The Ultimate Guide to Fishing in American Samoa

Fishing runs deep in the veins of American Samoa. It's not just a pastime, it's a way of life for countless communities across these islands. The result? Some of the most incredible fishing you'll find anywhere in the Pacific.

For visitors looking to experience this firsthand, we've found that booking a fishing charter is hands down the best way to make the most of your time on the water.

Fishing in Pago Pago and Tutuila

Tutuila serves as your gateway to American Samoa (thanks to Pago Pago International Airport), and it's also where you'll discover the widest selection of fishing charters. From established operators at Pago Pago Marina in the capital to local indigenous guides who know these waters like the back of their hand, the options are limited but at least varied.

Everything from modern trolling techniques to traditional approaches using bamboo sticks and live bait can be experienced in Tutuila. There's something quite special about trying the old-school methods, as we discovered firsthand.

For comprehensive planning tips for your visit to the main island, check out The Complete Travel Guide to Pago Pago & Tutuila LINK#D006.

Fishing in Aunu'u

Here's where things get interesting – most of Aunu'u's surrounding waters are protected as a marine reserve, which means the fishing stocks are absolutely thriving. Local alia operators know exactly where to take you to the outer areas that benefit from all this conservation work.

According to locals, the fishing here is some of the best you'll experience in American Samoa (see below for operator details).

Discover more about this charming island off Tutuila's coast in The Complete Guide to Aunu'u LINK#D008.

Fishing in Manu'a Islands

Life moves at a different pace in American Samoa's eastern islands of Ofu, Olosega and Ta'ū – and we can't help but love it for that. While you won't find commercial fishing tour operators in the Manu'a Islands, you're more than welcome to bring your own fishing rod (just make sure you follow the local regulations outlined below).

Learn more about exploring these remote gems in The Complete Travel Guide to the Manu'a Islands LINK#D012.

American Samoa's waters are home to most game fish species that are found in the South Pacific. The list includes:

• Yellowfin Tuna - These powerful, fast-swimming fish are prized by anglers for their incredible strength and endurance, often providing epic battles that can last for hours.
• Dogtooth Tuna - Known for their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive nature, these deep-water predators offer anglers an exciting challenge with their lightning-fast runs and stubborn fighting style.
• Wahoo - One of the fastest fish in the ocean, wahoo are famous for their blistering initial runs and acrobatic jumps, making them a thrilling catch for speed-loving anglers.
• Mahimahi - These colourful, acrobatic fish are beloved by anglers for their spectacular aerial displays and delicious taste, plus they're relatively easier to catch than other game fish.
• Blue Marlin - The ultimate trophy fish, blue marlin are legendary for their size, strength and spectacular jumps, representing the pinnacle of big game fishing achievement.
• Black Marlin - Considered by many as the strongest fish in the ocean, black marlin are known for their incredible power and stamina, often testing an angler's skill and equipment to the limit.
• Pacific Sailfish - These graceful speedsters are famous for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and acrobatic fighting style, offering anglers an exciting combination of speed and aerial theatrics.
• Giant Trevally - Aggressive and powerful, these fish are known for their brutal strikes and relentless fighting spirit, making them a favourite target for anglers seeking an adrenaline-pumping battle.
• Spanish Mackerel - Fast and feisty, these smaller game fish provide excellent sport on lighter tackle and are perfect for anglers looking for consistent action and great eating.
• Pacific Barracuda - With their fearsome teeth and lightning-fast strikes, barracuda offer anglers an exciting fishing experience and are known for their aggressive nature and impressive speed.

For more about Am Sam's wildlife, check out the 15 Animals & Birds Found in American Samoa.

American Samoa has warm air and sea temperatures all year round. With that, most game species are found in American Samoa’s waters all year round! There isn’t really a bad time to go fishing in American Samoa, but if you are targeting a specific species and perhaps the largest fish of that species possible, then there are certainly better seasons than others.

