REVIEW · MOOREA
A Day of Big Game Fishing in a small group
Book on Viator →Operated by Moorea Evasion · Bookable on Viator
Fishing Moorea’s sea monsters is a real rush. This big-game day charter is built for a small group of 4 at most, so Laurent and his team can tailor the day to the techniques you want—trolling, jig, surface fishing, and deep-water attempts—while you also get big-island scenery outside the lagoon. What I like most is the hands-on approach to multiple fishing methods and the fact that you’re not stuck watching one technique all day. The main drawback to know up front: some days the fish do not show, and you may end up relying more on whatever is working best at that moment.
You’ll leave fast, meeting at Cocobeach at 7:00 a.m. and getting back around 3:00 p.m., which keeps the trip focused. You’re also on a proper fishing setup aboard the KOKOPU NUI, with tackle and bait included—so you can show up and get started without overpacking fishing gear.
In This Review
- Why This Day Feels Personal (Even Before You Cast)
- Key Things That Make This Moorea Fishing Trip Worth Your Time
- Getting on the Boat: Cocobeach, 7:00 A.M., and the KOKOPU NUI
- The 7-Hour Fishing Game Plan: Pick Your Technique, Then Chase What Works
- Leaving the Lagoon: Turquoise Water, Bird Schools, and the Hunt Outside
- Lunch On Board: Sandwiches, Homemade Punch, and a Quick Food Reality Check
- The Crew: Laurent and Merry’s Fishing Focus (Plus One Safety Note)
- Price and Value: $644.97 per Person, and What You Actually Get
- What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Day Miserable)
- Who This Big-Game Fishing Trip Fits Best
- Weather and Sea Conditions: When Things Change
- Should You Book Moorea Evasion Big-Game Fishing?
- FAQ
- What time does the fishing trip start and end?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Where does the tour start?
- What fishing techniques are offered?
- Is fishing tackle and bait included?
- What food and drinks are provided?
- What should I bring with me?
- Do I need private transportation to get to the meeting point?
- What happens if weather isn’t good?
Why This Day Feels Personal (Even Before You Cast)

The vibe here is small-group and practical. You choose what style you want to try, and the guides adjust the plan as the day unfolds—moving from the lagoon out toward open water where the bigger specimens are found. I also appreciate the onboard food: a sandwich lunch plus homemade punch, plus the snacks and drinks that keep the day from feeling like a 7-hour grind.
One more consideration: there’s no private-transport included, so you’ll want to arrange getting to Cocobeach yourself (or request a transfer if offered at booking). And while the overall experience is strong, one set of past feedback included concerns about safety and gear handling—so it’s worth asking the crew directly how they manage line checks and safety routines, and sharing any gear preferences early.
Key Things That Make This Moorea Fishing Trip Worth Your Time

- Small group cap (4 fishermen max) for more attention on casting, rigging, and technique changes.
- You pick your fishing approach (trolling, jigging, surface, and deep-water tries) instead of being locked into one method.
- Out of the lagoon early to target larger specimens and chase the more serious action.
- Lunch + homemade punch onboard so you’re fueled for a long day on the water.
- Wildlife and bird-school spotting as a natural part of searching for the right fishing areas.
- Catch-and-keep meal advice so you leave with fish for your table and tips on what to do next.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Moorea.
Getting on the Boat: Cocobeach, 7:00 A.M., and the KOKOPU NUI
Your day starts at Cocobeach. The meeting point is listed as Cocobeach Restaurant Pickup (PK 24) in Moorea-Maiao, with a 7:00 a.m. start time. Expect to return back to the meeting point at about 3:00 p.m., which makes planning your rest of the day pretty easy.
When you board the KOKOPU NUI, you’re not stepping into a barebones situation. The boat comes equipped with professional fishing gear, and the trip includes fishing tackle and bait—plus coffee/tea, bottled water, and snacks. That matters because it reduces the “gear anxiety” that can ruin a fishing day. You can focus on learning the technique you want rather than figuring out what you’re missing.
If you don’t want to worry about getting there, you can request a transfer to your hotel or another location—just confirm how that’s arranged when booking. If not, you’ll want to plan on transportation on your own.
The 7-Hour Fishing Game Plan: Pick Your Technique, Then Chase What Works

This charter is a “try several styles” day. The schedule isn’t rigid like a movie script. Instead, it’s structured around where the fish are likely to be and what the sea is telling you. You’ll start with the intention to exit the lagoon and head out to sea, because that’s where the larger specimens tend to show up.
Here’s what you should expect in terms of fishing methods during the outing:
- Trolling: You’re covering water and letting the boat speed and lure placement do the heavy lifting. This can be a good way to search for fish if the action is spread out.
- Jig fishing: The goal is to make fish react. Jigging often takes more attention and technique adjustments, which is exactly where having a small crew helps.
- Surface fishing: This is for the moment when fish are closer to the top. It can be exciting because you’re often reacting fast to what you see.
- Deep fishing: When the team decides to go deeper, your rigging and patience matter more. If you like the idea of targeting bigger fish in less obvious areas, this is the mode to watch for.
The nice part is that you’re not just along for the ride. The team introduces different fishing techniques and uses its know-how to help you catch fish. And you choose what you want to prioritize—so if you’re more into jigging than trolling, you can steer the day.
Do note one thing: fishing is fishing. If the day goes quiet, the crew will still work, but your outcome depends on what’s in the water. The “plan B” here is built around the techniques listed, plus adjusting what they do as conditions change.
Leaving the Lagoon: Turquoise Water, Bird Schools, and the Hunt Outside

