If you’re looking to chase trophy fish in crystal-clear water with world-class guides and minimal crowds, fishing in Vanuatu from June to August is as good as it gets.
Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Vanuatu is home to one of the most abundant and diverse fisheries in the world. But when winter rolls into Australia and New Zealand, something special happens in this tropical paradise—cooler temps, calm seas, and a seasonal influx of pelagic powerhouses that anglers dream of.
In this article, we’ll break down the weather and water conditions during this time of year, explore the species you can target (and why they’re here), dig into what makes Vanuatu such a “fishy” place, and wrap things up with all the other incredible experiences waiting for you at Ocean Blue Fishing Adventures.
Water Conditions in Vanuatu: Why June to August Just Works
June through August falls within Vanuatu’s dry season—and that’s great news for fishing.
- Air Temps: 26–28°C by day, slightly cooler evenings
- Sea Temps: Stable around 25–26°C
- Humidity: Lower, making for more comfortable sessions
- Wind: Prevailing SE trade winds, typically around 10–15 knots
- Rainfall: Very low, with clear skies dominating most days
These stable, cooler conditions make offshore fishing far more reliable. The southeast trades blow consistently but gently, giving you glassy bluewater mornings and fishable afternoons with minimal chop. Water clarity is exceptional, which means the visibility is ideal for spotting bait balls, drop-offs, and pelagic predators on the hunt.
What Makes Vanuatu So Fishy?
Fishing here isn’t just good. It’s the next level.
Vanuatu is essentially a volcanic spine that plunges into deep ocean just minutes from shore. These steep drop-offs attract baitfish and, in turn, the apex predators that love them. Combine that with the country’s location in the warm South Pacific gyre and you get a perfect storm of nutrients, current, and temperature that keep fish feeding year-round.
But from June to August, the fishery switches on. Pelagic species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and dogtooth tuna move closer to the reef edges and seamounts. They follow the current lines and temperature breaks that define this season.
Here’s why fish love Vanuatu:
- Steep underwater structure = baitfish aggregations
- Consistent current flow = oxygen-rich water and prey movement
- Warm but not hot water temps = pelagic comfort zone
- Minimal commercial fishing pressure = fish population density remains high
In short, it’s Disneyland for sportfish.
What You Can Catch: Target Species in Vanuatu (June–August)
Let’s get to the good stuff. Here’s what’s biting during the winter months.
🐟 Yellowfin Tuna
- Found in packs hunting bait balls offshore
- Explosive surface takes and long, dogged runs
- Great eating fish and perfect for sashimi onboard
🐟 Dogtooth Tuna
- One of the hardest-fighting fish in the sea
- Often caught jigging or on deep-diving live bait
- Known for busting gear—come prepared!
🐟 Giant Trevally (GT)
- The bully of the reef
- Loves poppers and stickbaits near the bommies
- Will test every knot and connection you have
🐟 Sailfish
- Sleek, fast, and aerial—watch them tail and slash the surface
- Often travel in packs and feed on flying fish
- Iconic catch for light tackle anglers
🐟 Wahoo
- Fastest fish in the ocean; hit like a freight train
- High-speed trolling is the go-to technique
- Razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders
🐟 Blue Marlin (smaller males)
- Early in the season, you may encounter juvenile blues
- Big lures or skip baits on the troll can attract them
Top Techniques for Winter Success
🎣 High-Speed Trolling
Troll bibbed minnows, skirts or hard-bodied lures at 12–18 knots. Perfect for targeting wahoo and tuna on the move. Keep an eye out for birds and bait balls.
🎣 Popping & Stickbaiting
Cast big surface lures over reef edges for GTs. Hold on tight.
🎣 Vertical Jigging
Drop heavy jigs down seamounts and ledges to target dogtooth tuna. Use assist hooks and keep your drag tight—you’ll need it.
🎣 Live Baiting
Catch a few bonito or rainbow runners, then slow-troll them over drop-offs. Great for marlin, doggies, and large GTs.
“June to August is my favourite time to be on the water in Vanuatu. You get the best of both worlds—calm conditions and big fish. The temperature is pleasant, and it makes for the perfect all round fishing and holiday location”
Bleakers – Ocean Blue Fishing
More Than Just Fishing: The Full Ocean Blue Experience
At Ocean Blue Fishing Adventures, the fishing is world-class—but it’s what happens off the water that turns a great trip into a truly unforgettable one.
Whether you’re here for the hard-fighting GTs or the big tuna run, what makes your experience truly exceptional is everything that wraps around your time on the water. From luxury living to island culture, gourmet dining to jungle hikes, here’s what else you can expect when you stay with us in Vanuatu.
Trees and Fishes: Your Private Oceanfront Retreat
Perched on the shoreline just minutes from our fishing grounds, Trees and Fishes Private Retreat is your sanctuary in paradise. Designed exclusively for anglers and their guests, it offers a rare mix of tropical seclusion and high-end comfort.
Wake to the sound of gentle waves and sip your morning coffee surrounded by lush rainforest. After a big day on the water, kick back with a cold beer in hand and relive the action with your crew. The retreat is ideal for solo travellers, couples, or entire groups, with private suites, shared dining spaces, and plenty of quiet nooks for reflection.
Whether you’re swapping stories over cocktails at the Anglers Bar, or watching the sun melt into the Pacific from your hammock, this is more than just a place to sleep—it’s where fishing stories turn into lifelong memories.
Gourmet Dining, Island Style
We take our food as seriously as we take our fishing.
At Ocean Blue, every meal is an experience—crafted by our in-house chefs using the freshest local produce and daily catches from the sea just metres away. Think yellowfin sashimi sliced minutes after the catch, coconut-poached lobster, grilled reef fish with local herbs, and gourmet sides with a South Pacific twist.
Meals are shared at our communal oceanfront dining tables—often lit by firelight and accompanied by a few bottles of French wine and plenty of laughter. Whether you’re celebrating a trophy catch or simply soaking up island vibes, dining here is about connection, flavour, and celebration.
Explore the Islands Beyond the Boat
Vanuatu isn’t just about fishing. It’s a nation rich in culture, scenery, and adventure—and there’s plenty to explore beyond the bluewater.
- Mele Cascades: Hike through rainforest trails to discover this iconic waterfall. Swim in crystal-clear pools or relax in the cool jungle shade.
- Ekasup Cultural Village: Step back in time and experience traditional Melanesian life—witness age-old crafts, fire-making, and warrior dances from a local Ni-Vanuatu tribe.
- Blue Lagoon: One of Vanuatu’s most Instagrammable spots—perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or a mid-trip cool-off with the family.
- Island Hopping & Village Visits: Cruise to nearby islands, meet local communities, and discover untouched beaches where time seems to stand still.
For those who prefer to stay close to the lodge, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling gear are available. Or simply unwind with a massage on the deck and let the island air do its work.
Moments That Matter—For Everyone in Your Group
We get it—sometimes the fisho in the family is full throttle, while others are just looking for a relaxing getaway. That’s the beauty of Ocean Blue. Whether it’s your partner, your mates, or your kids, everyone finds their version of paradise here.
Some guests spend every daylight hour chasing fish. Others lounge with a book, enjoy the spa, or dive into a snorkelling session before dinner. It’s about balance. Connection. And building the kind of trip that suits every kind of traveller.
“It’s easy to forget how good life can be when you’re chasing fish in the morning, snorkelling over reefs by midday, and eating fresh sashimi under the stars. Vanuatu just gets into your bones.”
— Bleakers
