How to experience deep sea fishing in Mauritius
This opalescent Island off Africa’s South-eastern coast opens up a treasure trove for visitors, who can stroll through storybook villages, explore awe-inspiring coral reefs and hike through the mysterious emerald trails. Another enticing activity that marks Mauritius as a prime holiday destination is deep-sea fishing; the island holds a top place for the heaviest and greatest variety of game fish in the world. Read on for some useful tips on how to best enjoy the exclusive Mauritius deep-sea fishing expedition.
Why deep sea fishing?
Foremost among the numerous incredible things to do in Mauritius, fishing on the exquisitely expansive coast is an adrenaline-inducing adventure that will constantly keep you on your toes. The high-powered, nutrition-dense waters are a haven to diverse species of fish, from a Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoos and Mahi Mahi fish to the magnificent Marlin, Swordfish, and Mako sharks. The best part is, you have a whole team of expert staff rooting for you, as you sail across the jewel-blue waters and into a painted sky. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never fished before, you’ll be sure to come back with some impressive techniques up your sleeve! Some fishing tours also include a session of snorkelling, visiting iconic spots such as the Crystal Rock, and devouring a delicious luncheon in the middle of the ocean.
When to go?
The summer months in Mauritius last from October to April and are the best period to reel in the big game like Dorado and Hammerhead sharks, however, if it’s on your bucket list to grapple successfully with a feisty Blue Marlin of Spearfish the best season would be between December and March. During a summer fishing expedition, it’s better to rise with the sun and cruise deep into the ocean for the best catch, as the warm temperatures nudge the fisher deeper out to sea. It is truly a breathtaking experience to watch the tropical sunrise from right in the middle of the ocean. If you’re lodging at one of the stunning seaside resorts, such as The Residence Mauritius, that facilitates your favourite water-based activities, it’s all the better for an easy-breezy, unforgettable experience!
Types of Deep Sea Fishing
Sailing around the idyllic islands of Mauritius is a blissful experience in itself, with the added bonus of gorgeous fish species that even an amateur can easily catch. Your deep-sea fishing experience can be catered according to your preference with the range of fishing trips available, such as catch and release fishing, light tackle fishing, and bottom fishing. You can choose between big game fishing and small game fishing; even the “small” fish along the Mauritius coast, such as Dorado and Wahoo, are of a mammoth size so don’t be deceived. The big game fishing trips are often shared by a good-sized group of people and you are likely to learn expert fishing techniques that include trolling with skip bates or live baits and chumming. Therefore, shouldn’t be too surprised if you end up catching 200lbs Yellowfin or even a massive Dog Tooth Tuna on the Grand Bay!
Tips for a Great Experience
• Pick a suitable Deep Sea Fishing company
All the boats in the business are fully equipped with state-of-the-art fishing and safety equipment such as Fenwick rods, tackle, G.P.S navigation systems, and first-aid kits. There also are rooms in which to freshen up and spacious sun decks where you can lounge to your heart’s content. Before chartering a boat it’s important to take into account the size and amenities on offer such as flying chairs and snorkelling equipment, also make certain of the age limit allowed if you want to take your kids along. The choice of company to charter is also relevant to what happens to your catches; in most cases, you can release it after the moment of triumph, cede it to the helpful crew, or take it back to your accommodation for a delicious seafood meal.
• Share your Adventure
Prices depend on the size of the boat and the duration of the fishing excursion; half-day trips are typically over 300 Euros and around 850 Euros for a full day’s worth of deep-sea bliss. The cost will be less if you can bring along fishing buddies, so you can talk to the chartering companies about sharing a boat with other tourists.
• Come prepared
Remember to bring along sun protection, a change of clothing and swimwear if you’re planning on going snorkelling during the course of the trip. It’s also better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re prone to seasickness despite the silky smooth water of the Mauritius Bay, don’t forget to take a motion sickness pill.
