French Polynesia: Out Island Odyssey

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 anglers think of fly 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. It is possible for accomplished fly anglers to catch a half dozen exceptionally strong bonefish during a morning tide. Over a dozen legit double-digit bonefish have been hooked on previous Out Island Odyssey expeditions, but these massive bones have smoked us in the abundant coral. My conclusion is that this South Pacific fishery holds some incredibly large bonefish specimens; although, you must be prepared to make your chances count when the opportunities arise.

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 the mythical blue triggerfish in abundance on the flats. The reef-dwelling blue triggers rarely enter shallow water elsewhere within their Indo-Pacific range which makes this unique destination arguably the best blue trigger flats fishery on the planet. When large blue triggerfish 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, so I feel extremely fortunate to land 6 blues on fly which by all current accounts is the most in history. One of my clients landed 2 blue triggerfish during an Out Island Odyssey expedition putting him in a 3-way tie for second place worldwide. I am excited to assist other anglers in accomplishing one of the rarest feats in saltwater fly fishing!

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 the same 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 legendary 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. Additional trevally species include brassy, yellow spotted, and black trevally (black jacks). In total we have caught 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. Bluewater fly fishing has yet to be explored thoroughly; however, we have landed both yellowfin and skipjack tuna on fly in these waters. Blue marlin 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.

Adventurous anglers looking to maximize fishing time have the option to camp on remote islands. Under suitable conditions, those interested in extreme exploration can travel to a distant uninhabited atoll where you will have the privilege of being one of the first non-Polynesian fishermen to set foot on the flats. No matter your fishing preference, the tug is the drug in this mesmerizing location!

The out islands of French Polynesia provide some of the world's best opportunities for fly anglers to chase prized Indo-Pacific species; however, you should have no illusion that the fishing is easy. This is some of the most challenging fly fishing that you can encounter. It is important to set realistic expectations as the fly fishing can be humbling for the uninitiated but rewarding beyond compare when your hard work results in rare trophy fish of your dreams!

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, close friends, or the solo angler.

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.

Fly anglers should keep in mind that this region of French Polynesia 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. I intend to be a valuable educational resource for all trip participants. If you would like me to serve as your personal fishing guide when we are on the water, you must request at the time of booking 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 the 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, I am able to provide access to unpressured waters, exclusive instruction, and a highly customizable experience which sets this trip apart from what you find elsewhere.

I am excited to assist you in making this adventure to the South Pacific an epic memory that will last a lifetime! Bookings are open for future hosted trips, so please inquire about current availability. Don't miss your opportunity to take part in this cutting-edge adventure to the exotic out islands of French Polynesia!