Fishing News Trip a Success.

The Fishing News 30th anniversary reader’s trip to Vanuatu was a great success.
Twelve readers from New Zealand flew into to Vanuatu on Saturday the 6th accompanied by Grant Dixon for what was to be a 5 day fishing trip to Epi Island. Due to high northerly winds and big sea’s it was decided to abandon the Monday morning departure and leave in very favorable conditions on Tuesday. Due to the previous weeks heavy rain there was plenty of logs and debris floating in the water to make the mahi- mahi and wahoo fishing quite good on the trip to Epi. There was several marlin strikes however no hookups. The group was based out of Sunset Paradise Bungalows hosted by Chief Tasso situated in the picturesque Lamen Bay on the north west area of Epi Island. Nevergiveup, V-Factor and Shogun each day took groups of 4 angles jigging the seamounds, casting poppers and trolling some of the most amazing areas Vanuatu has to offer. This was rounded off each day with a beach B.B.Q and a couple of cool drinks and story telling in the evenings. By the time everyone returned to Port Vila’s Moorings Hotel for the Friday night dinner there was some great stories of marlin tagged, marlin lost, people getting smoked on 37kg by dogtooth tuna and many other battle tales. It was a credit to the anglers also on how well the time unfolded as the facilities in Epi are basic and the trip had to be shortened by a day however everyone had a blast and there was plenty of talk about return trips and I’ll get him next time stories.
A special thanks to Air Vanuatu, Brian Death at Mooring’s Hotel, Chief Tasso at Sunset Paradise Bungalows, Leanne Collett from Wild Blue Fishing Charters and especially Fishing News’s own Grant Dixon for pulling all this together.
Good Luck at the Weigh In.
Cpt Peter Phillipps
http://www.fishing.com.vu

A Happy Customer: Mark's testimonial

Thanks Mark for your kind words:

Hi Pete,
I’m writing this brief letter to you because I feel the need to express my thanks and appreciation after my six days fishing with you on your boat Shogun.
It’s been eight months since I first planned and booked this trip and I would like to tell you that you’re the greatest angler/captain I’ve had the pleasure of fishing with.
You’re detailed knowledge of the local area, as well as your all round experience, meant we were able to always find fish and, more importantly catch. On the very first morning, there was only about 20 mins between leaving the dock and catching our first tuna!! In fact, your ability to always find fish was amazing. I’ve fished extensively in the world – and you’re number on without a shadow of a doubt.

Your boat is extremely comfortable and clean. Sitting with you on the bridge was brilliant. Seeing you use all the new technology meant Clare and I were in very capable hands.
I know Clare really appreciated having a perfectly clean, flushing toilet on the boat.
Not only was the fishing great, the boat clean and comfortable, the tackle and bait was absolutely first class but also the food and drink would put many hotels to shame. There’s nothing like fresh fruit and vegetables served with that delicious tuna pasta salad to keep you going through the action packed day. And the cold drinks from your fridge were second to none.
I would also like to say that eating cooked fish for my midday meal that was swimming about in the ocean only 20 mins before was awesome. I will never eat tinned fish again.
Once again, thanks Pete – you can guarantee I will be back, I only want to fish with the best and you are the best.

See you again soon.
Mark and Clare. England