Seasonal Fish Availability

Yellowfin Tuna:

• Peak Season: December - January (bigger specimens)
• Availability: Year-round, but larger fish during peak months

Mahimahi:

• Peak Season: September onwards through the end of the year
• Availability: Best from September through January

Year-Round Species:

• Marlin - Available all year
• Sailfish - Available all year
• Dogtooth Tuna - Available all year (territorial, found in shallower water)
• Wahoo - Available all year (though more prolific in between September and November)

How Weather Seasons Affect Your Fishing Experience

Prime Fishing Season: November to April

This is when you'll want to plan your fishing adventure in American Samoa. The tradewinds take a break during these months, leaving you with gentle breezes of just 0-10 mph (0-16 kph) and beautifully calm seas that are perfect for a day out on the water.

The ocean becomes your playground during this period – safe, comfortable and ideal for both experienced anglers and first-timers. Water temperatures can also get deliciously warm.

Now, we should mention that this is also cyclone season, but don't let that put you off. According to locals, the conditions are generally much calmer than in the alternative months, making it the clear winner for fishing expeditions.

Challenging Fishing Season: May to October

Here's when Mother Nature shows her more temperamental side. The tradewinds kick in with a vengeance, bringing 20-35 mph (32-56 kph) gusts that turn the ocean into a washing machine.

Most charter operators simply can't take you out during this period because the conditions are unsafe and, frankly, quite miserable for everyone involved.

If you're planning your trip during these months, you'll want to have backup activities ready, just in case your charter falls through.

For more detailed information about seasonal weather patterns, check out The Best Time to Visit American Samoa: A Month-by-Month Guide to help you plan the perfect timing for your visit.

What American Samoa lacks in the number of fishing charters, it more than makes up for with variety, providing just about every fishing style you could hope for.

North Shore Tours - Traditional Samoan Fishing with Rory

If you've ever struggled to catch fish elsewhere, you'll love North Shore Tours' traditional Samoan fishing experience. We're talking about the real deal here: handmade bamboo poles, natural bait (like crab stomach), and techniques passed down through generations.

An American expat in Am Sam who has lived here most of his life, Rory takes you to remote shoreline spots where locals don't typically fish, which means you'll avoid the pressured areas and actually have a chance to "just pull fish out" (his words, not ours!).

The fishing is part of North Shore Tours' broader offerings rather than a standalone charter, making it perfect for those wanting an authentic cultural immersion. Learn more about his tours in the 5 Best Sightseeing Tours in American Samoa.

Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway - Fishing Charter Coordinator

A locally run operation, Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway offers fishing from alia (local double-hulled boats) around Tutuila and even Aunu'u Island.

While Pika operates his own alia, he acts as more of a fishing charter organiser and connector, which we've found incredibly useful when other operators are booked. He offers both trolling and bottom fishing charters, with the flexibility to use traditional alia (local double-hulled boats) or modern charter boats.

What we personally love about Samriel Aunu'u Island Getaway is the network approach; if Pika's busy, he has multiple colleagues available for fishing charters.

The philosophy here focuses on quality over quantity, emphasising cultural sharing rather than just catching fish. Needless to say, all trips are weather-dependent.

Pago Pago Marine Charters - Professional Deep Sea Fishing

For serious deep-sea fishing, Pago Pago Marine Charters offers the most professional operation we've encountered. These are primarily boat builders who fish for passion, not just business – and their frankness about equipment maintenance needs actually builds confidence.

The full-day private charters aren't cheap, but your charter includes fuel, crew, all fishing gear, ice and water. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks, though there's a bakery available at the marina.

They offer an around-island option that faces more local pressure on fish stocks, whilst the outer banks, costing a little extra, provide better fishing due to less pressure from industrial fishing operations.

Trips launch from Pago Pago Marina, with pickup available from cruise ships and hotels. You'll keep the majority of fish caught, and booking can happen on short turnaround (weather permitting). The maximum capacity is six people.

From a relaxing troll on deep-sea fishing charters to more authentic traditional pole fishing from the shoreline, there are plenty of exciting fishing techniques to try in American Samoa. With year-round warm waters and less fishing pressure than other Pacific destinations, American Samoa offers unique opportunities to catch prized game fish while experiencing both modern and traditional Polynesian fishing methods.

Fishing Charters – Trolling and Deep Sea Fishing

An ideal technique for all experience levels and offering excellent chances of landing trophy fish, trolling is the primary method used by American Samoa's charter operators. Pago Pago Marine Charters specialises in full-day trolling adventures that provide opportunities to catch Pacific blue marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahimahi, and the territorial dogtooth tuna found in shallower waters.

