REVIEW · MOOREA
A Day of Big Game Fishing in a small group
Book on Viator →Operated by Moorea Evasion · Bookable on Viator
Small boats, big fish potential, and a real shot at fun. I like the small-group setup (max 4 fishermen) and the fact you can choose among multiple fishing styles like trolling, jig, surface, and deep. One thing to keep in mind: results are never guaranteed, and one unhappy report raised safety/staffing concerns—so it’s smart to ask questions about crew and procedures before you head out.
You’ll meet in the morning at Coco Beach and be back by early afternoon, which makes this a great “one-and-done” activity on a Moorea trip. The day is built around getting out of the lagoon for the bigger specimens, then mixing fishing with sightseeing from the turquoise water.
If you’re hoping for an easy, guaranteed catch, lower the expectations. Fishing can be quiet, and your enjoyment depends on how the day’s plan adapts when fish are scarce—at least one account mentioned a lack of plan B on a low-activity day.
In This Review
- Key things that make this fishing day work in real life
- Getting out of Coco Beach: the 7 a.m. rhythm
- Small group fishing (max 4): why it feels personal
- Choose your fishing style: trolling, jig, surface, and deep
- The day’s flow: lagoon views, open sea, and changing tactics
- What you’ll eat and drink on board (and how to plan for it)
- Gear and what’s included vs what you should bring
- Price and value: what $644.97 buys you on Moorea
- Weather, fishing results, and the reality check
- Who should book this big-game day (and who should skip it)
- Should you book Moorea Evasion’s big-game fishing day?
- FAQ
- Where do we meet for this fishing trip?
- What time does the boat leave and when do we return?
- How many people can fish on this trip?
- What fishing techniques are offered?
- Is fishing tackle and bait included?
- What food and drinks are provided on board?
- Can the operator arrange transportation from my hotel?
- What should I bring since it’s not included?
- Is this a private experience?
- What happens if weather is bad?
Key things that make this fishing day work in real life

- Max 4 fishermen: more attention, less waiting, more time with your gear in hand.
- You choose the technique: trolling, jig, surface, and deep—so you’re not stuck with one method.
- Out of the lagoon for big specimens: the trip’s flow is designed around where larger fish tend to be.
- Lunch on board: sandwich plus homemade punch, served during the day out at sea.
- Tackle, bait, snacks, and drinks are included: you can show up lighter and still be set.
- One-day Moorea schedule: meet early, back by 3 p.m., with time left for the rest of your day.
Getting out of Coco Beach: the 7 a.m. rhythm

This is a classic early-start fishing day: you meet at Coco Beach (the pontoon area) and depart at 7:00 a.m., returning at about 3:00 p.m. That timing matters more than you might think. On the water, the morning hours often feel calm and focused—prime time for dialing in technique, running lines, and adjusting as conditions change.
You also have a practical option for convenience: if you request it, the operator can organize a transfer from your hotel or another location. If you’re not staying near the meeting spot, this can save you from “vacation logistics” stress before you even get on the boat.
The vessel is the KOKOPU NUI, and the day is built around being fully set up with professional fishing equipment. For me, that’s the appeal of booking this style of charter: you spend your time fishing instead of hunting down gear, figuring out rigs, or worrying whether the setup you brought is right.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Moorea.
Small group fishing (max 4): why it feels personal
The biggest difference between a big fishing party and this experience is attention. With a maximum group size of 4 fishermen, plus companions/family/friends, the guides can actually watch what’s happening at your rod/reel level. You’re not just one more line in the water—you get more chances to ask questions, adjust, and learn as the day goes.
In a small-group setting, the captain and crew also have an easier job explaining and guiding technique. You’re told about the different methods and how to run them, and you can steer the day toward the approach you want. That makes a big difference if you’re trying to learn something new (instead of just hoping the fish cooperate).
One small caution: a charter still needs a smooth operation when lines are in the water. There’s at least one unhappy report that claimed staffing/safety issues (like having no deckhand and concerns about how the boat was handled). I’m not saying that’s typical—but because it’s a fishing day where safety and line management matter, it’s reasonable to ask a quick, direct question when you board: who will handle what, and what checks are done before you start running gear.
Choose your fishing style: trolling, jig, surface, and deep

Here’s where this tour has real value beyond “rent a boat.” The day is structured so you can experience different types of fishing—trolling, jigging, surface fishing, and deep fishing—and you choose what you prefer.
That variety is helpful because fish behavior isn’t predictable. Some days respond better to surface action; other days want deeper setups. With multiple methods available, you’re not locked into one plan that might not match the conditions that morning.
What this means for you in practice:
- If you like hands-on technique, jig and trolling can keep you engaged as you learn how to run lines and respond to bites.
- If you’re more of a “show me where it’s at” angler, surface fishing can feel more immediate when fish are active near the top.
- If you want the big-specimen mindset, deep fishing is part of the plan once you’re out of the lagoon and into more productive waters.
And yes—this is also where the captain’s mindset matters. In the positive accounts, the captain (Laurent is specifically named) is described as friendly, punctual, and deeply focused on putting people on fish. The contrast between good days and tough days is also clear in the less-positive account: if fish activity is low, there may not be a magical switch that suddenly makes the water full.
The day’s flow: lagoon views, open sea, and changing tactics

