One of the world's top fishing spots is a couple of miles off Le Morne. Here the deep waters currents attract small fish pursued by huge predators. Marlin, sailfish, barracuda, wahoo, tuna and shark are common.

Serious anglers will love the superb deep-sea fishing in Mauritius. Big-game fishing is available all year round, althought the best opportunities are from October to April.

The water around Mauritius supports a healthy population of striped, blue and black marlin. Shoals of yellowfin tuna (65 - 90 kg) move into Mauritian waters in March and April while wahoo, said to be the fastest swimming fish in the sea, are prominent in September.

Other challenges for anglers are the spectacular sailfish (around 45 kg), which flies through the air when hooked in an acrobatic display of anger; bonito, a small species of tuna; and blue, hammerhead, mako, tiger and black and white fin shark.

Most hotels can book deep-sea fishing boat trips. Boats come equipped with a radio and trolling equipment for live bait and artificial lures. Large fleets can be found at the Corsaire Club at Trou Aux Biches (North West Coast), and Le Morne Anglers Club in Black River (South West).

Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 lbs - the blue shark of 400 lbs - a bonito 45.5 lbs -a white tuna of 224 lbs and a becune of 125 lbs. African records (GUFA) mention that of the yellow tuna of 212 lbs a white tuna of 224 lbs. Other specimens recently caught include blue marlin of 1430 lbs and 1355 lbs.

Fishing boats can be hired from most hotels along with fishing clubs such as Le Morne Anglers Club who are allied with La Pirogue Big Game Fishing.

Sportfisher are a professional company operating five 42ft, three 47ft and a 50ft boat from Grand Baie, trips normally start at 7am with half day trips returning at 1pm and whole day trips returning at 4pm.

It is common practice for the boat owners to keep larger catches, which they sell locally, however it is sometimes possible tor return smaller fish to the ocean or to keep some of the catch. This varies from company to company so check before you select.