Fishing in the Seychelles: trophies, season, rules and best spots

Fishing in the Seychelles is one of the main activities for those attracted not only by beach holidays, but also by the open ocean. In the waters of the archipelago, anglers catch blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi and giant trevally (GT), while the remote atolls are especially well known among fly-fishing enthusiasts. Fishing is possible here all year round, but the season, best spots and fishing methods differ depending on the desired trophy.

Let's look at where to go fishing in the Seychelles, when it is best to travel, what fish you can catch and what rules you need to consider.

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When is the best time to fish in the Seychelles

The archipelago is located close to the equator, so air and water temperatures remain stable almost all year round. This means fishing in the Seychelles is excellent at any time.

However, experienced anglers consider November to April the best period. The ocean is generally calmer and more predictable at this time. Still, there are nuances as to when and what is best to catch.

Tuna, snapper, barracuda, reef shark and dorado can be caught all year round. However, marlin and sailfish are caught most often from November to May. The Seychelles are influenced by two trade winds - the south-east trade wind, which blows from May to September, and the north-west trade wind, which blows from November to March.

• The south-east trade wind raises waves, so jigging or bottom fishing is better postponed. But this time of year is excellent for trolling. It is also when you can see the best sailfish action.
• The north-west trade wind brings higher temperatures and more rainfall to the Seychelles. However, the sea is calmer at this time.

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What fish can be caught in the Seychelles

The waters of the Seychelles are home to both large pelagic predators and reef species. The choice of trophy largely depends on the area, season and fishing method - trolling, jigging, spinning or fly fishing.

• Blue Marlin - one of the main trophies of deep-sea fishing. Large specimens can weigh several hundred kilograms; marlin is most often caught by trolling, while catch-and-release is widely practised in sport fishing.
• Giant Trevally (GT) - famous for its powerful runs and considered one of the most exciting trophies for spinning and fly fishing. GT fishing is especially famous on the Outer Islands.
• Sailfish - a fast pelagic predator that is often the target of sea charters in the Seychelles.
• Yellowfin Tuna - found in open waters and valued for its strong resistance during the fight.
• Wahoo - one of the fastest ocean predators and a popular trolling target.
• Mahi-mahi - an easily recognisable colourful fish caught in the open sea, including by trolling.
• Bonefish - one of the main fly-fishing targets on the shallow flats of the Outer Islands.
• Milkfish - a challenging trophy for experienced fly-fishing enthusiasts, especially valued for its powerful resistance.
• Dogtooth tuna - a large and strong predator caught near reef drop-offs, including by deep-water jigging.
• Groupers and snappers - typical targets of reef and bottom fishing in the Seychelles.

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Types of fishing in the Seychelles

Fishing in the Indian Ocean is ideal for both beginners and experienced anglers. Once at your resort, you can ask for the following activities to be organised:

• Big game fishing. You will need a boat with special equipment. You can catch marlin, sailfish and several types of tuna, bonito and barracuda.
• Bottom fishing. A spinning rod with a jig lure is used along reef edges. Strong currents and small drop-offs are common. Peacock grouper, golden, marbled and red grouper, green snapper and three-striped snapper can be found here. Some anglers are lucky enough to catch sailfish.
• Shallow-water fishing. Simple spinning and fly fishing are preferable. Anglers catch bonito, striped and great barracuda, several species of grouper, bonefish, shark and yellowfin tuna. If you enjoy fly fishing, you will have a chance to catch not only bonefish and GT, but also the legendary milkfish. It is a real achievement because they are powerful fighters that are difficult both to hook and land.

The farther you go from the shore, the greater the chance of returning with a trophy. Tides must also be taken into account. A few hours before high tide, you can catch a large predator, but after it the ocean can seem empty. Ocean fishing in the Seychelles includes five popular methods:

• Trolling. Fish are caught from a moving boat. Speed, depth, distance and wave type influence the choice of bait.
• Chumming. Natural bait or live fish is used and lowered to the ocean floor with a sinker. The boat should move as slowly as possible or stop from time to time. The method is ideal for shark fishing.
• Seychelles fly fishing. Popular among experienced anglers because it requires special skills and strong tackle. Fish are caught in shallow water near reefs and shores.
• Fly fishing. The Outer Islands of the Seychelles are an ideal place for secluded fly fishing, where you can catch triggerfish, milkfish and GT.
• Jigging. Open-ocean fishing from a boat moving along drop-offs. The choice of speed depends on the tides.
• Spinning casts. Recommended spots include rocks with good drop-offs and lagoons of the Outer Islands.

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Fishing rules in the Seychelles

A separate licence is usually not required for recreational fishing in the Seychelles, but this does not mean that fishing is unrestricted. Rules apply to permitted fishing methods, certain species and catch limits, while fishing may be prohibited or restricted in marine national parks and other protected waters.