Your day starts with leaving the lagoon and heading out to sea, where the largest specimens are found. That outward run is not just about location—it’s also how you transition from “scenery time” into “serious fishing time.”
Along the way, you’re still getting the Moorea payoff: you’ll be able to admire lagoons and coastline views from the water. Even if the fishing is slow, the ride through turquoise water can be a meaningful part of the experience.
Once you’re out, the plan includes searching for conditions where fish are likely to be feeding. That can look like:
- tracking “sea monsters” (local phrasing for big marine life you might spot)
- looking for schools of birds that can hint at bait or feeding activity
When it clicks, this becomes a full sensory day: you’re watching the water, watching the birds, running lines, then reacting fast when a strike finally happens. When it doesn’t click, it can feel more like a waiting game—but the goal is still to keep you engaged and trying the technique that best fits the day.
What you’ll eat and drink on board (and how to plan for it)

You’ll get lunch served on the boat: a sandwich plus homemade punch prepared with local products. You’ll also have coffee and/or tea, bottled water, and snacks included, plus alcoholic beverages.
This is more than a perk. Out at sea, a real meal keeps energy up so you can actually participate in the fishing. It also reduces the need to stop later for food, which matters when you’re back around 3 p.m. and want to keep enjoying Moorea.
Bring your own attitude, too. Big-game fishing is physical in small ways—standing, adjusting lines, holding onto gear, and staying alert. Eating mid-day helps you stay comfortable instead of turning the day into a grin-and-bear-it situation.
Gear and what’s included vs what you should bring

This charter does the heavy lifting for you: fishing tackle and bait are included, along with coffee/tea, bottled water, snacks, lunch, and alcoholic beverages. In other words, you can show up without building a fishing kit.
Still, you should plan for comfort and sun. Items not included include sunscreen, a hat, occasional clothing, sunglasses, and sea sickness treatment. That “sea sickness treatment” detail is worth taking seriously because you’ll be on open water at least part of the day. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what you know works for you.
If you tend to burn easily, pack sunscreen even if you think you’ll stay in the shade—boats don’t block sun the way land does. Sunglasses and a hat are practical, not romantic.
Price and value: what $644.97 buys you on Moorea

At $644.97 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But for a 7-hour small-group fishing day, you’re paying for a bundle of things most DIY anglers would have to source separately.
Here’s the value angle that matters:
- Small group size (max 4 fishermen): you’re not competing with dozens of people for attention.
- Professional equipment + tackle + bait included: you don’t need to travel with gear.
- Food and drinks included: lunch, snacks, water, and drinks reduce add-on costs.
- Lunch is on board: you keep time on the water instead of losing it to meal stops.
- Group discounts: if you’re booking with friends or family, the pricing can make more sense as part of a shared plan.
One more practical tip: this activity is often booked about 39 days in advance on average. That doesn’t guarantee availability, but it does suggest this isn’t a “wait until the last minute” kind of thing—especially in high-season.
Weather, fishing results, and the reality check

This trip requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
But weather is only half the truth with fishing. Fish don’t read schedules. There’s a built-in uncertainty in any charter: you can run the right technique, go to the right areas, and still have a slow day.
In a less-positive account, the complaint wasn’t that no fish existed—it was that there didn’t seem to be much flexibility beyond heavy-gear trolling when fish activity was low. That’s the consideration I’d underline for you: when the bite is absent, your enjoyment depends on the crew’s ability to adapt quickly and keep the day fun.
On the other hand, multiple positive accounts describe the captain and crew working hard to put people on fish and sharing tips along the way. In particular, the captain named Laurent comes up repeatedly as professional, humorous, and tuned into fishing spots.
Who should book this big-game day (and who should skip it)
You’ll likely love this if:
- you want a guided big-game fishing day and don’t want to manage gear yourself
- you like learning techniques (not just sitting and waiting)
- you’re traveling with a small circle and want a more personal experience
- you value a full morning-to-afternoon plan with lunch included
You might want to skip it (or book with your expectations set carefully) if:
- you only want fishing that guarantees action
- you’re very sensitive to motion sickness and don’t plan to bring treatment
- you want a guaranteed “wildlife highlight reel” (that can happen, but it’s not promised)
The experience can also be a great family-friendly format in the sense that the group is small and the day is structured. Just remember: it’s still fishing—some patience is part of the deal.
Should you book Moorea Evasion’s big-game fishing day?
If you want a focused, small-group charter that provides tackle, bait, and on-board lunch—and you like the idea of choosing between trolling, jig, surface, and deep—this is a strong option for Moorea.
Book it if you’re happy with the normal uncertainty of fishing and you’re prepared for a weather-dependent day on open water. Before you commit, I’d do one practical thing: ask how many crew members will be involved that day and what the safety setup looks like when lines are down. It’s a small question that can turn peace of mind into confidence.
FAQ
Where do we meet for this fishing trip?
You meet at the Coco Beach pontoon area (listed as Cocobeach Restaurant Pickup PK 24, Moorea-Maiao).
What time does the boat leave and when do we return?
Departure is at 7:00 a.m., and the activity returns at about 3:00 p.m. (about 7 hours total).
How many people can fish on this trip?
The trip is limited to a maximum of 4 fishermen, with companions/friends/family also able to come along.
What fishing techniques are offered?
The day includes multiple techniques, including trolling, jig, surface, and deep fishing, and you choose what you prefer.
Is fishing tackle and bait included?
Yes. Fishing tackle and bait are included.
What food and drinks are provided on board?
You’ll get lunch (sandwich), plus homemade punch. Coffee and/or tea, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are also included.
Can the operator arrange transportation from my hotel?
They can organize transfer on request to your hotel or another location of your convenience.
What should I bring since it’s not included?
Plan to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sea sickness treatment if you need it. The tour also notes occasional clothing.
Is this a private experience?
Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.
What happens if weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






