Mr and Mrs Fishing News reader's trip

Following on from the successful NZ Fishing News’ readers’ trip to Banks Islands, Vanuatu, staged last year, the exercise is being repeated in 2010.

Promoted in conjunction with Island Escape Cruises and Ultimate Fishing Adventures, this July 3-10 trip will be lead by Grant and Faith Dixon.

For several months over the New Zealand winter, the 42-metre cruise ship Island Passage bases itself out of Espiritu Santo,Vanuatu, an ideal place from which to start a fishing adventure.

The ship cruises each evening to a new destination, and fishing takes place next morning out of three seven-metre tenders, along with John and Wendy William’s Santo-based gameboat, Fiesta. The crews rotate each day so all get to experience a range of angling opportunities, including jigging for dogtooth tuna, casting poppers for GTs and trolling for various pelagic species. You don’t even need any specialized tackle, as the boats are well equipped with Shimano gear and appropriate lures.

The luxuriously-appointed Island Passage is air-conditioned throughout, and has its own chefs producing top quality meals, with a wine cellar to match.

On the last trip, many of the participants thought it would be a great holiday opportunity for couples, be they fishers or non-fishers. So while the emphasis is on fishing, there are plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax, with snorkelling, swimming and visits ashore easily arranged.

The final destination of the trip depends solely on the weather. While the Banks Islands may be the ultimate aim, there are plenty of other options that ensure calm seas can be enjoyed closer to home.

This is the second season the ship has wintered in Vanuatu, so the crew is now familiar with the best fishing and cruising locations, and has the knowledge to tailor a trip that covers everyone’s interests.

“All you have to do is bring a sunny disposition, your sunscreen and summer clothes – the rest is taken care of,” says co-host Grant Dixon.

While the trip is aimed at couples (four are already booked in), single anglers or groups of fishing mates are welcome on a share-cabin basis.

Berths on board are limited and the cabins will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, contact Bill Miles at Ultimate Fishing Adventures bill@thefishingshow.co.nz, phone (09) 407 5922, check out the website www.thefishingshow.co.nz, or see the advertisement on page 99 of the January Fishing News Magazine.

- © Fairfax NZ News