How about a little fishing party?
Challenge yourself during your stay in Reunion and climb aboard « Big game fishing » ships or « Pescatourisme » boats where professional crews will take care of you, wether you are a beginner or a more experienced fisherman, or just accompanying one! Try to catch giant-sized preys: Swordfish, sailfish, blue, striped or black marlins, sharks, "mahi-mahi", yellow tunafish, wahoos, barracudas ... deep-sea fish abound in the waters of Reunion yet unaffected by the large industrial fishing.
Two types of fishing boats with two different legislations can embark you:
- "Big game fishing" boats: Big game fishing has found a favorite place in Reunion which is a rare destination to offer individual pricing in order to make it wholesale accessible to all. Boats dedicated to big game fishing are generally spacious and comfortable, equipped with a combat seat, cabin, toilets, etc. The crews are paid on the catch so they will do their best to get you fishing. In big game fishing, you catch your fish from the start to the end of the fight.
- "Pescatourisme" boats: Pescatourisme gives the possibility to professional fishermen to welcome on board their boat people who discover with them the world at sea by observing the fishing techniques during the outing. You will be able to observe and share the activity of a professional fisherman and his experience as a sailor. The people on board can experience the sensations and techniques of fishing for a short time. A space on the boat is dedicated to you.
No need to venture too far for Big Game Fishing, the very specific relief of underwater Reunion (with no continental shelf) allows you to get straight into the heart of the matter, and right out of the harbour lines are installed, the main technique being trolling lure or live bait (skipjack).
About thirty artificial reefs (called "DCP" Dispositifs de Concentration de Poissons) have been installed around the island to attract wildlife underwater ranging from smaller to larger fish.
Gone for one-day or just half-day expeditions, get ready to learn all about handling the equipment, various fishing techniques ("stand up" actions, ie standing in a harness, or in the fight seat for large catches), the selection and installation of lures ...
You will be offered snacks, but even if your fishing is miraculous, you won't be able to bring your trophy with you (besides, what would you do with 700 pounds of marlin?). However, they may tell you in what local restaurant you can taste - a piece of - "your" fish.
Fishing Calendar
From January to March: best time for catching marlin.
From April to May: big yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, sailfish, shark, skipjack, large marlins going by.
From June to August: black marlin, shark, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, skipjack. And whale- watching for your pleasure.
From September to December: mahi mahi, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, shark, skipjack, large marlins going by.