New Caledonia is situated in the heart of the South Pacific, a 2 hour flight east of Australia. This land of contrast is composed of a group of islands, The Main Island, Loyalty Islands, Isle of Pines, Belep and a myriad of small islands. The barrier reef stretching 1600 kms and encircling the mainland island is the world's largest lagoon, and surely one of the most beautiful.

Cooled by the Pacific Ocean and the trade winds, New Caledonia enjoys a soft, sunny climate. From the cental mountain range to the warm tropical waters you will discover flora and fauna which people come from all over the world to discover. With an incredible mixture of ethnic groups, New Caledonia is a land with many traditions, customs and different cultures. The blend of Melanesian and French culture enhanced by Polynesian and Asian races makes an exciting yet harmonious lifestyle. The main island in the archipelago, called Grande-Terre, is 450km long and 50 to 70km wide. A mountain chain runs the entire length of the island from north to south. The eastern side of the main island drops almost straight into the ocean, while the western side gradually slopes down to the water. New Caledonia has two distinct seasons. Summer is from November to April (25°-35°C) and winter is from June to September (10°-25°C). The Caledonian Lagoon is 24,000km², an enclosed sea dotted with coral pinnacles, reefs, flats, and mangroves and completely surrounded by a barrier reef that is approximately 1,600km long. This lagoon offers anglers some of the most spectacular light tackle sport and fly fishing found in the Pacific.



POPPER PARADISE
The reef systems offshore from Malabou form part of the spectacular New Caledonian Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world – only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is larger. Aside from the crystal-clear, turquoise-blue water and incredible diversity of marine life, the depth of water along the reef edge drops away from three or four metres down to 80 or 100 metres. Throw in an abundance of baitfish, plenty of current and a bit of foamy white water and it’s no surprise the place is crawling with an astounding variety of fish, most of which can be tempted into engulfing a popper. Red bass are abundant and provide fantastic sport, as does coral regularly encountered up to the 20lb mark. Green job fish are always on the cards, barracuda are absolutely everywhere and several species of oversized cod regularly keep you honest. The beauty of fishing New Caledonia is you never know what you are going to hook next. Indeed, you are just as likely to pin a red bass or a GT as you are a yellowfin tuna or a Spanish mackerel.

BIG BONEFISH
New Caledonia arguably offers some of the most remote, yet accessible bonefishing flats found on this planet. Northern New Caledonia and Ouvea offer flyfishers the chance at monster fish.

It is fair to say that New Caledonia is primarily a trophy bonefishery. The extensive flats on the main island are perfect for poling or wading and hold big bonefish. When hooked, New Caledonian bonefish take long, powerful runs as they make for deeper water. Reef edges can be sharp and leader break-offs are common. However, when you land a fish, you will be rewarded with a true trophy. Documented catches of bonefish in New Caledonia have weighed in at over 15 pounds and it seems clear that the next series of IGFA records could come from these islands.

When the tide is not conducive to bonefishing, you can fish for queenfish and a wealth of trevally species including giant, spotted and golden, as well as numerous other reef species that prowl the edge of the flats. These species aggressively pursue colorful flies presented with a fast sinking line. A few of the islands have deeper, blue water edges that hold very large trevally, and wahoo.

GETTING THERE New Caledonia is only a short flight from Australia’s east coast and New Zealand. There are are number of carriers offering return flights in and out of Noumea. We’d be more than happy to assist in arranging flights for you or alternatively fee free to visit the sites below for detailed flight information. Air Calin offer return flights in and out of Noumea via Japan, France, Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti. See http://www.aircalin.com Air France offer Return flights in and out of Noumea via Japan. See http://www.airfrance.fr. Qantas offer return flights in and out of Noumea, from Australia. See http://www.qantas.com Air New Zealand offer regular flights in and out of Noumea via New Zealand. See http://www.airnewzealand.com Air Vanuatu offer flights from via Vanuatu. See http://www.airvanuatu.com