Fishing Trips. Popping, jigging, big game, live bait

Rodrigues fishing is built around the strike. You may troll toward the reef, cast poppers for giant trevally, work jigs along the ramps, or switch to live bait and big-game methods. Jean-Marc Bestel and Romeo can shape the day around your preferred style, tides, and weather.

I like the private boat format, since you are not sharing your fishing time with a large group. I also like the range of methods, from simple hand-line fishing to hard-pulling GTs. The main catch is that specialist tackle is not included, and the advertised group size needs clarification: the price covers up to two people, while another detail says a maximum of three.

Key points to know

• GT popping is the headline act: The reef can produce repeated strikes from giant trevally, with reports of six to 12 hits on some outings.
• Trolling gear is included: Rods and equipment for trolling come with the trip, along with life vests and safety equipment.
• Specialist tackle costs extra: Poppers, jigging rods, reels, lures, and drop-shot equipment are not included, but can be rented.
• The route follows the conditions: Departure time depends on tides and weather, so this is not a rigid, clockwork excursion.
• The fishing can be varied: Past catches have included GTs, bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, needlefish, tuna, and other reef species.
• Food is optional: Bottled water is offered, while lunch can be arranged for an added fee.

Chasing giant trevally around Rodrigues

If you want a serious saltwater fishing day, the giant trevally, or GT, is the fish to keep in mind. Popping for GTs means casting a surface lure near reef structure and working it hard enough to trigger an aggressive strike. The reward can be dramatic. The drawback is just as clear: GT fishing is physical, and a hit does not always become a landed fish.

The setup here gives you a chance to fish the reef rather than simply troll from one point to another. You can ask to focus on popping, jigging, live bait, big-game fishing, hand line, or drop shot. That flexibility matters in Rodrigues, where tide and weather help decide what will work best on the day.

Several details make this more than a generic boat ride. Two outings in one week produced repeated GT hits, while longer sessions recorded species such as bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, and needlefish. A three-day fishing program produced 25 species using jigging, popping, drop shot, and trolling.

That does not promise a particular fish or number of strikes. Fishing never works that way. It does show that the captain is not tied to one method, and that you can change tactics when the conditions call for it.

A seven-hour day shaped by tide and weather

Plan on roughly seven hours from departure to return. The exact start time is not fixed because tides and weather affect both safety and fishing quality. I see that as a practical advantage, but it does mean you should keep part of your day free.

The boat leaves from the meeting point at 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius, and returns there at the end. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The day itself is not presented as a set series of sightseeing stops. Instead, the captain chooses fishing areas and methods with you. You might begin trolling while moving toward a reef or drop-off, then switch to popping or jigging once you reach a promising area.

The route can also include time around the island’s reefs and ramps. The word ramps is used in the fishing description, so ask the operator exactly which areas are planned for your date. This is especially useful if you have come with one main goal, such as GT popping, rather than simply wanting to catch any available species.

A private trip can feel more productive than a shared charter because you do not have to compromise with strangers over the fishing style. If one person wants to cast poppers while another prefers live bait, discuss that before departure. The guide can then set expectations about how much time each method is likely to receive.

What each fishing method offers

Trolling with included equipment

Trolling is the simplest option from a gear point of view because the necessary fishing equipment is included. Lines are worked behind the moving boat, making this a useful way to fish while heading toward another area.

It is also a good fallback if wind, sea conditions, or fatigue make repeated casting less appealing. One account describes trolling toward a drop-off and catching a banana tuna before switching methods. That gives you a sense of how the day can combine travel and fishing rather than treating them as separate blocks.

Ask what rods, terminal tackle, and lures are supplied before you go. The information confirms that trolling equipment is included, but it does not list the exact models or lure selection.

Popping for GTs

Popping is the most demanding option listed here. You cast a popper or stickbait toward reef water and retrieve it from the surface. Giant trevally are powerful fish, so the gear and your casting technique need to match the target.

You need to bring solid tackle if you already own it. Strong fish can punish light equipment, and one useful piece of advice from the experience is to expect hard pulls. If you do not want to fly with heavy rods and reels, rental equipment is available for an extra fee.

The fishing can also involve long periods of casting before a strike. That is part of the deal with GT hunting. The attraction is the possibility of a violent surface take, not constant action every minute.

Catch and release is worth discussing before you start. The captain has encouraged releasing GTs so they can provide another hard fight, and that approach is especially sensible for a powerful reef fish.

Jigging along deeper structure

Jigging lets you work a lure vertically or through deeper water near reefs, drop-offs, and ramps. It can produce a wider mix of fish than a dedicated GT session. Reported catches have included trevally, emperors, jobfish, and needlefish.

The key practical issue is cost. Jigging equipment and lures are not included, although rods and reels can be rented. Poppers and drop-shot gear are also extra. Ask for the rental price, lure choice, and damage terms before booking the fishing style.

Lost or damaged equipment is charged separately. That is standard enough for specialist tackle, but you should know it before picking up a rental rod. If you own suitable gear, confirm that it is appropriate for the planned species and boat setup.

Live bait, big-game fishing, and hand line

Live bait gives the captain another way to target fish when surface casting or jigging is slow. Big-game fishing may suit you if your aim is a larger offshore catch, while hand-line fishing offers a simpler method that can work well for a mixed group.

The description does not promise a particular offshore species, bait supply, or big-game setup. Talk through these details before departure. A short conversation can prevent disappointment if you arrive expecting a dedicated offshore tuna trip but the day is planned around reef fishing.

