Light tackle fishing in Mauritius means lighter rods, smaller lures and baits, and water inside or just outside the reef, where you feel every bite and the sea is usually calmer than over the deep drop-off.
Big game fishing Free cancellation up to 1 day beforeFrom €330
Instant bookingFishing on IvanFree cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom €417 (22,000 MUR)
Instant bookingFull Day Trip - Big Game FishingFree cancellation up to 1 day beforeFrom €537 (£450)
Instant bookingLa Rochelle Fishing Charters Full refund if weather cancelsFrom €227 (12,000 MUR)
Instant bookingLast Cast fishing chartersFree cancellation up to 1 day beforeFrom €250
Pyramide Free cancellation up to 5 days beforeFrom €303 (16,000 MUR)
Instant bookingSMALL GAME FISHINGFree cancellation up to 1 day beforeFrom €240
What light tackle charters cost in Mauritius
| Trip length | Boats | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half day (up to 5 hours) | 2 | €240 | - | €250 |
| Three quarter day (6 to 7 hours) | 6 | €227 | €317 | €417 |
| Full day (8 hours or more) | 6 | €284 | €475 | €568 |
Prices are for the whole boat, from 7 listings on Reelzy as of October 2026. Boats priced in another currency are converted to EUR at the current rate. A median is shown only where at least 3 boats offer that trip length.
Other ways to fish in Mauritius
Light Tackle charters in other countries
What light tackle means here
On a big game trip the boat tows heavy lures far offshore and waits for one big strike. Light tackle is the other way to fish the island: spinning rods, light trolling with small lures, light jigging and bottom fishing with bait, in the lagoons, along the reef edge and over the shallower banks. The fish are smaller on average, but there are more bites, everyone on board gets to hold a rod, and a modest fish puts a real bend in light gear.
It suits a first fishing trip, families, anglers who want to cast rather than wait, and anyone who would rather stay out of the open ocean swell. If a marlin is the reason you came, look at trolling instead; if you want a hard fight on lures near the reef, see popping and jigging.
What you can catch
The boats on this page list a wide spread of reef and lagoon fish for their light tackle trips: jacks such as crevalle and African pompano, barracuda, groupers, snapper, garfish, rainbow runner and bonito. Close to the reef the same lighter gear also takes small tuna and, in the warm months, the odd dorado. Reef species are caught all year. The open water visitors follow the seasons: dorado peak from November to February, yellowfin tuna run from October to May and wahoo from June to September.
Boats that fish light tackle
- Small Game Fishing in Mahebourg fishes the south east lagoon, the largest in Mauritius, with casting, light trolling and bottom fishing. Fishing gear and drinks are included. See the Mahebourg page for the port.
- Fishing on Ivan in Trou-aux-Biches is a 36 foot boat for up to 6 anglers with a toilet on board. Captain Sebastian tailors the trip to what you ask for, from bottom fishing, drift fishing, handline and spinning to offshore methods, on trips of 4 to 9 hours, with rods, tackle, snacks, drinks and lunch included. Children are welcome and you share the catch with the crew.
- Pyramide, also in Trou-aux-Biches, carries both heavy and light tackle, so one trip can mix bottom fishing, drift fishing and handline near the reef with trolling further out. Up to 4 guests, gear and licences included.
- Last Cast in Grand Baie takes small groups of 2 to 4 on a Baymaster 215, with half day, full day and sunset trips and catch and cook or a barbecue on an island on request.
- Full Day Trip, Big Game Fishing in Grand Baie targets small game fish on medium tackle for anglers who want a step up from light gear without a full marlin setup.
The full list of boats that offer light tackle trips is below. For the ports, see the Trou-aux-Biches and Grand Baie pages.
Light tackle with children or first timers
Inside the reef the water is flatter than offshore, the boat stays closer to the shore and the bites come often, which keeps children interested. A morning trip is usually enough. Our guides to a fishing trip with kids in Mauritius and to avoiding seasickness cover what to pack and how to choose the day. From June to August the south east trade winds blow harder, so ask the captain which side of the island will be calmer on your date.
What to ask before you book
- Lagoon, reef or a mix? Ask where the boat will fish and whether it can switch to trolling if you want a try at bigger fish.
- Which gear is on board? Spinning rods, light jigs and bait rods are not on every big game boat, so check before you book.
- Who keeps the fish? Each boat has its own rule; our guide on who keeps the fish on a Mauritius charter explains the usual arrangements.
- What happens if the weather turns? Ask how a cancelled or shortened trip is handled before you pay.
Questions and answers
Short answers to what people ask before they book. Anything else, ask the captain in chat.
What is light tackle fishing in Mauritius?
Fishing with lighter rods, smaller lures and bait in the lagoons, along the reef and over the shallower banks: spinning, light trolling, light jigging and bottom fishing. You get more bites than on a big game trip and everyone on board can fish.
What fish can you catch on a light tackle trip in Mauritius?
Jacks, barracuda, groupers, snapper, garfish, rainbow runner and bonito are listed by the boats here, with small tuna and dorado near the reef in the warm months. Reef fish are caught all year.
Which boats offer light tackle fishing in Mauritius?
Small Game Fishing fishes the south east lagoon from Mahebourg, Fishing on Ivan and Pyramide offer bottom, drift and handline fishing from Trou-aux-Biches, and Last Cast takes small groups from Grand Baie.
Is light tackle fishing good for children?
Yes. Inside the reef the water is calmer, the boat stays close to shore and bites come often. Fishing on Ivan welcomes children, and a morning trip is usually long enough for a family.