A fishing trip from Trou-aux-Biches starts early, usually around 6 in the morning, on a boat for a handful of guests that runs out past the reef to deep water within a short ride. Expect trolling for mahi mahi, tuna and, in the right season, marlin, a half day back around midday or a full day out, rods and licence supplied by the boat, and a catch rule that differs from boat to boat. Ask about that rule before you book, not on the dock.
The short answer
Trou-aux-Biches is one of the busiest charter bases on the island, and a trip there is simple to plan. Seven fishing boats in Trou-aux-Biches take bookings on Reelzy as of October 2026, all small crews with their own boat, most of them sportfishing boats between 26 and 40 feet. You choose between a morning trip and a full day, the crew handles gear, bait and the fishing licence, and the skipper decides where to go on the morning based on wind, current and what has been biting.
The village sits on the north-west coast, about ten minutes from Grand Baie, on the side of the island that is in the lee of the south-east trade winds. That matters on a boat: when the east and south coasts are rough, the water off the north-west is often the calmer place to fish, which is why so many charters are based here.
How the day runs
Most trips follow the same rhythm.
- Pickup or meeting point. Several Trou-aux-Biches boats include pickup and drop-off from your hotel, among them Fishing on Ivan, Pyramide and the Big game fishing boat. Others meet you on the beach or at the boat. The exact spot is confirmed once the booking is accepted.
- Early start. Baywatch states it plainly: start at 6 a.m., back around 12 p.m. Morning is when the sea is usually flattest and the fish most active, so expect to be on the water at first light.
- The run out. The reef is close to shore here and the bottom falls away quickly beyond it, so you are not spending half the trip getting to deep water.
- Trolling first. Most trips start by dragging lures or bait behind the boat to find fish moving near the surface. You sit in the cockpit, the crew watches the rods, and when a reel screams you take the rod. On the bigger boats there is a fighting chair; Fishing on Ivan lists one on its 36-foot boat.
- Other methods if the day suits. Depending on the boat and conditions, the skipper may switch to bottom fishing, jigging or popping. La Rochelle Fishing Charters, whose skipper has fished the French big game championship, lists light and heavy tackle, jigging, popping and live baiting.
What you can catch
The species list is what draws people to this coast. Across the seven boats, the fish named on the listings include blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, skipjack and dogtooth tuna, mahi mahi (dorado), bonito, barracuda, longbill spearfish and kingfish.
What you actually meet depends on the month and the day. The bigger pelagic fish, marlin above all, are mostly a summer story in Mauritius, roughly from late in the year into the first months of the next; our Mauritius fishing seasons guide goes month by month. Mahi mahi, tuna and bonito are the fish most trips count on through more of the year. No skipper can promise a marlin, and the honest ones will tell you so. If one fish is the reason you are going, look at the species pages for blue marlin in Mauritius and yellowfin tuna in Mauritius to see which boats target it.
Half day or full day?
| Morning trip | Full day | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical timing | First light to around midday | Most of the day, often with lunch on board |
| Who it suits | First timers, families, anyone prone to seasickness | Anglers after marlin or other big pelagics |
| Ground covered | Nearer offshore water, a mix of methods | Further out, more time trolling the deep |
| Boats here that list it | Baywatch (about six hours) | One and only, Yan, La Rochelle, Fishing on Ivan, Pyramide list a one-day minimum |
Fishing on Ivan says its trips run from 4 to 9 hours depending on the target, so a shorter trip may be possible if you ask. If you or your children have never been on a small boat in open water, a morning is the safer first step. Our seasickness guide for Mauritius covers what to take and when.
What the boats carry
You do not bring fishing gear to a charter here: Fishing on Ivan includes all rods, reels and terminal tackle, and Pyramide provides all the fishing equipment. Beyond that, the listings differ, and it is worth reading them before choosing:
- Toilet on board: Baywatch, Big game fishing, Yan, La Rochelle and Fishing on Ivan list one. On a full day this is not a detail.
- Food and drink: most list snacks and drinks. Fishing on Ivan also lists lunch. Pyramide lists soft drinks and snacks.
- Fishing licence: One and only, Big game fishing, Yan, La Rochelle and Pyramide list the licence as included. On a licensed charter you do not need your own, but if it is not on the listing, ask.
- Children: Baywatch, Big game fishing, La Rochelle, Fishing on Ivan and Pyramide say children are welcome.
- Group size: from small boats for one or three guests up to seven on Yan. Book the boat for your group, not per seat.
Bring the rest yourself: sun cream, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the early run out, and seasickness tablets taken the evening before if you need them. Our list of what to bring on a Mauritius fishing charter has the details.
Who keeps the fish
This is the question that causes the most disappointment on the dock, and Trou-aux-Biches boats do not all answer it the same way.
In Mauritius the catch traditionally belongs to the boat. The crew sells it or shares it, and that is part of how a small charter makes its living. Several Trou-aux-Biches listings say “crew keeps catch” outright. Others set a rule you can plan around: on Pyramide, you and the crew each keep one fish under 10 kilograms, and Fishing on Ivan says you share the catch with the crew. Baywatch lists catch cleaning and filleting, and also says catch and release is welcome.
Marlin and other billfish are usually released. If you want fish for dinner at your hotel or villa, say so in your first message and get the answer in writing on the booking. Our guide on who keeps the fish on a Mauritius charter explains the custom in full.
Before you book
- Pick the trip length first. Morning for a first trip or a family, full day for big game.
- Ask the catch rule. Crew keeps all, a fish each, or a share: know which before you pay.
- Check pickup. If you are staying outside Trou-aux-Biches, a boat with pickup included saves an early taxi.
- Tell the skipper what you want. Marlin, a mixed bag, or a relaxed morning with the kids: the plan changes with the answer.
- Leave a spare day. Weather can cancel a trip at short notice, so do not book it for your last morning on the island.
Ready to go?
Start with the fishing charters in Trou-aux-Biches page to see all seven boats side by side, or compare the wider north-west coast on the Mauritius charters page. If you already know what you want, message the boat directly: Baywatch for a morning trip, Fishing on Ivan for a full day with lunch and pickup, or Pyramide if a clear fish-each rule matters to you. Send your dates, the number of people and the fish you hope for, and you will have a plan before you land.
Cover: "Mauritius – boats" by flowcomm, CC BY 2.0, edited (colour, retouching).
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