Fishing Spots > Papua New Guinea
★Papuan bass/GT/Dogtooth tuna(Milne Bay)
2 captains listed · casting available · sea category. A spot in Milne Bay (Papua New Guinea) targeting ★Papuan bass/GT/Dogtooth tuna(Milne Bay). Check the tide, captains and recent catches, then contact them directly via public social accounts. Access, climate and lodging are in the details below.
Book / contact the captain directly @rockexpeditions ›The gateway to Milne Bay / Alotau is Gurney Airport (GUR, about 12 km from central Alotau). There are direct flights from the capital Port Moresby (POM) on Air Niugini or PNG Air, taking about 55 minutes. From Alotau, you travel to the resorts and the GT / black bass fishing areas by local boat.
| From | Route | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Moresby (POM) | Air Niugini / PNG Air direct flight | About 55 minutes | The POM-GUR distance is about 354 km. From Japan you first need to enter POM on an international flight. |
| Gurney Airport (GUR) | Hotel shuttle, taxi, PMV (shared bus) | About 12 km to town | From the airport to central Alotau / the port. You reach the fishing areas by resort boat. |
Coordinates: -10.3, 150.5(Open in Google Maps)
★Papuan bass/GT/Dogtooth tuna(Milne Bay)
Inshore popping/jigging for GT (giant trevally) runs roughly from September to April, with the peak from December to April. For Papuan black bass (Niugini bass), on the other hand, the river mouths and rivers are best in the dry season from April to August (broadly the May-November dry season), when water levels drop and the water clears; across PNG as a whole, June to October is considered to offer good conditions. During the southeast trade wind season (May-October), when the sea tends to be rough, river black bass has the edge over GT. It is best to choose the timing by the species you are targeting.
◎ peak: Jan–Apr, Dec · ○ in season: year-round
See what else is in season now →
Milne Bay is an expedition base from which a mothership can reach the near-untouched outer reefs of Wari Long Reef and the Trobriand Islands. The stars are GT, casting big poppers into the blue tide lines, and dogtooth on jigs, with the reef fishing peaking Dec-Apr (season Sep-Apr). Push into the jungle river systems out of Alotau and the prized Papuan bass is on the cards too.
Full how-to & tackle on each species page:Papuan bass GT Dogtooth tuna
*Photos are not re-hosted; we link to each social account (R8). Auto-updated with the latest posts.
*Official embeds of each channel's public videos. Click to play on YouTube.
A tropical climate that is hot and humid year-round, with no clear dry season. From May to October the southeast trade winds blow strongly (strongest in July), and from December to mid-May rain is frequent with a monsoon-like tendency. The rainiest month is February and the driest is July. The annual average is about 25C.
| Month | Avg ℃ | High ℃ | Low ℃ | Clothing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 27 | Summer clothes. Short sleeves and shorts. Rain gear for squalls | ||
| 29 | 27 | Summer clothes. The rainiest month. Rainwear essential | ||
| 29 | 27 | Summer clothes. Carry rain gear | ||
| 28 | 27 | Summer clothes. Carry rain gear | ||
| 28 | 26 | Summer clothes. Trade winds begin; wind protection at sea | ||
| 27 | 26 | Summer clothes. A light windbreaker jacket at sea | ||
| 27 | 24 | Summer clothes. Mornings and evenings somewhat cool. Strong winds, so a light long-sleeve top | ||
| 27 | 24 | Summer clothes. Mornings and evenings somewhat cool. Wind protection | ||
| 27 | 25 | Summer clothes. A light windbreaker jacket for the wind | ||
| 28 | 26 | Summer clothes. Mainly short sleeves | ||
| 29 | 27 | Summer clothes. Short sleeves and shorts. Carry rain gear | ||
| 29 | 27 | Summer clothes. Rain increases. Carry rainwear |
| Class | Property | Price (approx) | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-end | Alotau International Hotel | About US$150-225/night (breakfast separate; varies by room type) | In the center of town, on high ground with a panoramic view of the bay. 22 rooms in all, with air conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, and balconies. Pool, conference room, and three dining facilities (By the Bay) on site. A standby for business and tourism. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Driftwood Resort | About US$150/night and up | Only 11 bungalows built right at the water's edge. Each room is en-suite, with a high-grade double bed and rosewood decor. The waterfront units have a large deck extending out over the bay. Quiet and private. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| High-end | Tawali Resort | — | A 22-room four-star resort along the coast on the outskirts of Alotau. Direct beach access and several conference rooms. Famous as a world-class diving base (muck diving). A natural setting away from town. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Alotau Waterfront Lodge | — | A family-run lodge at the water's edge of Sanderson Bay, about a 15-minute walk from the town center. 17 rooms in all (from suites to bunks). A licensed restaurant and bar in a traditional house wind (semi-outdoor) setting on site. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Standard | Masurina Lodge | — | In the town center, near the beach; a three-star, family-friendly place. Well regarded for good food and cold beer, with the town's only water slide, a children's pool, and a playground. A 3-minute walk to the Viewpoint. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Budget | Napatana Lodge | — | Alotau's first ecotourism lodging. Built in traditional pole-house style within a garden. Comfortable rooms reflecting local culture, with a restaurant and bar on site. Close to town, affordable, with friendly staff. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Name | Cuisine | Budget | Highlights | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By the Bay Restaurant(Alotau International Hotel内) | Hotel restaurant / all-day dining | — | The main dining room, open all day. Wine list available. The adjoining By the Bay Bar (light meals and drinks) and Bayside Barbecue (outdoor BBQ with sea views) are also available. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Napatana Lodge Restaurant | Lodge restaurant and bar | — | Attached to a lodge close to town. Locally flavored dishes at affordable prices. With an adjoining bar, a nice atmosphere and popular with travelers. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Masurina Lodge レストラン | Lodge restaurant and bar | — | Locally reputed for serving good food at affordable prices. Its selling point is 'the coldest beer in town.' | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
| Daisies | Cafe / quick bite and fast food | — | A casual spot for light meals, cafe fare, and fast food. | Google reviewsTripAdvisor |
Nearby spots easy to combine into one trip (straight-line distance). See the map above for locations.