Manuae atoll is not for the faint-hearted. This uninhabited island is genuine No Slack Loops territory. It’s illegal to land here without securing a permit and having a guide. We are working with the landowners representatives on conservation initiatives and to bring a few lucky anglers here within our remit to build sustainable angling eco-tourism in the Cook Islands.
THE ATOLL
Steeped in history, this duo of remote islands in the Cook Islands group has seen off longterm habitation – even an ill-fated attempt to build a casino here – and is now being preserved as a conservation estate. Onsite security protects the atoll from poachers seeking to pillage its rare giant clams or to plunder the local fishery.
The facilities are primitive — a simple well of cool water, a clearing with an old hut, a tennis court surface, and a long-abandoned airstrip constructed back in 1981 – decaying remnants of prior occupation.
Entry from the vast blue water that brings us to Manuae is via a difficult tidal channel that once claimed the grader used to build the runway. We utilize a second smaller boat for access to shore and to cross the channel between the two motus. Only once we have safely transferred our fishing gear and essential camping and food supplies, can we can relax and take a closer look at the fishery.
EXCEPTIONAL FISHING
You might see the world’s largest gathering of giant trevally here. They school up in their hundreds outside the reef and enter the main channel by the dozen. This is why we are here. You’ll fish for bonefish from a modest 4-5lb up to well over 10lb. Perhaps fewer than on neighboring Aitutaki, but definitely bigger. The fishing is what you would expect at an atoll that is very, very difficult to access. Which is why No Slack Loops is here.
MANUAE ISLAND LOGISTICS
Talk to us about travel options to Rarotonga and onto Manuae Island. Hawaiian Airlines runs a commercial route from Honolulu to Rarotonga and we typically meet you at Rarotonga and accompany you to the atoll.
Trips are for up to a week, but it’s best to mix up the intensity of primal Manuae with a few relaxed guided days on air-conditioned Aitutaki over your six day fishing week.Aitutaki sports some excellent restaurants and high quality accommodation options whereas on Manuae, we erect large tents complete with stretchers, carry on all our basic provisions and catered meals, along with rechargeable portable fans to keep cool. We manage basic cooking centered on local seafood. We have a very good caterer on Aitutaki and we bring plenty of water and other beverages to avoid dehydration.
Exploring Manuae is a pioneering fly fishing expedition. If you are not fully fit and healthy, we recommend a day or overnight trip only, and to focus on the excellent Aitutaki fishery. But if you’re keen and eager, Manuae will deliver a highly memorable fishing experience over 4-5 days. Please talk to us about options, dates and availability.
Manuae atoll is not for the faint-hearted. This uninhabited island is genuine No Slack Loops territory. It’s illegal to land here without securing a permit and having a guide. We are working with the landowners representatives on conservation initiatives and to bring a few lucky anglers here within our remit to build sustainable angling eco-tourism in the Cook Islands.
THE ATOLL
Steeped in history, this duo of remote islands in the Cook Islands group has seen off longterm habitation – even an ill-fated attempt to build a casino here – and is now being preserved as a conservation estate. Onsite security protects the atoll from poachers seeking to pillage its rare giant clams or to plunder the local fishery.
The facilities are primitive — a simple well of cool water, a clearing with an old hut, a tennis court surface, and a long-abandoned airstrip constructed back in 1981 – decaying remnants of prior occupation.
Entry from the vast blue water that brings us to Manuae is via a difficult tidal channel that once claimed the grader used to build the runway. We utilize a second smaller boat for access to shore and to cross the channel between the two motus. Only once we have safely transferred our fishing gear and essential camping and food supplies, can we can relax and take a closer look at the fishery.
EXCEPTIONAL FISHING
You might see the world’s largest gathering of giant trevally here. They school up in their hundreds outside the reef and enter the main channel by the dozen. This is why we are here. You’ll fish for bonefish from a modest 4-5lb up to well over 10lb. Perhaps fewer than on neighboring Aitutaki, but definitely bigger. The fishing is what you would expect at an atoll that is very, very difficult to access. Which is why No Slack Loops is here.
MANUAE ISLAND LOGISTICS
Talk to us about travel options to Rarotonga and onto Manuae Island. Hawaiian Airlines runs a commercial route from Honolulu to Rarotonga and we typically meet you at Rarotonga and accompany you to the atoll.
Trips are for up to a week, but it’s best to mix up the intensity of primal Manuae with a few relaxed guided days on air-conditioned Aitutaki over your six day fishing week.Aitutaki sports some excellent restaurants and high quality accommodation options whereas on Manuae, we erect large tents complete with stretchers, carry on all our basic provisions and catered meals, along with rechargeable portable fans to keep cool. We manage basic cooking centered on local seafood. We have a very good caterer on Aitutaki and we bring plenty of water and other beverages to avoid dehydration.
Exploring Manuae is a pioneering fly fishing expedition. If you are not fully fit and healthy, we recommend a day or overnight trip only, and to focus on the excellent Aitutaki fishery. But if you’re keen and eager, Manuae will deliver a highly memorable fishing experience over 4-5 days. Please talk to us about options, dates and availability.
