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Milne Bay — fishing guides & charters

SeaCharter 2Casting

★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 ›
Jump to:Access (2)Climate (12)SeasonStay (6)Food (4)Weather (5)

Spot at a glance

Target fish
Papuan bass · GT · Dogtooth tuna
Best season
Jan–Apr, Dec
Area
Papua New Guinea
Water type
Sea
Nearest int'l airport
POM · Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport
From airport
About 55 minutes
Coordinates
-10.3, 150.5 Open in Google Maps
79d agoTide today 08/19 ・ Neap ・ Moon 5.5 (approx)
05:0311:1516:3722:5006121824

Where it is & getting there

Getting there (from the nearest int'l airport) source

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.

FromRouteTimeNotes
Port Moresby (POM)Air Niugini / PNG Air direct flightAbout 55 minutesThe 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 townFrom the airport to central Alotau / the port. You reach the fishing areas by resort boat.
✈️ Find flights
To: POM — Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport
See schedules on Google Flights →Compare fares →
Schedules change seasonally. Enter your origin to see flights and times.
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Coordinates: -10.3, 150.5(Open in Google Maps

Target fish & season

★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.

Best months (season · our estimate)

◎ peak: Jan–Apr, Dec · ○ in season: year-round

◎ peak · ○ in season
Our own estimate — a prediction from sources & past trends, not official data. Varies with weather & tides; catches not guaranteed.

See what else is in season now →

How to fish here

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

Boats & guides to book

Chartercasting@rockexpeditions
Rock Exp black bass/GTexpedition
Open ›
Chartercasting@gtrock
Rock Exp separate account
Open ›
PNG Black Bass(FB)
Black bass info / lessons
Open ›

Recent catches

Papuan bass
6/1
Rock Expeditions

*Photos are not re-hosted; we link to each social account (R8). Auto-updated with the latest posts.

Browse by tag

#papuanbassTikTokIG
#blackbassTikTokIG
#gtfishingTikTokIG
#gerepohTikTokIG
#dogtoothTikTokIG
#mancinglautTikTokIG
#castingTikTokIG
#fishingguideTikTokIG

Watch on video

*Official embeds of each channel's public videos. Click to play on YouTube.

Details (access, climate, lodging & more)

Climate & what to wear source

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.

MonthAvg ℃High ℃Low ℃Clothing
2927Summer clothes. Short sleeves and shorts. Rain gear for squalls
2927Summer clothes. The rainiest month. Rainwear essential
2927Summer clothes. Carry rain gear
2827Summer clothes. Carry rain gear
2826Summer clothes. Trade winds begin; wind protection at sea
2726Summer clothes. A light windbreaker jacket at sea
2724Summer clothes. Mornings and evenings somewhat cool. Strong winds, so a light long-sleeve top
2724Summer clothes. Mornings and evenings somewhat cool. Wind protection
2725Summer clothes. A light windbreaker jacket for the wind
2826Summer clothes. Mainly short sleeves
2927Summer clothes. Short sleeves and shorts. Carry rain gear
2927Summer clothes. Rain increases. Carry rainwear

Lodging (by class) source

ClassPropertyPrice (approx)HighlightsLinks
High-endAlotau International HotelAbout 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-endDriftwood ResortAbout US$150/night and upOnly 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-endTawali ResortA 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
StandardAlotau Waterfront LodgeA 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
StandardMasurina LodgeIn 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
BudgetNapatana LodgeAlotau'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

Where to eat source

NameCuisineBudgetHighlightsLinks
By the Bay Restaurant(Alotau International Hotel内)Hotel restaurant / all-day diningThe 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 RestaurantLodge restaurant and barAttached 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 barLocally reputed for serving good food at affordable prices. Its selling point is 'the coldest beer in town.'Google reviewsTripAdvisor
DaisiesCafe / quick bite and fast foodA casual spot for light meals, cafe fare, and fast food.Google reviewsTripAdvisor

If the sea gets rough source

Nearby spots to combine in one trip

Nearby spots easy to combine into one trip (straight-line distance). See the map above for locations.

Source: each captain/guide's public social accounts. Only public handles and URLs are listed. Please contact captains in their preferred language; a premium (non-local) rate is standard given the extra coordination.
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