Papuan Bass Adventure
Papua New Guinea
This adventure takes you to West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, where wild rivers hold Papuan Black Bass and Spottail Bass. Known as some of the hardest-fighting fish on the planet, these giants can top 50 pounds and deliver the ultimate test for serious anglers.
Accommodations
Beach Lodge
Season
April – August
Species
Papuan Black Bass, Spottail Bass, Mangrove Jack
Style
Spinning, Trolling & Fly-fishing
THE MOST POWERFUL SPORTFISH ON THE PLANET
Highlights:
- World-Class Black Bass Fishery: Experience what many consider the best Black Bass destination on the planet. These waters give you a real shot at a PNG Grand Slam—landing Papuan Black Bass, Spottail Bass, and Mangrove Jack in a single trip. Each species is renowned for explosive power and unmatched fighting spirit.
- Five Untamed River Systems: Baia is surrounded by five productive rivers, each offering unique fishing opportunities. With so much water to explore, you’ll always have access to prime conditions and the chance to connect with trophy fish.
- Beachfront Lodging in Stunning Scenery: Unwind in rustic yet comfortable beachfront accommodation, where the Pacific Ocean stretches out in front of you and the towering peak of Mount Alawun rises behind. It’s an unforgettable backdrop that pairs wild fishing with breathtaking natural beauty.
8 DAY PACKAGE
US$5,200 per angler
- Airport arrival & departure transfers.
- All meals and snacks – 3 chef prepared meals each day.
- Non-alcoholic beverages (water and soft drinks).
- Five days guided river fishing for PNG Bass & Snapper.
- Seven nights beach front lodging.
For nearly two decades, Baia has built deep ties with local landowners and villagers, ensuring that fishing here not only delivers world-class angling but also supports sustainable tourism. This partnership has turned Baia into a legendary destination, showcased on international programs like Monster Fish, River Monsters, Extreme Fishing with Robson Green, and Escape with ET.
The surrounding waters are as diverse as they are untouched. In the estuaries, anglers can battle Papuan Black Bass, Spottail Bass, and Mangrove Jack, while offshore the action heats up with Marlin, Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Ruby Snapper, and massive Groupers. Purpose-built 7.6m center console boats, operated by experienced guides, take 2–3 anglers comfortably from river to reef. Top-quality tackle is provided, and a wide selection of lures is always on hand for those ready to test their luck against PNG’s most powerful fish.
Lodging:
Opened in 2004, Baia Sportfishing Lodge has been the pioneer of Black Bass fishing in Papua New Guinea. The lodge is situated on the beach front of an open bay beside the beautiful Baia village. Built with all modern amenities and fully staffed to make your stay comfortable. The lodge comfortably accommodates 12 guests with 240v electricity and running water in double rooms, overlooking the ocean.
Food & Drinks:
Three chef-prepared meals are provided for guests every day. Meals consists of delicious Western, Local & Chinese cuisine.
Non-alcoholic beverages are included, as well as snacks on board and dinner upon arrival in Papua New Guinea.
Other Activities:
- Snorkelling on some of the most pristine and untouched coral reefs in the world.
- Spearfishing blue water for Dogtooth Tuna, Mackerel and other pelagic species.
- Scenic tours, views of the volcano and cultural experiences with the locals.
Baia Lodge is situated on the border of East & West New Britain beside the Baia village approximately 4.5 hours from the main town of Kimbe in Papua New Guinea.
How to get there:
Kimbe (Hoskins Airport) is only a day travel from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Hong Kong or Singapore. The majority of flights are via Jacksons International Aiport in Port Moresby and daily flights from Southeast Asia, Australia and the South Pacific are available.
Documents Required:
Valid passports are required. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and other Western European nations are eligible for a tourist visa on arrival.
Travel Arrangements:
We take care of all flights, transfers and hotels to and from the lodge and will be included in the final quote.
Guests have the option of booking their own flights as well.
Sample Itinerary
Trip Duration: 8 Days
5 Nights at Baia Lodge & 2 Nights at Liamo Reef Resort
Day 1:
Arrive at Port Moresby International Airport (POM) and catch a 1-hour domestic flight to Kimbe, Hoskins Airport (HKN).
Arrive at Hoskins Airport where our transfer bus will be waiting your arrival. The bus will take you to Liamo Reef Resort where you will stay for the night. Enjoy a group dinner and chat about plan for next morning.
Day 2:
Morning departure from Liamo to Baia Lodge via boat.
Arrive at the lodge around lunch time, check-in at get comfortable at the lodge.
Afternoon fishing in the nearby river systems.
Day 3-6:
Four full-days guided fishing on the river systems and/or coral reefs & blue water.
Day 7:
Depart Baia Lodge: Option to do river fishing in the morning or blue water fishing on the way back to Kimbe.
Stay at Liamo Reef Resort for the night.
Day 8:
Morning flight departing Kimbe to Port Moresby, before departing PNG.
Double Occupancy Rates:
8 day expedition: 3 Anglers Per Boat – $5,200USD per angler
What’s Included:
- Airport arrival transfers to and from Liamo Reef Resort.
- All meals and snacks – 3 chef prepared meals each day.
- Non-alcoholic beverages (water and soft drinks).
- Welcome dinner at Liamo on night of arrival.
- 5 days guided fishing on 7.6m center console tenders.
- 2 nights at Liamo Reef Resort.
- 5 nights at Baia Lodge.
- Land + sea transport.
- Fishing rods & reels.
- Experienced local fishing guides.
What’s Not Included:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- International and domestic airfares.
- Fishing lures (Available for sale).
- Tips for guides and staff.
- Trip insurance.
GALLERY
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are Papuan Black Bass considered one of the toughest sport fish in the world?
Papuan Black Bass are legendary for their sheer power and aggressive strikes. Found in PNG’s river systems, these fish often smash lures close to heavy structure and immediately head back into cover, making them incredibly difficult to land. Their ability to reach over 50 pounds, combined with their explosive runs, has earned them a reputation as one of the hardest-fighting freshwater species anywhere.
How does fishing for Spottail Bass compare to targeting Papuan Black Bass?
While lesser known, Spottail Bass are just as fierce as black bass. Known for blistering runs and a never-give-up attitude, Spottails often strike in the same estuarine systems. Ticking both species off your bucket list in a single trip is the ultimate challenge.
What is a PNG Grand Slam and how do you achieve it?
The PNG Grand Slam refers to catching all three of the country’s hardest-hitting estuary species in one trip: Papuan Black Bass, Spottail Bass, and Mangrove Jack. Achieving it requires fishing across multiple river systems, adapting to different habitats, and often pushing both angler and tackle to the limit.
When is the best time to fish for Papuan Black Bass and Spottail Bass in Papua New Guinea?
The prime fishing season runs from April to August when river levels are optimal, water clarity is better, and conditions are most favorable. These months provide the best chance to connect with trophy-size bass while also offering good offshore options for species like Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, and Marlin.
How safe is it to travel to Papua New Guinea for a fishing trip?
Papua New Guinea does have areas with security concerns, particularly in cities such as Port Moresby, but most fishing operations are located in remote coastal villages where tourism is community-based and secure.