Vanuatu Fishing Tackle Guide: What To Use at Ocean Blue<\/h2>\n
At Ocean Blue Fishing Adventures, we fish in one of the world\u2019s most diverse and abundant marine environments\u2014Vanuatu. Whether we\u2019re casting for giant trevally (GTs), dogtooth tuna, or yellowfin, having the right gear makes all the difference. Over the years, we\u2019ve fine-tuned our setups to ensure the best possible experience for our anglers, and prepared the ultimate Vanuatu fishing tackle guide to assist in planning for your next Vanuatu fishing adventure.<\/p>\n
Does Ocean Blue supply gear for you to use?<\/h2>\n
If you’re heading to Vanuatu with Ocean Blue for a tropical escape and want to reel in some epic catches without the hassle of organising your own gear, we’ve got you sorted. Our 32 ft boats are fully equipped with top-notch fishing gear from PENN, a brand trusted for over 60 years for its durability, reliability, and affordability. This means you can fish worry-free, knowing you’re using equipment built to handle every challenge. While we do have a policy that guests cover the cost of any lost or damaged gear, rest assured that breakages are rare. And if they do happen, replacements are affordable\u2014still far cheaper than bringing your own collection. So, relax and enjoy the adventure; we’ve got your fishing needs covered!<\/p>\n
Each boat at Ocean Blue offers:<\/p>\n
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2 x heavy popping combos (PE 5-8 rod, 8500 reel)<\/li>\n
2 x medium jigging combos (PE 5-8, 6500 reel)<\/li>\n
2 x light jigging combos (PE 3-5, 6500 reel)<\/li>\n
2 x light casting combos (8-15kg, 5000 reel)<\/li>\n
1 x 30lb Game Outfit<\/li>\n
2 x 50lb Game Outfit<\/li>\n
1 x 70lb Game Outfit<\/li>\n
1 x Heavy Deep drop Combo (PE 8-10, 12 000 Reel)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The gear we provide is carefully selected to suit anglers of all fitness levels, experience, and expertise. We understand that heavy setups can be challenging for those not accustomed to the physical demands of targeting extreme sport fish. However, if you’re used to fishing with ultra-heavy gear and have a favourite combo, feel free to bring it along. We\u2019ve outlined more details about this below to help you prepare for your adventure.<\/p>\n
Can I bring my own gear if I wish to?<\/h2>\n
You betcha! If you are someone who takes their fishing seriously, and wants to test your skills in the heartland of GT\u2019s, Dogtooth Tuna and Yellow Tuna, then by all means bring your favourite fishing rods and reels. But don\u2019t be fooled, we see a lot of anglers come to Vanuatu under-estimating the size of the fish, and how hard they pull. To ensure you are ready to go, we have listed the gear we recommend using below!<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an inside look at the rods, reels, lures, and tackle we use to chase the biggest and most powerful fish in these waters.<\/p>\n
Our Go-To Rod and Reel Setups<\/h2>\n
Fishing in Vanuatu requires a versatile arsenal of rods and reels to tackle different species and fishing conditions. Below is a breakdown of the key setups we use:<\/p>\n
note: different fishing tackle brands will have different size reels. We recommend the largest available spinning reel in each respective brand.<\/em><\/p>\n
Why We Use It<\/strong>: This is the go-to setup when we need maximum stopping power. Perfect for casting large poppers for GTs and dogtooth tuna, this rod gives us the ability to pull fish away from dangerous reef structures, or nearby sharks who are looking for an easy meal.<\/p>\n
Things to note<\/strong>: If you are new to fishing, or haven’t yet cast big heavy fishing rods, this setup could be difficult for you to use all day. The right technique is required to ensure you’re not injuring yourself. If in doubt, perhaps consider a smaller setup listed below.<\/p>\nPE 10 Rod and Reel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Why We Use It<\/strong>: This all-rounder setup is great for casting stickbaits at yellowfin tuna, coral trout, and smaller GTs. The lighter rod allows for all-day casting while still having enough backbone to handle hard-fighting fish.<\/p>\n
Things to note<\/strong>: If the heavy set up listed above sounds a little too big, this is the perfect rod and reel for you. If we could only pick one set up to use all day at Ocean Blue, this would be it.<\/p>\n
Why We Use It<\/strong>: When the bite slows down offshore, we move inshore to target coral trout, coronation trout, and bluefin trevally. This setup is ideal for finesse fishing with smaller stickbaits and allows for fun, high-action fishing in the shallows. This rod is not built for targeting bigger fish, but it allows you to catch fish that other rods wouldn’t allow you to do.<\/p>\n
Things to note<\/strong>: Just because this rod is smaller, doesn’t mean you can\u2019t catch nice fish. It just means if you hook a big fish, you need to work as a team on the boat and drive the boat around to have a better chance at landing that fish. This rod provides for proper sport fishing action!<\/p>\nLight Stickbaiting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Why We Use It<\/strong>: Ideal for jigging inshore reefs and fishing around FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), this setup is great for jobfish, red bass, and yellowfin tuna.<\/p>\nHeavy Jigging<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Heavy Jigging Setup (PE8)<\/h4>\n
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Rod<\/strong>: PE8-rated heavy jigging rod<\/li>\n
Reel<\/strong>: Large jigging reel<\/li>\n
Line<\/strong>: 100lb braid<\/li>\n
Leader<\/strong>: 200 lb monofilament leaderWhy We Use It<\/strong>: Designed to stop the biggest dogtooth tuna, this setup is for serious jigging. The heavy-duty gear makes battling these fish possible, even when they try to head straight for the reef.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nLight Jigging<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Choosing the Right Lures for Vanuatu Fishing<\/h2>\n
Lure fishing is the most popular technique in Vanuatu, much due to the constant action and explosive bites it can bring. At Ocean Blue, we don\u2019t supply lures and jigs, and encourage our guests to bring their favourite ones. For those who need a hand, you can purchase jigs and lures off us at the beginning of your trip, and top up as you go – you just need to chat to one of our friendly guides.<\/p>\n
A versatile selection of lures is crucial for success in Vanuatu\u2019s waters. Here are the types we use most:<\/p>\n
Poppers<\/h3>\n
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Best For<\/strong>: Giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, coral trout<\/li>\n
Why They Work<\/strong>: The surface splash and noise trigger aggressive strikes from predatory fish.<\/li>\n
Things to note<\/strong>: When chasing fish like GT, there is no such thing as a lure too big. We often use lures anywhere from 15-25 cm long.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPoppers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Stickbaits<\/h3>\n
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Best For<\/strong>: Yellowfin tuna, GTs, wahoo<\/li>\n
Why They Work<\/strong>: Stickbaits mimic injured baitfish, making them irresistible to topwater feeders. They are worked faster across the surface, and often trigger a reaction bite from the fish.<\/li>\n
Thing to note<\/strong>: Fishing with stick baits is easier on the arms, as there is less resistance from the cup-face popper when bringing it back to the boat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n
![\"PE](\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/PE-10-ROD-AND-REEL.png\")
![\"Light](\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/LIGHT-STICKBAITING.png\")
![\"Heavy](\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/HEAVY-JIGGING-e1741836397796.png\")
![\"Light](\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7-LIGHT-JIGGING.png\")
![\"Poppers\"](\"https:\/\/www.oceanbluefishing.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/POPPERS-e1741837336589.png\")