Fishing in Mauritius

Fishing in Mauritius

Introduction to Fishing in Mauritius

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is ideally positioned to access the many exciting species of fish that frequent the warm, tropical waters.

Since its early days fishing has had a significant part in every-day life of the local Mauritians. Still today when travelling along the many beaches of Mauritius you are sure to find many fishermen standing inside the lagoons and trying to catch some fish to bring home to their families or to sell at the local markets.

Of course, throughout the years, with the increase in the number of visitors to the Island the game-fishing industry has developed to the point that one can enjoy large variety of exciting fishing trips in Mauritius.

As part of any fishing trip in Mauritius, in addition to the fishing adventure itself, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views of the lagoons and of the many small islets (small islands) surrounding Mauritius – a great adventure for itself. For the non fisherman, it is a great opportunity to enjoy a day of sailing and fun.

Fishing Trips Available in Mauritius:

• Tight lines
• Bonito rides
• Dorado rides
• Catch and release
• Bottom Fishing
• Stand up / Light tackle Fishing
• Jigging
• Big Game 1/2 Day
• Big Game full Day

*In case you are interested in any of these fishing trips and you could not find the trip details on our website, then please Contact Us and we will be happy to provide you with all the information and prices on your desired trip.

Mauritius - A Top Fishing Destination

In addition to having types of fish that are not readily available in other areas, Mauritius also has varieties of fish like Bonito and Dorado that are popular in many other locations, but are much bigger in Mauritius. A Mako shark that weighed in at 1115 pounds is a nice example of Mauritius' abundance of big fish!

Depending on the time of the year it is also possible to catch Blue or Black Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellow fin Tuna, Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, Bonito, Dolphin fish, Sharks and many more.

If fishing for tuna could appeal to you, you might be interested in knowing that Mauritius has claimed Yellow Tail tuna and white tuna of well over two hundred pounds each!

For any fan of fishing, deep-sea fishing is a spectacular experience in Mauritius any time of the year making it one of the most ideal places for deep-sea fishing in the world.

Deep-sea fishing is one of the most exciting adventures you can possibly have, so it is absolutely essential that you schedule some time for it when you are planning your Mauritius vacation.

Deep sea / Big game Fishing in Mauritius:

Mauritius is very famous for deep sea fishing which has been practiced by the locals for many years.

Big game fishing is a form of leisure fishing, targeting large fish renowned for their sporting qualities, such as tuna and marlin.

All the Big-game fishing requires a boat of sufficient size and power to transport the crew to the fishing grounds and back. The prices for deep sea fishing can vary a lot depending of the boat categories.

In most cases the Big game fishing trips are offered on exclusive-private bases only, when a small-medium size group can enjoy a great adventurous day of fishing in the open sea traveling in their own private boat.

As part of any Big-game fishing trip you benefit personal guidance from the qualified boat’s staff who can teach you all about fishing, show you selection of fishing techniques and make sure you have a fishing trip according to your fishing level and preferences.

When choosing to go for a Big game fishing trip you can choose between half day and full day fishing trips. Usually as part of the full day fishing trips you get to visit some of the small islets which are found short distance from Mauritius mainland. For example as part of most of the full day Big game fishing trip departing at the North of Mauritius you get to visit one of the Northern Islets – Coin de Mire / Gabriel / Flat.

Mauritius Attractions Fishing Trips:

Big game Fishing Trips (some of the trips are offered now for a promotion price):

Additional Fishing Trips:

• Tight lines fishing trip in the east coast of Mauritius
• Bonito Rides Fishing Trip

Fishing Equipment:

All boats are fully equipped with Penn International reels (30, 50, 80, and 130 lbs line test), Fenwick rods, Lures and Konas, Gaffs, life jackets, VHF ship-to-shore radios, G.P.S navigation system, radio telephone, safety equipments, basic First Aid boxes, fire extinguishers, fresh water showers and toilets, sun deck with canopy & gallery.

All fishing gear and tackle is supplied on board, and is included in the daily charter rate of any fishing trip.

Anglers will find that they will be adequately equipped with all the usual necessary tackle, gear and equipment when game fishing.

Fishing locations in Mauritius:

• North Coast: Grand Baie / Grand Gaube
• South West Coast: Black River
• South Coast: Le Morne
• South East Coast: Grand River / Mahebourg
• East Coast: Trou d'eau douce

Mauritius Fishing Banks:

For the most adventurous fishing fans, a few days fishing trip to one of Mauritius Fishing Banks is a true must.

When heading to any of these fishing banks you are sure to not only have amazing catches but also to enjoy a once in a life time fishing expedition to unique virgin locations which are rarely visited by any visitor of Mauritius.

Mauritius Attractions offers you a unique and Incredible 3 day fishing trip to the Sudan Fishing Bank – Contact us for more details about this special fishing trip. Four submerged fishing banks are found in a relativity short distance (8-15 hours cruise) from Mauritius mainland and these are:

Sudan Banks (including East Sudan Bank) – a group of underwater high points and reefs off the coast of Africa, known for their good fishing and administered by Mauritius.

Nazareth Bank - is a large undersea bank in the Indian Ocean and a small and remote dependency of Mauritius.

Saya de Malha Bank - is the largest submerged bank in the World, and the island of Mauritius, and falls into the Mauritian exclusive economic zone.

Hawkins Bank - is a large, submerged bank off the Mascarene Plateau. It is considered a dependency of Mauritius. The bank is abundant with fish and Mauritian vessels often fish in the waters in and around the bank.

What is a fishing bank? fishing bank, is an area which is shallow compared to its surrounding area, such as a shoal or the top of an underwater hill. Somewhat like continental slopes, ocean banks slopes can upwell as tidal and other flows intercept them, resulting sometimes in nutrient rich currents which attracts abundant of fish.

Fishing Types found in Mauritius:

• Bonito – a very popular fish in Mauritius that weights between 4 – 18 kg (40 lbs)
• Dorado – one of the most popular game fish in the Indian ocean, weights 10 – 70 lbs
• Colbalt Blue Marlin – In Mauritius, Blue Marlin is known to reach very big sizes up to 1500 lbs! The best months to fish is November to April
• Yellowfin Tuna – A very powerful fighting fish that weights between 30 – 225 lbs. Best months for fishing Yellowfin Tuna are March and April
• Sailfish - Known to be one of the fastest fish in the sea, reaching a speeds of 60 mph + and weights between 30- 140 lbs
• Spearfish – known as an aggressive fish that weights between 20 – 160 lbs and can be found in Mauritius during the entire year
• Tiger Shark – Mauritius record for tiger fish is 1218 lbs. The Tiger Shark is found in Mauritius the whole year
• Hammerhead Shark - Mauritius record for hammerhead shark is 693 lbs. Can be found during the entire year, best months for fishing are August and September
• Mako Shark – Mauritius caught the current world record at 1115 lbs. Can be found in Mauritius during the whole of the year
• Dog Tooth Tuna – Found close to the reefs, its weight is 20 – 230 lbs and found all over the year
• Skipjack Tuna – one of the strongest fighting fish. Found in Mauritius all throughout the year. It weights 5 – 45 lbs
• Wahoo - The Wahoo is an aggressive fast predator reaching up to a speed of 50 mph. Its sharp teeth works like scissors. Wahoo is caught all over the year and weight 10 – 120 lbs