Ultimate Guide to Deep Sea Fishing in Mauritius: Season, Species, Tour Prices and More (2024)

Mauritius island is a very popular destination among different groups of tourists: honeymooners choose it because there are plenty of romantic spots and things to do for couples, families with children prefer it because of the infrastructure and safe ocean to swim in.

Kitesurfers, divers also come to the island to enjoy extreme sports. And, let’s not forget about the fans of fishing. There are many fishing spots in Mauritius, we’ve already talked about in our article. Now it’s time to talk about the fishing season in Mauritius and fish species that can be targeted. 

Check this ultimate guide to deep sea fishing in Mauritius island; get more details about season, fish species and tour prices.

Fishing season in Mauritius 

Mauritius is a great destination for fishing all year round, this sea activity is one of the most popular on the island, however, different seasons can offer different types of fishing experiences and opportunities. Here are a few things to consider when planning your fishing trip to Mauritius:

• The summer months (December to April) are the best time to catch a wide variety of fish species, including marlin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, and barracuda. This is also the best time to try your hand at deep sea fishing.
• The winter months (May to November) are considered the “off-season” for deep sea fishing, as many of the larger game fish move away from the island during this time. However, this is still a great time to catch smaller species such as bonito, king mackerel, and yellowfin tuna, as well as some of the island’s resident species like grouper, snapper, and jobfish.
• October and November are the best months to catch Tuna fish
• April and May are considered the best months for Marlin fishing

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and actual fishing conditions can vary from year to year depending on factors such as water temperature, weather patterns, and the migratory patterns of the fish. Also, be aware of booking a charter for fishing several days after the full moon. During this period fish will probably ignore you and eat only your bait. 

Additionally, the best time for fishing can also depend on the specific type of fishing you want to do. For example, if you’re interested in fly fishing for bonefish or tarpon, the best time to visit would be during the winter months when these species are more active in the shallower waters around the island.

It’s always a good idea to check the local weather and sea conditions before heading out, and consult with local fishing experts to get the most up-to-date information on where and when to catch the fish species you’re interested in.

What fish species can you catch in Mauritius? 

Barracuda 

Barracuda is a popular species to catch in Mauritius and can be found throughout the year, but the best time to target it specifically is generally considered to be during the summer months, from December to April.

During this time, the water is warmer and barracudas move closer to the shore to feed. This makes them more accessible to anglers, as they can be caught using a variety of techniques, including trolling, jigging, and casting. Barracudas can be found in a variety of habitats including open waters, lagoons and reef drop-offs.

Barracudas are an aggressive species and are known to attack lure, baitfish and even topwater flies. They are generally considered a hard-fighting fish and put up a good fight when hooked. In Mauritius, Barracudas can grow quite big with some even reaching up to 2 meters.

Blue Marlin

The goal for many fishermen is to catch Blue Marlin at least once in their lifetime. For many of them, this will remain only a dream. Blue Marlin is super fast and hard to catch and even more difficult to pull out from the water.

Even though it’s said that you can try your luck with this fish all year round, it’s still better to plan your trip during the high fishing season in Mauritius (from November till April). The approximate size of Blue Marlin you can catch is about 400 kg, so you have to be strong and smart to compete with this fish.

Tuna

This fish species is the one that requires to be ready to struggle for a rather long time. There are three tuna species that are typical for Mauritius. Each of them has a different fishing season, for example, if you’re looking for Dogtooth Tuna – come to Mauritius in the period from November till March. 

And if your target is Yellowfin Tuna – plan your trip from March till May, the chances to catch something during this time are pretty high. If your goal is Skipjack tuna its better to travel to the north of the island – to Grand Baie. The most interesting part in catching tuna is that you don’t know exactly how long your battle will last. Sometimes it can be the matter of hours. 

Trevally 

Another fish giant you can meet in Mauritius is Trevally. During a fishing season in Mauritius you will not surprise anyone with the fish weighing about 50 kg. Experienced anglers will tell that you can easily catch one right from the shore. For sure, it will be the small one.

As winter comes, the trevally fishing season starts. Actually, you can find trevally almost everywhere around Mauritius island, but the pros recommend booking a charter to Soudan banks, where you can meet not only Giant Trevally.

Mahi Mahi 

Fishing season in Mauritius for Mahi Mahi is from April till December. It has a completely different appearance compared to other fish species. Be ready to apply all your skills as well as strength to pull it out. This fish is the most common for the waters of Black River. Another advantage of Mahi Mahi is that you don’t need to go very far to catch it.  

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