There is currently a low key approach to
fishing around Uepi. The reluctance to become involved with large boats and the
professional fishing scene is tied to the development of Uepi as a tourist resort in the
Marovo Lagoon, where an attempt to grow at a pace which is in keeping with the local
changes throughout the lagoon has been part of the Resort's philosophy. The
owner/operators have deliberately resisted the commercial gains from high profile game
fishing. The resort development plans have not included fast tracking around the
lagoon in superior looking boats while the Marovo people are using the traditional long
canoes with paddles or outboard motors.
The other issues are conservation of the fish stocks and protection of reef areas.
We are actively involved in both of these areas and are currently working towards marine
reserve status for Uepi reefs.
As a result of the above, fishing at Uepi is done from long aluminium boats using out
board motors. The resort provides good rods (light game and casting), reels (light
game, trolling and egg beater) and stocks and sells HALCO lures and PLATYPUS line.
If you are serious or particular about your equipment we suggest you bring it with
you. The fishing areas are almost untouched in terms of fishing pressure and large
schools of yellow finned tuna, barracuda, trevally and mackerel are often found.
Generally speaking fishing is done using the trolling method. Line fishing of reefs
away from Uepi can be organised.
Recently the resort has introduced river fishing to the list of fishing activities.
Experienced Marovo fishing guides take fisherpeople up the jungle clad rivers found on
larger islands in the Marovo area, to exercise their skills with light rods and eggbeater
or equivalent reels. Various lures are used to entice the fast striking and hard
fighting mangrove jacks lurking under the many fallen trees along the way. Other
species found in the these areas are barracuda, estuarine cod and archer fish. This
is strictly catch and release style fishing however we don't insist that you kiss your
catch! Recently a new area where a plentiful supply of the elusive spot tailed bass
reside has been identified and the fishing is very exciting.
The "Slot" which runs along the ocean side of Uepi, is a deep water (2,000m)
canyon and in that amount of water virtually anything is possible, including sightings of
sail fish and marlin. Recently guests were fortunate enough to be visited by a small
pod of orcas. Dolphins are regularly sighted and hump backed whales pass by on odd
occasions.
The Resort policy is based on treating Uepi reefs as a sanctuary and keeping those areas
as fish breeding zones so that the fishing potential of the surrounding areas will be
increased. This has been proven in other parts of the world and is one reason why we
are encouraging the catch and release style of fishing (which will not deplete fish stock)
as a possible industry for local people. Such a plan supports our renewable resource
strategy for development of local industries.
The absolute adventure of going fishing can be experienced at Uepi because of the
underdeveloped nature of the area and the potential of the waters to produce literally
anything and everything.
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