If you are wondering what to pack for a fishing trip to Vanuatu with Ocean Blue, the short answer is: pack light for the boat, bring high-quality sun protection, and leave the heavy tackle at home. We provide all the world-class rods, reels, and tackle you need — so you can focus on what matters: the fish.
Key Takeaways
Leave the rod tubes behind: Ocean Blue provides top-tier PE8–10 popping rods, heavy jigging setups, and all terminal tackle on every charter.
Sun protection is critical: Pack UPF50+ long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and polarized sunglasses to combat the intense South Pacific glare.
Two-bag system: Bring a soft, waterproof day bag for the boat and a separate bag for your lodge clothing.
Laundry is available: You only need three sets of fishing clothes — Trees and Fishes offers a daily laundry service.
Quick Packing Checklist
What Should I Wear Fishing in Vanuatu?
Vanuatu’s climate is warm and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures averaging 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F). When packing your fishing apparel, prioritize moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics over heavy cotton.
On the boat, you will be casting poppers for Giant Trevally or strapped into a harness fighting Dogtooth Tuna, so mobility and sun protection are your main concerns. Three UPF50+ long-sleeve fishing shirts are the single most important item in your bag — they protect your arms from UV rays and keep you cooler than short sleeves in the tropical heat. Pair them with quick-dry board shorts or technical fishing pants, a neck gaiter, and non-slip closed-toe deck shoes.
At Trees and Fishes Private Retreat, the dress code is relaxed and tropical. Smart-casual shorts and polo shirts are perfect for dinner, and you will want swimwear for the pool or the Ocean Blue Private Snorkelling Cruise. A packable rain jacket is worth throwing in for the occasional tropical shower.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Fishing Gear to Vanuatu?
When you fish with Ocean Blue, the answer is no. Every charter departs with a fully loaded boat. When you fish aboard our EdgeWater 318CC sport fishers, the boat is fully equipped with:
PE8–10 Popping and Stickbait rods
Heavy-duty jigging setups capable of stopping 50kg+ Dogtooth Tuna
Premium Penn Slammer and Penn International Reels
A full selection of poppers, stickbaits, and jigs
All terminal tackle, heavy leaders, and rigging equipment
While we have everything covered, many anglers like to bring a few personal items — a favourite 150g popper, fishing gloves for multi-day jigging sessions, or a personal fighting harness for the custom fit. A travel-friendly 3-piece spin rod is also worth packing if you want to cast light plastics around the reef edges on a rest day.
If you do wish to travel with rods, airlines flying into Port Vila — including Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia — allow fishing rods as checked baggage in a hard rod tube (such as a Sportube). Always confirm your airline’s specific oversized baggage policy and fees before travelling.
“The best gear in the world means nothing if you’re not ready to use it — pack smart, dress for the sun, and let us handle the rest.”
Anthony Pisano – Ocean Blue Fishing
What Are the Sun and Health Essentials to Pack?
Do not let a sunburn or a forgotten prescription ruin the trip of a lifetime. The South Pacific sun is unforgiving, and you want your essentials on the boat with you every day.
Bring two pairs of polarized sunglasses — amber or copper lenses are best for spotting reef edges and chasing GTs in the shallows, while grey or blue lenses are better for scanning deep blue water offshore. Pack reef-safe, non-aerosol sunscreen; aerosol sprays make the boat deck dangerously slippery and are best avoided entirely. A 20L to 30L waterproof dry bag will keep your camera, phone, and spare shirt dry on the water. Round out your health kit with any personal prescriptions, basic painkillers, seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness, and waterproof band-aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. At Trees and Fishes, we offer a daily laundry service. Three sets of fishing clothes and two sets of evening clothes are more than enough for a 7-day stay.
No. We provide all rods, reels, lures, jigs, and terminal tackle on every charter. You are welcome to bring personal favourites, but nothing is required.
A soft-sided duffel bag or a heavy-duty waterproof travel bag is ideal. Soft bags are easier to stow in airport transfers and lodge rooms than hard-shell suitcases.
Yes — travel insurance is strongly recommended for any international fishing trip. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and any high-value fishing equipment you choose to bring. Check with your insurer that sport fishing activities are included in your cover.
Vanuatu fishes well year-round, but the species available change with the seasons. January to April is the prime season for Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, and Blue Marlin, while May to August offers the widest variety of species in cooler, calmer conditions. September to December is the spawning season with excellent topwater action. For a full breakdown, see our Vanuatu Fishing Seasons guide.
Ready to Pack Your Bags?
When you book with Ocean Blue, the hard work is done for you. You do not need to stress over airline weight limits for rod tubes or wonder if your reels have enough drag to stop a Vanuatu Dogtooth Tuna.
We provide the boats, the world-class gear, the expert guides, and the luxury accommodation at Trees and Fishes Private Retreat. All you need to do is pack your sunnies, grab your favourite fishing shirt, and walk onto the boat.
Explore our Vanuatu Fishing Packages and start planning your trip today.
