01 · Baia
New Britain
Papua Black Bass & Spottail Basslegendary!
Oceania · Fishing World Guide
Papua New Guinea.
Fishing in Papua New Guinea 2026 — Licenses, Regulations & Best Spots
9
target species
Yes
license needed
Year-round
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Sport fishing permit: From 50-100 PGK (~15-30 USD). Included in lodge price.
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Via fishing travel operators and lodges. Permits organized by local authorities.
- Cost
- Sport fishing permit: From 50-100 PGK (~15-30 USD). Included in lodge price.
- Validity
- For the duration of the stay
- Available online?
- No
Papua New Guinea is the last great adventure! Freshwater: Largemouth bass (introduced) and Papua Black Bass (endemic!). Saltwater: GT, tuna and pristine reefs. Everything through specialized lodges.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
Year-round! Black Bass: May-November optimal. GT: Year-round. Dry season: May-October.
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Milne Bay / Trobriand Islands
GTDogtooth TunaWari Long Reef
03 ·
Kimbe Bay
GTDogtooth TunaReefvolcanic islands
04 ·
Bougainville
untouchedGTBlack Bass – check security situation!
05 ·
Sepik River
BarramundiJungle
06 ·
Misima Island / Long Reef
GT PoppingDogtooth Jigging
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
Humphead Wrasse
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No formal closed seasons. Tribal territories may have their own rules.
Catch limits
Catch limits
No strict limits. Catch-and-release encouraged by lodges.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Dynamite prohibited. Respect local tribal rights.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Standard for Papua Black Bass and GT. Strictly enforced by lodges.
What does it cost?
15-30 USD
License
15-30 USD (included in lodge price)
500-1,000 USD
Guide per day
Lodge all-inclusive: 500-1,000 USD/day. Only package tours make sense.
500-1,200 USD
Daily budget
Only as a package tour: 500-1,200 USD/day (everything included).
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Papua New Guinea-6.31°, 143.96°
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Via fishing travel operators and lodges. Permits organized by local authorities. — Papua New Guinea is the last great adventure! Freshwater: Largemouth bass (introduced) and Papua Black Bass (endemic!). Saltwater: GT, tuna and pristine reefs. Everything through specialized lodges.
Rules in detail
Papua Black Bass (Lutjanus goldiei) is an endemic freshwater fish that ONLY occurs here! An absolute bucket-list experience.
Freshwater
Jungle rivers with Papua Black Bass and Barramundi. Completely pristine and adventurous!
Saltwater
Coral reefs, drop-offs and open Pacific. World-class GT and Dogtooth Tuna.
Equipment
Lodges provide everything. Own robust equipment recommended. NOTHING available on site!
Guides
Black Bass Lodge: 500-1,000 USD/day (all-inclusive). Everything only bookable via lodge.
Getting there
Flight to Port Moresby. Small aircraft to the lodges. Boat transfers. Hardly any roads!
Safety
Adventurous! Malaria everywhere. Minimal medical care. Travel insurance and evacuation plan.
Customs & fish export
Fishing equipment allowed. Visa on arrival for many nationalities.
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 7, 2026
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