Part of the charm is that the day isn’t only about your line. You’ll enjoy the ride on turquoise waters, and you’ll get coastline views from the sea while you’re heading out beyond the lagoon.
As you travel, the team will look for signs that fish may be feeding nearby. The description mentions tracking “sea monsters” and looking for schools of birds. You can think of birds as a clue—when seabirds gather, it often means there’s activity below the surface worth checking.
This is one of those experiences where your day starts to feel like a game of observation. You’re not stuck in a single spot. You’re moving, scanning, and making the fishing work happen with real-time decisions.
If you hate waiting, you’ll like this format. There’s always something going on—watching water patterns, scanning for bait or birds, and learning what changes in technique might help.
Lunch On Board: Sandwiches, Homemade Punch, and a Quick Food Reality Check

At some point during the trip, you’ll stop for lunch onboard. You’ll get a sandwich lunch along with homemade punch. You’ll also have coffee/tea and snacks earlier (and bottled water).
What I like about this setup is how it keeps the fishing day humane. You don’t have to choose between eating and fishing, and you’re not stuck with only light snacks while you’re out in the sun for hours. Alcoholic beverages are also listed as included, so you can keep the mood relaxed during the meal.
One more helpful detail: the trip also includes culinary advice for your catch, and you can leave with fish for your meal. That’s useful on Moorea because it helps you figure out how to handle your fish safely and enjoy it back at your accommodation.
The Crew: Laurent and Merry’s Fishing Focus (Plus One Safety Note)

The guide names that show up consistently in the experience are Laurent and Merry. The overall tone from the positive side is that they work hard to get you on fish, and they take time to explain what they’re doing and why. If you like learning—rather than just hoping for the best—you’re likely to appreciate that.
That said, there’s at least one unhappy report that raised safety concerns tied to boat operation and line handling. I’m not going to sensationalize it, but here’s the practical takeaway: before you settle into your first casts, ask the crew how they handle safety checks and how often lines get inspected. It’s a fair question on any charter, and it can also help you feel more confident about the gear process, especially if you’re sensitive to tangled lines or you want a specific setup.
Price and Value: $644.97 per Person, and What You Actually Get

At $644.97 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it’s also not just a “boat ride with a chance.” You’re paying for a small-group setup, a professional fishing boat, tackle and bait included, onboard food and drinks, and a day that’s focused on trying multiple fishing techniques.
Here’s what’s included:
- Fishing tackle and bait
- Coffee and/or tea
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch (sandwich)
And here’s what’s not:
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and extra clothing (you’ll want these for sun and comfort)
- Sea sickness treatment
- Private transportation
So, the value question comes down to this: you’re not paying extra for the essentials you’d otherwise have to bring or arrange. If you’re traveling with a group of four or going as a couple and want serious attention, it can feel like a practical splurge.
If you only want a casual outing, you might find cheaper options on Moorea. But if you want a day built around big-game fishing methods and real guidance, this price starts to make more sense.
What to Bring (So You Don’t Spend the Day Miserable)

The basics are on you. The trip does include tackle, bait, food, and drinks, but you should bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothing for sun and spray
- A plan for possible sea sickness (the listing specifically notes treatment isn’t included)
If you’re sensitive to motion, consider arriving with something already ready. You’ll be out of the lagoon, on open water, for part of the day, and that’s when the sea can feel more “real.”
Who This Big-Game Fishing Trip Fits Best
This charter fits best if you:
- Want a small-group experience instead of a crowded boat
- Like hands-on guidance and want to learn (not just sit)
- Are interested in more than one technique—trolling, jigging, surface, or deep-water fishing
- Don’t mind that you might have a slow day depending on fish activity
It’s also a solid pick for families or groups that want a memorable Moorea activity beyond beaches—especially because the outing includes wildlife spotting and a full day feel.
If you’re the type who gets irritated by fishing unpredictability, you can still enjoy it—but go in with the right mindset: the crew can’t control what’s in the water.
Weather and Sea Conditions: When Things Change
This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t safe or workable, the operator will cancel and offer a different date or a full refund. In other words, you’re not being asked to gamble your day without a safety-minded decision.
It’s still smart to plan your Moorea schedule with flexibility around this trip, since weather can influence whether you fish that exact day.
Should You Book Moorea Evasion Big-Game Fishing?
I’d book this if you want a serious fishing day with personalized attention and you like the idea of trying multiple techniques rather than committing to just trolling or just jigging. The included tackle, bait, onboard food, and drinks reduce hassle, and the small group size means the guides can actually manage your technique and keep you engaged.
I’d think twice if you’re extremely risk-sensitive based on past safety concerns you’ve read online, or if you’re prone to sea sickness and didn’t plan supplies. For peace of mind, ask about safety routines and line handling before you get underway, and bring your own sunscreen and sea-sickness treatment.
When you get it right, a trip like this is exactly what Moorea fishing should feel like: out on the open water, busy searching, and coming back with photos in your head and something good to eat.
FAQ
What time does the fishing trip start and end?
It meets at 7:00 a.m. and returns around 3:00 p.m., back to the meeting point at Cocobeach.
How many people are on the boat?
The trip is limited to a maximum of 4 fishermen, plus companions/friends/family. It’s private for your group.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Cocobeach Restaurant Pickup (PK 24), Moorea-Maiao.
What fishing techniques are offered?
You can choose what you prefer, and the team can work with techniques like trolling, jigging, surface fishing, and deep fishing.
Is fishing tackle and bait included?
Yes. Fishing tackle and bait are included.
What food and drinks are provided?
Lunch is included (sandwich) plus homemade punch. Coffee/tea, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are also included.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing. You should also bring sea sickness treatment if you need it.
Do I need private transportation to get to the meeting point?
Private transportation isn’t included, but the operator can organize a transfer on request to your hotel or a nearby location.
What happens if weather isn’t good?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.





