| Barracuda | Bohar Snapper | Coral Trout | Mahi Mahi |
 |  |  |  |
| Jobfish (Green) | Marlin (Black) | Marlin (Blue) | Marlin (Striped) |
 |  |  |  |
| Rainbow Runner | Sailfish | Spanish Mackerel | Spearfish (Shortbill) |
 |  |  |  |
| Swordfish | Trevally (Bluefin) | Trevally (Giant) | Tuna (Dogtooth) |
 |  |  |  |
| Tuna (Skipjack) | Tuna (Yellowfin) | Wahoo | Snapper |
 |  |  |  |
| Sweet Lip | Coral Trout | Leather Jacket | |
 |  |  |
How To Choose a Fishing Operator?
Choosing the correct Fishing Venue or Specialist Tour Guide can make all the difference between an amazing Fijian adventure in the crystal-clear waters that surround the coast and an average day’s excursion that doesn’t meet your expectations. This is especially true for less experienced fishermen who need guidance and an additional helping hand from the crew.
How do you know which is the right one for you? To help you out, here are four steps for doing your homework before your trip:
Consider the Type of fishing.
In Fiji, you will find everything from resort-based guides that lean heavily on beginner-level and localised excursions to specialty Fishing Guides with the gear and experience for professional Sportsmen and Sportswomen. Create a list that best fits your interests and experience level. Some important things to look at are the size and number of their boats, their availability, and the quality of their fishing gear.
Are They Established?
In some parts of the world, you may find Fishing Guides that look respectable online but turn out to be little more than a guy with a tin boat and rod, and these types of operations may not have the training or equipment to cope with unforeseen emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to book through a resort or booking platform online, such as https://fishingbooker.com/, as they have to meet rigorous requirements on service and safety protocols before being allowed to promote their services.
Check out online reviews.
The next step is checking online reviews, keeping in mind that every business will have its share of good and bad reviews. The important thing to look for is multiple reviews describing the same experiences; for example, consistently positive comments about the skill and attentiveness of the staff or a reputation for overcrowded boats or poorly maintained equipment. Also, most review websites allow businesses to respond to reviews. A venue picking a fight with a past customer over a bad review is a red flag, while measured responses that show a willingness to solve the problem are a good sign.
Get in Touch
Once you’ve narrowed your choice to two or three venues, pick up the phone, send an email, or send a Facebook message. There’s no substitute for actually speaking with someone; any reputable operator should be more than happy to tell you all about their boats, safety procedures, regular fishing spots, how they conduct their tours, and any other questions you might have.
Visit in Person
Once you arrive at your destination, visit the fishing venue before your first trip. The afternoon of your arrival day is the perfect time to visit, especially once the boats have returned. Confirm your reservations, and don’t be afraid to chat with a member of the crew. The good guide loves talking about the day’s catch, ocean conditions, and what to expect on the boat.
Minimum Catch Sizes And Protection Periods
The minimum catch size is the shortest allowed length for a caught fish. Minimum catch sizes are set to ensure the sustainable use of fish stocks and promote the recovery of certain stocks. The Table opposite details the type of fish and minimum size, along with the Fijian Name equivalent.
No person shall kill, take, sell, offer, or expose for sale any fish listed in the Sixth Schedule of less than the lengths therein set out, measured in each case from the point of the snout to the middle of the tailfin when the fish is laid flat:
Provided that this regulation shall not apply to fish caught by children under the age of sixteen years when fishing with hook and line from the shore or wading near the shore and not offered or exposed for sale.