Traditional Samoan Fishing

One of the most authentic and rewarding fishing experiences available is learning traditional Samoan pole fishing techniques. North Shore Tours offers hands-on instruction in this time-honoured method, where visitors learn to cut their own poles from bamboo or foul wood, string up fishing lines, and use natural bait like crab stomach to fish directly from the shoreline.

The key to success with traditional fishing in American Samoa is accessing the right locations – guides will take you on hikes to remote spots where locals don't typically fish, dramatically increasing your chances of success. Many visitors who struggled to catch fish elsewhere, including those from Hawai'i, find remarkable success using these traditional methods in American Samoa's less-pressured waters.

Land-Based Fishing (Shore Fishing)

Shore fishing is a viable and rewarding option in American Samoa, particularly when combined with local knowledge of the best spots. The secret to successful shore fishing here is location – experienced guides can lead you to remote coastline areas along old fishing trails where the lack of fishing pressure means abundant fish populations close to shore. Otherwise, a conversation with a knowledgeable local can be all you need to point you in the right direction.

If you're planning to cast a line in American Samoa, especially the National Park of American Samoa, there's one key thing to know: only traditional subsistence fishing is allowed in park waters.

These regulations cover all finfish in both fresh and saltwater, plus all shellfish. Other creatures like amphibians and freshwater molluscs aren't considered "fish" under park rules—they fall under wildlife regulations instead.

For detailed American Samoa fishing regulations, check out the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources fishing regulations page.

Local Fishing Regulations for American Samoa

American Samoa has some unique regulations that reflect local traditions and conservation needs:

Traditional subsistence fishing is welcome in village waters with permission and all National Park waters, except in the Fagasa No-Take Marine Protected Areas in Fagasa Bay. When we say "traditional," we mean rod and reel, net or basket, or pole spear methods only.

Subsistence fishing means you're catching fish to eat—not to sell or market.

You can fish with nets, spears or other traditional weapons in saltwater areas, but only using methods and materials that locals have used for generations. That means nets and traps made from natural products like fibre or wood.

One important rule: no spear fishing while scuba diving!

National Park Fishing Regulations

Here's what you can't do when fishing in the park:

• You can't use live or dead minnows, other bait fish, amphibians, or non-preserved fish eggs as bait in freshwater areas (unless it's specifically designated).
• Chumming is off-limits—that means no placing fish eggs, food scraps, chemicals or other substances in fresh water to attract fish.
• Commercial fishing is prohibited unless specifically authorised by federal law.
• Using drugs, poisons, explosives or electricity to catch fish is strictly forbidden.
• You can't dig for bait except on privately owned land with permission.
• If you catch a fish that doesn't meet size requirements or you don't want to keep, you must return it to the water immediately and carefully. These released fish don't count towards your catch limit.
• Fishing from motor road bridges, within 200 ft (61 m) of public rafts or floats for water sports, or in designated swimming beaches, surfing areas, or boat docks is prohibited (unless in designated fishing areas).
• Don't introduce any wildlife, fish or plants into the ecosystem—this includes dumping bait and bait buckets.
• Using fish, wildlife or plants for ceremonial or religious purposes isn't allowed unless specifically authorised by federal law or treaty rights.

Fish Consumption Advisories

Before you plan your next fish dinner, there are a few things worth knowing about eating your catch.

Fish is definitely part of a healthy diet, but eating wild fish in American Samoa isn't completely risk-free. Even though it feels like protected "islands," they're still affected by the larger world around them.

Chemical contaminants from outside park boundaries can find their way in, and some toxins occur naturally through biological processes. Mercury is a perfect example—it exists naturally in rocks and coal, and when power plants burn coal, mercury can travel long distances through the air before settling on the ground.

Once it's there, microorganisms can change it into methyl mercury, which builds up in animal tissues. Large predatory fish (the ones anglers often target) can accumulate harmful levels of mercury.

We also recommend being cautious with large groupers and other nearshore secondary predators, as they've been associated with Ciguatera poisoning.

For more safety measures to follow, check out American Samoa Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to American Samoa?