Hi Guys, just back from the Cook Islands, 10 days in Raro and 4 days in Aitutaki. Did not do much fishing but in the few trips I did manage I got quite a few different species. I landed Trevally (bluefin), Cornet Fish, Flame Tailed Snapper, Peacock Grouper, Goatfish, Flounder, Puffer fish and lots of Rock cod, plus quite a few unknown (to me) species.
I fished mostly on my own, but I did book a guide for one day in Aitutaki to take me Bonefishing. Well after all the planning, buying new gear etc I got to the meeting place with the guide an hour early as I was so excited I could not sleep. The guide did not turn up at all, all that effort and gear and getting to Aitutaki and he did not turn up! I should have known as when I bought my license the retailer asked who I booked with and when I told him he said “you should have booked with Itu, he is great”
When the guide was not there after two and a half hours I got the closest resort to give him a ring, but sadly no answer!:mad:
I trudged back to my resort, and to say the least was very disapointed! To cut a long story short the lady in reception said I will ring my husband and see what he is doing, his name is Itu and he is a guide!
Itu picked me up and took me for my first “flats” fishing trip, it was fantastic, I landed one small Trevaly and had a shot at lots of Milk fish and briefly hooked a big Trevaly, lost I think due to my trout fishing style strike, not sure the hook ever got anywhere near to penetrating and fell out after about 20 seconds, I must remember to strip strike next time. Itu refused to accept any money for the afternoons fishing so I gave him a new Rio Tropical clear tip line and will send him some fly tying supplies as they are hard to come by in the cooks. What a great Guy and what a great spotter of fish he is.
Anyway it was a great trip and I will write an article for FAOL with a few pics when I get a chance.
All the best.
Mike
Wow - terrific story can’t wait to see the rest! Thanks so much Mike.
Hugs,
LF
Great story, Mike. Like Dee, I’m looking forward to seeing the rest.
REE
Great stuff Mike! Sounds like you had a ball, well, after the dissappointment of the guide not being there. Looking forward to the full report.
- Jeff
Greetings Mike, Great story. Sounds like you had a grand trip. Jim
Thanks Guys, it really is a fantastic place, loads of potential, the bones alone are worth the trip and I will be back to have a proper bash at them! All my fish were caught from the shore unguided and were all fairly small, but a boat would open up so much more fishing.
The other Kiwis were catching Bonefish to 10lb and Giant trevaly on spin sticks to 50lb plus inside the lagoon.
All the best.
Mike