What if your next unforgettable offshore battle took place in Rodrigues, often called the Cinderella of the Mascarene Islands? Known for its untouched waters and spectacular underwater reliefs, this Indian Ocean island attracts sport fishing enthusiasts from around the world.
To maximise your chances of memorable catches, choosing the right time for big game fishing in Rodrigues is essential. Weather conditions, fish seasonality and expert advice all play a role. In this guide, discover the best season for big game fishing in Rodrigues depending on the species you want to target and the fishing techniques practised aboard L’Oiseau Des Îles II.
Which fishing techniques should you choose depending on the season?
Aboard L’Oiseau Des Îles II, we move beyond traditional fishing by offering a multi-technique approach. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler chasing trophy fish, our crew adapts techniques according to your goals, targeted species and the best time for big game fishing in Rodrigues.
Several methods can be combined during the same trip:
- Jigging & speed jigging: the art of vertical lure action. Ideal for triggering aggressive strikes from deep predators such as dogtooth tuna (DTT), giant trevally (GT) and coral grouper.
- Live bait fishing: a highly effective technique for specifically targeting larger specimens and provoking explosive strikes.
- Trolling: deployed by the captain while moving between fishing grounds, this technique allows anglers to search offshore waters and target active pelagic species.
Depending on sea conditions and targeted species, several techniques can be alternated during the same outing to maximise fishing opportunities.
What is the best season for big game fishing in Rodrigues?
Rodrigues waters offer a rich diversity of fish throughout the year, although activity changes according to seasonal water temperatures in the Indian Ocean. Choosing the right time for big game fishing in Rodrigues helps adapt techniques and maximise fishing success.
October to June: the best time for big game fishing in Rodrigues
This is considered the prime season. Water temperatures generally range between 26°C and 29°C, stimulating predator activity and creating comfortable offshore conditions.
This period also represents the best season for big game fishing in Rodrigues, especially for anglers looking to combine several techniques and target different species during the same stay.
- Dogtooth tuna (DTT): explosive and powerful, it remains the undisputed king of deep underwater structures and can be targeted almost year-round while jigging near drop-offs.
- Yellowfin tuna: although present regularly, activity often peaks between January and March, with specimens around Rodrigues reaching up to 75 kg.
- Blue marlin & black marlin: present year-round, they move closer to shore during the austral summer, between November and April, making this one of the best periods to target exceptional fish.
Seasonal summary table
The best time for big game fishing in Rodrigues depends on targeted species, fishing techniques and offshore conditions.
October – November
Species: DTT, giant trevally (GT), wahoo.
Conditions: fishing activity resumes, ideal sea conditions for jigging.
Profile: beginning of the sport fishing season.
December – January
Species: DTT, yellowfin tuna, marlin, GT.
Conditions: warm waters and strong offshore activity.
Profile: varied fishing and powerful fights.
February – March
Species: DTT, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi.
Conditions: excellent conditions for multi-technique fishing.
Profile: targeting larger specimens.
April – May
Species: DTT, GT, wahoos, structure fish.
Conditions: stable seas and excellent visibility.
Profile: intensive jigging and versatility.
Good to know: movements of bonito schools on the surface often provide one of the best indicators for our crew. They frequently reveal the presence of large predators actively feeding nearby.
How should you organise your fishing trip according to the best time for big game fishing in Rodrigues?
To enjoy a complete offshore fishing experience while reducing the impact of changing sea conditions, we generally recommend staying between 7 and 12 days in Rodrigues. A longer stay gives anglers more opportunities to head offshore, explore several fishing areas and adapt plans according to weather conditions.
Spending more days on the water also helps maximise your big game fishing season in Rodrigues depending on targeted species and changing offshore conditions.
The legendary fishing spots of Rodrigues
Beyond the coastal drop-offs, Rodrigues serves as the starting point for major offshore fishing expeditions:
- East Bank: located around 50 nautical miles offshore, this underwater structure is considered a prime destination for jigging and night fishing, especially for large predators holding around underwater reliefs.
- Hawkins Bank: further offshore and more remote, this unique underwater structure attracts anglers from around the world searching for trophy fish and unforgettable fights.
Local expertise at your service
At sea, currents, weather and fish behaviour can change quickly. Trusting a local crew often makes the difference, especially if you want to make the most of the best season for big game fishing in Rodrigues.
Aboard L’Oiseau Des Îles II, Captain Cyril Faure and his two experienced deckhands use their in-depth knowledge of Rodrigues waters to adapt fishing strategies in real time according to offshore conditions and targeted species.
Ready to test your endurance against the giants of the Indian Ocean? Contact our team to organise your trip during the best time for big game fishing in Rodrigues and receive a personalised quote tailored to your fishing goals.
