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 Capt. Chris Newsome 

French Polynesia: Out Island Odyssey

Personalized Fly Fishing Adventures

in the South Pacific

• Newly established destination:  Discover one of fly fishing's final frontiers.
• In-depth travel and fishing guidance:  Learn from a seasoned professional.
• Private small group setting (1-4 anglers):  You set the agenda.
• Remote island culture:  Emersion in authentic Polynesia.
• South Pacific seascapes:  Brilliant waters bordered by mountains and beaches.
• Nirvana for the diversity driven angler:  Over 50 fish species are possible.
  
  • ​Flats species include bonefish, GT, bluefin trevally, longnose emperor, parrotfish, unicornfish, triggerfish, and more.
    
    • ​Arguably the world’s best fly fishing for elusive blue triggerfish tailing on the flats. 
  • Reef species include coral trout (saddle grouper), camouflage grouper, Bohar snapper (red bass), Napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, black jacks (black trevally)​, barracuda and more.​
    
    • ​Arguably the word's best fly fishing for trophy coral trout patrolling coral bommies.
      
  • Bluewater species include dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, blue marlin, and more.​

French Polynesia: Out Island Odyssey
Experience the cutting-edge of exotic fishing!​​

Welcome to a world where the fishing options are seemingly limitless!  In a single day, it is possible to troll the bluewater, jig the ledges, pop the reef, and so much more.  If you’re skilled in the craft, try your luck spearfishing for marlin.  Those who like to keep their head above water can practice the traditional Polynesian method of throwing a hand spear at mahi-mahi as they are chased down from the boat.  No matter your preferred angling method, you will find this trip to be an exciting odyssey to an idyllic South Pacific destination.

My specialty is saltwater fly fishing which has led me to over a dozen countries in search of fishing's final frontier.  Countless hours of research, planning, and exploration have allowed me to be the first operator offering fly anglers the opportunity to experience this new destination hidden in French Polynesia.  Having never seen someone fly fish, the native fishermen were initially skeptical if the technique would be successful in their waters.  The Polynesian locals quickly became believers as 31 species were caught on fly during the inaugural exploratory mission (our all-tackle tally was 37 species).

​When fly anglers think of fishing in the tropics, bonefishing immediately comes to mind.  While the out island bonefish of French Polynesia are lacking in numbers, they more than make up for it in size.  Several legit double-digit bones have been sighted in the out islands, but they have yet to be landed.  It is possible for accomplished fly anglers to catch a half dozen exceptionally strong bonefish during a morning tide.  My conclusion is that the bonefishery here can produce trophies, but bonefish are not abundant enough to target them heavily.

Indo-Pacific triggerfish are all the rage in the world of saltwater fly fishing.  I am a true trigger addict, so I was over the moon with excitement to discover an abundance of blue triggerfish on the out island flats.  The reef-dwelling blue triggers rarely enter shallow water elsewhere within their Indo-Pacific range.  When blue triggers venture onto the flats, they are notably more paranoid than their more publicized peachface and mustache triggerfish counterparts.  Only a handful of wading fly anglers have caught blue triggers worldwide, and I now feel extremely fortunate to land the very first one that I saw.  My luck has since changed as I have spooked countless, had refusals from many, and hooked eleven blue triggers that escaped capture.  I am itching to solve the blue triggerfish puzzle and excited to help anglers join one of fly fishing’s most exclusive clubs!

In contrast to the high degree of stealth and delicacy required to stalk blue triggerfish, fly fishing for predators of the reef is hand-to-hand combat.  Whether it is tossing hair and feathers with fly rods or flinging stickbaits and poppers with spinning rods, you are greeted with savage strikes.  You and your equipment are tested as these powerful fish retreat toward their coral hideouts.  More than half of the large reef dwellers win the battle between angler and beast.  Snapped leaders, straightened hooks, and broken rods are casualties of the tug-of-war!

Extraordinarily healthy and prolific corals construct a jungle of habitat which contributes to the worldclass reef fishing.  The majority of this fishing involves drifting in the boat over coral outcrops, however reef predators are also caught wading beaches and flats.  This is one of the few places in the Indo-Pacific where it is possible for fly anglers to consistently hook bluespotted coral trout (saddle grouper), longnose emperor, camouflage grouper, red bass (bohar snapper), and other reef predators.  The high abundance and trophy size of coral trout is particularly special, but you need to come out swinging if you plan to best them!

