to you — sustainable fishing practices are increasingly important in Fiji, and a good operation should be open about their position on this.

Volivoli works well as a dedicated fishing base for anglers who want mainland convenience (no inter-island transfers, airport close by in Rakiraki) combined with world-class offshore access.

By: Sarika Nand