Mauritius United Properties

www.newsnow.mu

It was this big...

Mauritius is the place to be for BIG FISH

I?m sure quite a few people reading this feature will already know that Mauritius is a paradise, not just for everyone as in beach, sea, palm trees, etc., but for fishing, especially of the deep- sea variety.

I have to confess, though, I have absolutely no interest in fishing of any kind so I?m not sure how many English- speaking, computer- literate fishermen ( or anglers as we British prefer to call them) there are on the island.

But if you love the sport and you?re looking to catch a really big fish then Mauritius is the place to be. Our island is surrounded by waters that are home to Big Fish like the Striped Marlin, Mako Shark, Yellow Fin Tuna, Black Marlin, Pacific Blue Marlin, Tiger Shark, Wahoo ( reputed to be the fastest running fish in the sea), Dorado, Hammerhead Shark and the Skipjack Tuna.

Other challenges for deepsea anglers include the magnificent Sailfish which flies through the air when hooked in a spectacular display of anger.

If you?re the competitive type, the island is home to some big deep sea fishing competitions, including the Marlin World Cup ( www.marlinworldcup.com) organised by White Sands Tours and held every February in the deep waters off the south- western coast near Le Morne.

A couple of miles out to sea from here is one of the world?s best deep sea fishing spots where the waters attract shoals of small fish pursued by the aforementioned large predators.

It?s also a great place to try for a world record and Mauritius currently holds several International Game Fish Association ( IGFA) world records including a 1,115lbs Mako Shark, a 400lbs Blue Shark, a 224lbs White Tuna and a 125lbs Becune.

The island also holds the Game Fish Union of Africa ( GFUA) record for a Yellow Tuna of 212lbs.

And it?s a wonderful place to catch large Marlin hence the Marlin World Cup which has been running since 1982.

Recent Blue Marlin catches include one of 1,430lbs and one of 1,355lbs.

Deep sea fishing is available all year round though the best opportunities fall between October and April. Most of the big hotels run their own boats and there are several Mauritian boat clubs, in case this feature makes you think about taking up the sport.

Prices can range from around Rs10,000 for a half- day trip ( six hours) right up to Rs31,000 for a full day ( nine hours) depending on the size of the boat you choose.

Most boats will hold three to six anglers and cheaper deals can be arranged with some local fishing boats. With a little haggling you may get up to 50% off these prices with local operators but be careful who you deal with and make sure you know exactly what you?re getting for your money.

All boats should be well- equipped with shipto- shore radio and good trolling equipment for live bait and artificial lures. Most boats will provide top class rods and reels though if you?re an expert you may want to bring your own equipment.

They should also supply beverages, soft drinks and beer, though you will usually have to bring your own food. And, whether you catch a Big Fish or not, it?s still a great day ( or half- day) out sailing through the spectacularly blue Indian Ocean waters chasing Sharks, Marlin, Tuna, Sailfish and the rest.

If you?ve never done this before and need a little guidance in choosing an operator here?s some suggestions. JP Henry Charters Ltd have been operating their deep- sea fishing fleet of five boats from Black River on the west coast of Mauritius since 1975.

Run by Jean Pierre Henry and his son Pascal, the company can provide big game fishing, light tackle fishing or jigging, a new fishing concept that consists of dropping a 200gm- 300gm spoon down to depths of from 150ft- 600ft and then reeling the spoon up with a jerking motion, hopefully attracting bottom fish like tuna, snapper and grouper to take your bait.

With all- year- round perfect weather JP Henry are the experts in helping you chase marlin, sharks, tuna and many other exciting fish. Their website is www.blackriver-mauritius.com.

Sportfisher Charters ( www.sportfisher.com) have been going for 20 years and are located in Grand Bay, and also operate a fleet of five boats. Other large fleets operate out of the Corsaire Club in Trou- aux- Biches, Centre de Peche in Black River, Le Morne Anglers Club at Le Morne, La Pirogue Big Game Fishing Club at Flic en Flac, the Beachcomber Fishing Club at Le Morne and Domaine du Chasseur at Vieux Grand Port.

If you?re looking to buy equipment then go to Rods & Reels Distributors at La Preneuse or the Quay Stores at 3 John Kennedy Street in Port Louis. Happy Fishing!

It s a wonderful place to catch large Marlin hence the Marlin World Cup which has been running since 1982. Recent Blue Marlin catches include one of 1,430lbs and one of 1,355lbs

Most boats will hold three to six anglers and cheaper deals can be arranged with some local fishing boats. With a little haggling you may get up to 50% off these prices with local operators but be careful who you deal with and make sure you know exactly what you K re getting for your money

TONY SMART