The Napoleon wrasse (Māori wrasse) is a mythical apex predator of the reef found in low abundance throughout the Indo-Pacific, however French Polynesia holds relatively high numbers.  These oddly-shaped brutes are remarkably intelligent and inquisitive.  Consider yourself blessed by the fish gods if you have the honor of holding a magical Napoleon wrasse!

Dreams of saltwater fly anglers are filled with visions of massive giant trevally (GT) engulfing their fly.  It is important to set realistic expectations that the probability of landing a trophy GT while fly fishing is low, but the stray chance of connecting with a gargantuan “geet” as it hunts on the flats is what keeps dreams alive.  Your odds greatly increase if you choose to heave poppers with spinning gear along reef ledges.  A more common sight patrolling the shallows are large bluefin trevally.  Few fish species can match the eye-popping neon blues, greens, and purples of a lit-up bluefin.  Boat fishing allows fly anglers to reach packs of brassy and black trevally (black jacks).  We have caught a total of six trevally species in the out islands of French Polynesia.  You will find that all trevally put up a relentless fight!

Exceptional bluewater fishing opportunities are found just beyond the barrier reef; however, bluewater fly fishing is yet to be explored in these waters.  Blue marlin and yellowfin tuna are caught trolling, plus there are ferocious dogtooth tuna that attack metal jigs.  Avid spearfishermen travel to the region for excellent shots at world record wahoo.  One angler on my exploratory trip proved that you don’t have to be Polynesian to harpoon a mahi-mahi as it’s chased down by the boat!

This out island trip is ideally suited for skilled saltwater fly anglers that can spot fish on the flats and cast sinking lines from the boat.  Anglers planning to do extensive wade fishing should be in good physical shape and prepared for sometimes challenging wading environments.  This is a spectacular destination for anglers with moderate to advanced spin fishing experience.  Trolling is highly effective for anyone looking for serious pullage, and bait fishing produces an abundance of action.  No matter your fishing preference, the tug is the drug in this mesmerizing location!

In addition to fishing, there are numerous activities for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich culture of Polynesia.  You will find yourself captivated for hours snorkeling amongst colorful coral gardens where marine biodiversity abounds.  Time on dry land can include mountain hiking to spectacular vistas or beachgoing on deserted sand islands.  History buffs appreciate learning local lore while visiting historic ruins.  Touring Polynesia's world-famous black pearl farms can result in iridescent jewelry as a keepsake from the islands.

I have developed a relationship with a local family that is experienced in accommodating visitors.  They provide welcoming Polynesian hospitality, comfortable lodging, delicious homecooked meals, and Starlink satellite Wi-Fi so you can keep in touch with the world you left behind.  Unlike a traditional fishing lodge that houses many anglers, this trip provides an exclusive atmosphere making it a great choice for couples, families, or close friends.

The father of our Polynesian hosts is known as the top bluewater commercial fisherman in the islands, and the son is a young-gun spearfisherman.  Reef and bluewater fishing is done out of a custom Tahitian-built 28ft fiberglass boat that serves as comfortable and stable angling platform.  Accessing wade fishing areas requires navigating minefields of coral outcrops (bommies), so a 20ft aluminum boat with a side door is used for safe navigation and easy boarding.  Adventurous groups looking to maximize fishing action have the option to spend time camping on uninhabited islands along the fringe reef.

Fly anglers should keep in mind that this is a new fly fishing destination.  The rare opportunity to become a fly fishing trailblazer means that you need to be relatively self-sufficient.  The Polynesian fishing captains are knowledgeable in guiding conventional tackle anglers, but they had no experience with fly anglers prior to my first visit.  While I intend to be an educational resource for all trip participants, please remember that my role is not to serve as your personal fishing guide when we are on the water unless you request a trip package that includes this additional service.

Dealing with the logistics of traveling to remote international destinations can be a daunting task, so I streamline the process for travelers.  You will receive trip planning emails and are invited to attend Zoom meetings that discuss trip preparation, travel itinerary, and other topics specific to this expedition.  Given the extreme fishing this adventure provides, I teach anglers about the plethora of unique species and specialized techniques used to catch them.  By limiting each trip to 1-4 anglers, your stay is highly customizable to meet your desires.  I am excited to assist you in making this adventure to the South Pacific an epic memory that will last a lifetime!

Please check out this extensive slideshow of the Out Island Odyssey.  I am currently taking bookings for 2027 hosted trips with very limited availability remaining.  I hope you can take part in this cutting-edge adventure to the exotic out islands of French Polynesia!​