The captain and the feel on board

Jean-Marc Bestel is the main name connected with the experience, and Romeo is also mentioned as a fishing partner and guide. Their role goes beyond handling the boat. They set the fishing plan, choose spots, help with technique, and adjust the session as conditions change.

The strongest praise centers on local knowledge, boat handling, and a friendly manner. One family outing included a 15-year-old, with Jean-Marc described as easy to work with when organizing the day. That suggests the trip is not limited to tournament-style anglers, though the physical side of casting and handling fish still matters.

You can also expect advice on fishing techniques. Jean-Marc has been described as offering tips and tricks for fishing in Rodrigues, which is valuable if you are new to popping or jigging. Ask questions early. A captain can help you get your retrieve, casting angle, and lure choice right before you spend hours repeating the wrong movement.

The mood appears informal and social. French-language accounts describe the outing as convivial, and some have combined fishing with family time and a relaxed day at sea. That does not turn the trip into a sightseeing cruise, but it makes the private setup useful for a family or small group with mixed interests.

What you can realistically catch

The fish list is one of the appealing parts of the trip. It includes giant trevally, bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, needlefish, and tuna. The variety comes from using several methods and fishing different areas rather than staying with one lure all day.

Some outings have recorded more than 20 species over several mornings. That is an impressive sign of variety, but it should not be read as a guarantee for a single seven-hour booking. Tide, wind, water conditions, season, technique, and plain luck all affect the result.

Your best approach is to choose a primary goal and a backup plan. You might tell the captain that GT popping is your first choice, but you are happy to troll or jig if the surface action is quiet. This keeps the day focused without making it all-or-nothing.

If you are fishing with a less experienced companion, a mixed approach may work better. Trolling and hand line can offer a less strenuous start, while popping and jigging provide the more active challenge. The guide can advise how to divide the time.

Gear, food, and what you need to bring

Trolling equipment, safety equipment, and life vests are included. The listing also says bottled water is offered. That covers the basics, but it does not mean every fishing method is ready to use without extra payment.

Budget separately for:

• Poppers and popper tackle
• Jigging rods, reels, and lures
• Drop-shot rods, reels, and terminal gear
• Food or lunch
• Transport to and from the meeting point
• Any lost or damaged rented equipment

Bring sun protection and clothing suited to a full day on the water. The supplied information does not specify a clothing list, so confirm details such as footwear, rain protection, and storage space with Global Rodrigues.

Lunch is not included, but it can be organized for an added fee. This is worth arranging ahead of time, especially for a seven-hour outing. Do not assume a meal is waiting on the boat simply because food was available on some longer fishing and island days.

You should also confirm what happens if you bring your own rods and lures. Heavy GT equipment can be awkward to transport, but the right tackle may be important if you have a specific setup in mind.

Price and value for a private boat

The listed price is $406.51 per group of up to two people. For two serious anglers, that works out to about $203.26 each before extras. The price is more attractive when you value private use of the boat, a flexible fishing plan, and a captain who can work across several techniques.

It is less of a bargain if you need to rent all your specialist tackle, pay for lunch, and arrange separate transport. Those costs can change the final total. Ask for a complete quote based on your chosen method rather than judging the base price alone.

There is also a group-size inconsistency to clear up. The price says up to two people, while the highlights say the activity is for a group of three maximum. Contact the provider before paying if you want three people aboard. Do not assume the third place is included at the same rate.

The value is strongest for anglers who care about access to local fishing areas and captain-led decisions. It is not the best fit for someone who wants a low-cost boat trip with every lure, meal, and transfer bundled into one fee.

Who should book this fishing trip

I would choose this for an angler who wants options and is comfortable with a day organized around the sea rather than a strict schedule. It suits people who already understand the effort involved in popping and jigging, as well as capable beginners who want direct instruction from the guide.

Families can make it work, particularly with a private boat and a mixed fishing plan. A teenager has enjoyed the experience, but you should remember that the physical demands can be real. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

This is less suitable if you need guaranteed catches, guaranteed departure times, or a fully inclusive package. The weather can cancel the trip, and the fishing method may need to change. That flexibility is part of the experience, not a fault, but it rewards realistic expectations.

Booking well ahead is sensible. The trip is booked an average of 64 days in advance, which suggests that popular dates may fill early. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation made inside 24 hours is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

My call: book it if GTs are your goal

I would book this trip if I wanted a private Rodrigues fishing day with a real chance to cast for GTs and the freedom to change methods. The combination of Jean-Marc or Romeo, local fishing knowledge, trolling equipment, and several possible styles gives the day useful flexibility.

Before booking, settle three points: the exact meeting location, the final group limit, and the price of rental tackle and lunch. Then tell the captain your main target. If your dream is a giant trevally on a popper, say so clearly, but keep jigging or trolling as your backup.

Book it for the fishing, the personal guidance, and the chance to work productive reef water. Skip it if you want a guaranteed catch or an all-inclusive outing with no extra gear costs.

FAQ

How long is the fishing trip?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours, including the return to the meeting point.

Where does the trip start and finish?

It starts at 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius, and ends back at the same meeting point. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included.

What fishing equipment is included?

Trolling equipment, safety equipment, and life vests are included. Equipment and lures for jigging, popping, and drop shot are not included.

Can I rent rods and reels?

Yes. Rods and reels for specialist fishing methods can be rented for an additional fee. Lost or damaged rented equipment is charged separately.

Is food included?

No. Bottled water is offered, and lunch or other food can be organized for an extra fee.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can select another date or receive a full refund.