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

The most exciting part of this private fishing trip is the freedom to change tactics. You might troll toward a reef, cast poppers for giant trevally, work jigs along the drop-off, or switch to live bait and big game fishing. Jean-Marc Bestel, sometimes joined by Romeo, knows Rodrigues waters well and can shape the day around your goals.

I like the small private format, which keeps the boat focused on your group rather than a crowd. I also like that trolling equipment and life vests are included, while you can rent specialized gear instead of packing an entire tackle room. The main catch is that the advertised price and group limit need clarification: the price is listed for up to two people, while another detail says three maximum.

Key points

• Target GT on the reef: Popping gives you a shot at giant trevally, with several strikes possible on a good outing.
• Choose your fishing style: Trolling, jigging, live bait, hand line, drop shot, and big game fishing are all possible.
• Trolling gear is included: Rods and equipment for trolling come with the trip, but other tackle costs extra.
• Jean-Marc leads the boat: His role combines boat handling, fishing advice, and knowledge of local fishing spots.
• Plan around nature: Departure time depends on tides and weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or refund.
• Allow seven hours: This is a full day on the water, with food available only by prior arrangement and extra payment.

A Rodrigues fishing day built around your target

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a few fishing lines trailing behind. You discuss your preferred style with the skipper, then spend the day pursuing it. That matters in Rodrigues, where the appeal lies in trying different methods around reefs, ramps, drop-offs, and open water.

The listed options cover a wide spread. Trolling is the simplest starting point because the required equipment is included. Popping aims at giant trevally, often called GTs, around the reef. Jigging works the deeper ramps and drop-offs. Live bait and big game fishing offer another route if you want larger open-water species.

You can also ask about hand line and drop-shot fishing. These methods may suit you if you prefer a slower, more direct approach, or if conditions make constant casting less practical. The skipper decides what is sensible on the day, but the trip is designed to give you a choice rather than force one method.

I would treat the day as a serious fishing charter, not a casual boat ride. The reviews describe strong fish, repeated GT hits, and catches including bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, needlefish, and tuna. Nothing in fishing is guaranteed, but the range of species and techniques gives you more than one way to have a productive outing.

Working with Jean-Marc and Romeo

Jean-Marc Bestel is the central figure on this trip. He serves as skipper and fishing guide, helping with boat handling, choice of spots, tackle, and technique. His local experience is one of the main reasons to book a guided outing instead of trying to work out Rodrigues fishing alone.

You can also encounter Romeo, who has operated fishing trips with Jean-Marc. Together, they have taken anglers out for popping, jigging, trolling, and other methods. Several accounts describe the pair as friendly and easy to spend time with, which matters on a seven-hour boat day when the pace may include long stretches between strikes.

The strongest praise centers on Jean-Marc’s boat skills and his ability to locate fish. He is also described as willing to organize a trip around the group, which can help if you want a particular method or need to adjust the plan. That flexibility is especially useful for experienced anglers who already know what they want to target.

If you are new to popping or jigging, ask for practical advice before the first cast. The skipper can help you understand the local approach, but you should still arrive ready to work. One useful warning is repeated in the fishing feedback: the fish pull hard, so bring solid gear if you plan to use your own equipment.

What the seven-hour schedule feels like

The exact departure time is not fixed. Tides and weather decide when the boat leaves, so you should keep your schedule open and confirm the start time after booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The meeting point is listed at 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius, and the boat returns there at the end. At the same time, the fishing itself is described as taking place around Rodrigues Island. That is a significant point to settle before paying for flights, accommodation, or transport. Ask the operator to confirm the correct island, departure point, and any travel connection required.

Once aboard, the day can begin with trolling. This is the most straightforward option included in the price, and it can also be used while moving toward another fishing area. One account describes trolling toward a drop-off before changing methods, which gives you a good idea of how a mixed day may work.

From there, the skipper may move you to reef water for popping, deeper ramps for jigging, or another area suited to live bait and big game fishing. Conditions and fish activity guide the decisions. You should expect a working fishing day rather than a set list of stops with exact arrival times.

The boat returns to the starting point after about seven hours. Because the activity is private, the pace can be adjusted for your group, within the limits of tide, weather, and the available fishing equipment.

Popping for giant trevally on the reef

Popping is the high-adrenaline option. You cast a surface lure around reef areas and wait for a GT to attack. The strike can be sudden and forceful, and landing the fish takes strength, sound tackle, and quick reactions.

The most striking pattern in the fishing accounts is the number of GT opportunities. One outing produced reports of six to twelve hits on each of two trips. That does not promise the same result for every departure, but it shows why Rodrigues attracts anglers who specifically want giant trevally.

Popping gear is not included. Rods, reels, and lures can be rented, but you pay extra, and any lost or damaged equipment is charged separately. This makes the advertised group price less useful as a complete cost unless you already own suitable gear.

Ask about tackle before the trip. A light holiday rod will not be enough for hard-pulling reef fish. If you rent, confirm what the package includes, which lures are supplied, and how loss or damage charges work.

The fish are generally released when possible, and one account specifically encourages releasing GTs for another fight. If catch and release matters to you, discuss handling with the skipper before fishing begins.

Jigging the ramps and deeper water

Jigging offers a different rhythm from popping. You work a lure through deeper water, often around underwater ramps and drop-offs, and wait for a fish to load up the rod. It can produce a broad mix of species rather than only GTs.

