Mauritius

**PanamaJack** · 23-03-2006, 15:51

I wondered whether anyone had been to Mauritius recently?

Just had a report back from one on our German Club members who was complaining about long lining activity in the area. On one day there were ELEVEN commercial boats working in the area they were fishing. Needless to say they had a pretty poor trip a few small Marlin - the best would have struggled to make 200lbs - and a 95lb Yellowfin.

Would certainly appreciate any feedback.
Dave

**sumo** · 03-04-2006, 11:53

I was in Mauritius over christmas, can't say i saw any commercial activity (but I only went out once in the 4 weeks i was out there!) I go to mauritius every couple of years (my dad's mauritian) and over the last decade the general size of marlin seems have dropped dramatically. Its only recently that many of the sportsfishing operators have started catch and release. I did do a lot of fishing for giant trevally though and these fish are thriving around the coast! really good fun using large surface poppers and there's some big ones too. Lost about 5 fish in the 40-50kg bracket in one session!

**PanamaJack** · 03-04-2006, 12:48

Hi Sumo
I believe the long liners were working to the North West of the island. But I also had another report, from a Club member, just last week, of nothing. He did though say that, the week before they were there the fleet had had 26.

You're absolutely right to identify that the 'Catch & Release' philosophy has taken 'a long time coming' to some of the skippers. I'm aware of all the arguments about the fish being eaten and it supplementing the crews' income. But, from the operators' perspective, it's very short sighted.

Sure tourists are always happy to, and want to pose alongside a big fish. However killing Marlin indiscriminately has a real effect on genuine game anglers and acts as a deterrent. I know that German member I mentioned has had some great fish over the years fishing Mauritius, including one 'grander' Marlin. But he's certainly re-thinking plans for next year.

I was fascinated to hear about you targeting the Giant Trevallies though - great fish on casting and spin gear, and great surface strikes. Were you fishing from a boat? It's just that I'm aware there's a guide, on the south of the island, who targets them from the shore.
Dave

**sumo** · 03-04-2006, 16:02

Sounds like your talking about dominque thevneau, he was the guy we went out with when hooked several of the big trevallys. On the afternoon we fished with him he took us out in a boat to various "breaks" in the reef where there was enough depth for the fish to ambush the lures from below. I do believe there are points on the reef where he will take more experienced anglers (after all this isn't everyday angling!!) where its possible to stand on the reef and cast. He's a superb guide and i'd recommend him to anybody (although if your not in the best shape like myself you should spend some time in the gym beforehand!). It took a while to get used to casting big lures with a big beach caster from a boat i can tell you!
I'll see if i can post a photo to show you the sort of tackle we were using. I also fished for the gt's at the north of the island where my parents house is but this was further offshore with livebaits. There seem to be more flying fish up north and now and then you'd see big gt's come up and take them mid-flight!

**PanamaJack** · 03-04-2006, 16:21

Hi Sumo
That's the guide I've similarly heard good things about. Thanks for your recommendation.

For anyone else wanting to give that style of fishing a try this is Dominique's web site - http://www.fishingandhuntingsafaris.com/. And for anyone who's not really certain of what a Giant Trevally looks like here's one from the neighbouring island of Rodriques. It's the second image, the first is a Dog tooth Tuna. The url's - http://www.caranx.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=2302.
Dave

**sumo** · 05-04-2006, 16:43

I've attached a photo of the gear dom uses, might have to zoom in a bit as i had to reduce the size of the photo.

**PanamaJack** · 05-04-2006, 16:53

Many Thanks. Those GTs REALLY do PULL! Do have any images of the type of poppers you were using? Or perhaps can you remember their manufacturer?

**sumo** · 05-04-2006, 17:15

I don't have any images of the poppers we used, they were certainly the same size as the one in this picture though. White ones bought all the succes on the afternoon too.I vaguely remember seeing some yo-zuri's in dom's tackle box though, i can't remember seeing plug type lures of this size before.

**PanamaJack** · 05-04-2006, 18:24

Hi Sumo
I'm fairly certain it's a Yo-Zuri 'Surface Bull GT'. If it is they weigh 3 1/2oz and create loads of surface disturbance.
Dave

**nypy** · 18-12-2006, 23:14

I am plannig a trip to mauritius next february or mars, does anyone have good tips ? or contacts?
I'll like try big game fishing few days there (first time) exept norway, planning to be there 2 weeks , from 28.2 or 7.3