Before going to sea, it is worth considering several rules:

• Observe catch limits. For example, on the Mahé Plateau, recreational fishing is limited to up to 20 bottom fish per person per day. This may include no more than 5 red emperor snappers (bourzwa) and 5 green jobfish (job gris); the minimum size for these two species is 32 cm. Smaller fish must be released.
• Do not sell the catch. Caught fish is intended for personal consumption and cannot be sold.
• Consider the boundaries of protected areas. Marine parks and protected zones may have their own restrictions, so it is best to agree the fishing route in advance with the captain or charter company.
• Spearfishing is prohibited. Spearguns may not be used in the Seychelles. Explosives, poisons and other dangerous fishing methods are also prohibited.
• The "catch and release" principle in sport fishing. Large trophy species, especially marlin and other large marine fish, are often released after being landed and photographed. This is a common sport-fishing practice, although it should not be confused with a mandatory rule for all catches.

In the Seychelles, the easiest way to go fishing is with a licensed local charter operator or through your hotel: the team provides tackle, selects a suitable area based on weather and fishing type, and must take current restrictions into account.

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Best fishing spots in the Seychelles

Fishing is possible almost throughout the Seychelles archipelago, but conditions differ noticeably. On Mahé and Praslin, it is easier to arrange a regular sea charter for a few hours or a full day, while the remote atolls of the Outer Islands are best known for expedition and fly fishing. Therefore, it is better to choose the location based on the desired trophy and fishing method.

Fishing on Mahé

Mahé - is the most convenient option for a first fishing trip in the Seychelles. On the main island, it is easier to find a charter operator and organise a trip to sea directly during a regular beach holiday. Both short trips and full-day charters are available. The official Seychelles tourism portal also includes fishing tours among the marine activities offered on Mahé.

The main interest is open-ocean fishing. Depending on the season and selected area, targets may include tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, sailfish and marlin. Jigging and bottom fishing are practised near reefs.

The main advantage of Mahé is easy organisation: there is no need to change hotels or include a remote island in the trip just for fishing. This option is convenient if you plan to dedicate one day of your holiday to fishing.

Fishing on Praslin

Praslin is convenient because it allows you to combine a beach holiday with sea fishing and trips between neighbouring islands. Boat operators work here, offering big game fishing for half a day or a full day.

From coastal waters, you can head farther into the ocean in search of large pelagic fish or choose reef areas for bottom fishing and jigging. Thanks to Praslin's location, the trip can also be conveniently combined with visits to neighbouring islands.

Fishing on La Digue

La Digue - is a small island, so the choice of specialised fishing programmes is more limited than on Mahé. However, its location makes it possible to organise trips into the waters between La Digue, Praslin and neighbouring islands.

Fishing on La Digue can be included in a regular holiday programme, combining it with a boat trip, snorkelling or a visit to neighbouring islands.

Fishing on the Outer Islands

The Outer Islands of the Seychelles offer a completely different format. People come here not for just one boat trip, but specifically for fishing. Remote atolls, huge shallow lagoons and sand flats have made this part of the archipelago one of the well-known destinations for saltwater fly fishing.

A special place is occupied by Alphonse Island and the nearby St François Atoll. The specialised Alphonse Fishing Company operates here, organising guided fishing and trips to the flats in special boats. The main targets include bonefish, giant trevally (GT) and milkfish. Research into the GT population and tagging programmes for caught fish are also carried out on St François.

Interestingly, it was the local guides on Alphonse who developed fly-fishing techniques for milkfish, which feed mainly on plankton and algae.

An even more remote option is Cosmoledo, where experienced anglers travel primarily for GT and an expedition-style holiday. Such trips require separate planning and cost significantly more than a standard charter from Mahé or Praslin.

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Fishing tours in the Seychelles

In the Seychelles, both short fishing trips lasting a few hours and full private charters are available. For trolling, boats head into the open ocean for tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, marlin and sailfish, while reef areas and underwater drop-offs are chosen for bottom fishing and jigging.

The easiest way to book fishing is through your hotel or a local charter operator. The price usually includes the boat, captain and crew services, tackle and bait. Meals, drinks and transfers depend on the specific programme.

When booking, it is worth checking the duration of the trip, maximum number of participants, included equipment and rules regarding the caught fish.

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What to take with you for fishing in the Seychelles

You will not need to bring nets and all kinds of equipment from the other side of the world: everything will be organised for you through the hotel or a specialised company. However, there are some things that may be useful if you are going out to sea:

• Lightweight long-sleeved clothing. There is practically no protection from the sun in the open sea, so closed UV-protective clothing, a hat and polarised sunglasses will be useful.
• Sunscreen and repellents: use water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF, at least SPF50, to avoid sunburn, and do not forget insect repellent.
• Motion sickness remedy. If you do not tolerate boat trips well, it is especially important to prepare for this during the south-east monsoon, when the ocean can be rough.

Be prepared to put in some effort to catch your trophy in the Seychelles, but it is worth it!

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