The equipment and lures for jigging are not included, though rods and reels can be rented. This extra cost is easy to overlook when comparing fishing charters. Add rental tackle to your budget, along with the possibility of charges for loss or damage.

The species reported from jigging and lure fishing include bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, and needlefish. A three-day fishing visit produced 25 species using a mix of jigging, popping, drop shot, and trolling, while another group recorded 23 species over three mornings. Those numbers reflect multi-day fishing, not a promise for this seven-hour trip, but they show the variety available around Rodrigues.

Jigging is a good choice if you want to stay active and test several water depths. It is less suitable if you want an easy sightseeing ride with only occasional casting. Bring water, sun protection, and a reasonable level of fitness, as the activity calls for repeated casting, lifting, and handling fish.

Trolling, live bait, and big game options

Trolling is the most practical method for a first booking because the relevant equipment is included. It can be used as the main activity or while traveling between fishing areas. One reported catch was a bonito tuna, described in the source material as a thon banane, caught while trolling toward deeper water.

Live bait and big game fishing are also offered, but the available information does not specify the exact bait, target species, or additional equipment cost. Ask those questions before departure. You should know what is included and what must be paid for before you step aboard.

Hand line and drop shot give the skipper more ways to adapt. A mixed approach may be useful if the fish do not respond to surface lures, or if the sea conditions make one technique difficult. The advantage of a private boat is that you can talk through these changes rather than simply follow a fixed group schedule.

Food is not included. Lunch can be arranged for an extra fee, and bottled water is offered. For a seven-hour trip, I would settle the food question in advance. Do not assume lunch is waiting on the boat.

The value of the $406.51 group price

At $406.51 per group, the price is not a per-person fare. For two people, that works out to roughly $203 per person before transport, food, and any specialized tackle. If three people are accepted, the per-person figure drops, but the booking information is inconsistent about the maximum.

The price makes the most sense for two anglers who want private attention and already own suitable gear, especially for trolling. You are paying for a dedicated boat, skipper, safety equipment, and the freedom to set the fishing plan with your own group.

The value changes if you need rods, reels, poppers, jigging lures, or drop-shot tackle. Those costs are extra, and damaged or lost equipment can add more. Lunch also costs more, while transport to and from the meeting point is not included.

I would ask for a full quote covering three things: the number of people allowed, the correct meeting point, and the cost of rented equipment. With those answers, you can compare this trip fairly against other private fishing charters.

The trip is booked, on average, 64 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last moment if your holiday dates are fixed, especially since availability and weather affect confirmation.

Weather, fitness, and boat-day practicalities

The sea controls the schedule. If poor weather makes the trip unsafe, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is a sensible policy for an activity based on exposed water, but it means you should keep one backup day free if possible.

You need a moderate level of physical fitness. Popping and jigging can be demanding, particularly when targeting strong reef fish. Even trolling requires you to handle a rod, follow instructions, and stay alert around tackle and fish.

Safety equipment and life vests are included. That covers the basic requirement, but you should still ask about anything personal you need for the day, such as sun protection or specific clothing. The available details do not specify shade, toilets, or the boat layout, so confirm those points if they matter to you.

Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. The location is near public transportation, but the information does not promise a hotel pickup. Plan your own way to the start and allow enough time for a possible tide-based departure.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Who will enjoy this Rodrigues charter most

I would choose this trip if you care more about fishing quality and flexibility than polished sightseeing service. It suits anglers who want to try GT popping, jigging, trolling, or several methods in one day.

It is also a good fit for a parent and older teenager, a pair of fishing friends, or a small family group that wants the boat to itself. A previous outing included a 15-year-old and a parent, with the private setting making the experience feel like time with a fishing companion rather than a large excursion.

Experienced anglers should bring or rent heavy enough equipment. Beginners can still book, but you should tell Jean-Marc your experience level and preferred method in advance. The skipper can guide you, yet the trip remains active and physical.

This is not the best choice if you want guaranteed catches, a relaxed lunch cruise, or a fully inclusive price. It is also not ideal if you dislike changing departure times or need a tightly fixed itinerary.

Should you book this fishing trip?

Book it if you want a serious private fishing day and the chance to target GTs, reef species, tuna, and other fish using several methods. Jean-Marc’s boat handling, local spot knowledge, and willingness to adjust the plan are the strongest reasons to go.

Before booking, confirm the Mauritius and Rodrigues location details, the exact group limit, the departure time, and the added cost of rental tackle and lunch. If those details work for you, the charter offers strong value for two anglers who want a focused day on the water rather than a standard group excursion.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip depart?

The listed meeting point is 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the fishing actually around Rodrigues Island?

The experience description identifies Rodrigues Island as the fishing location, while the meeting point is listed in Mauritius. Confirm the correct departure island and travel arrangements directly with Global Rodrigues before booking.

How long is the trip?

The fishing day lasts approximately seven hours.

How many people can join?

The price is listed for a group of up to two people, while another detail gives a maximum group size of three. Confirm the allowed number before booking.

What fishing methods are available?

You can discuss trolling, popping for GTs, jigging, live bait, big game fishing, hand line, and drop shot with the guide.

Is trolling equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment for trolling is included, along with safety equipment and life vests.

Do I need to pay for jigging or popping equipment?

Yes. Equipment and lures for jigging, popping, and drop shot are not included. Rods and reels can be rented for an additional charge.

Is food included?

No. Lunch is not included, but food can be organized for an extra fee. Bottled water is offered.

Is transport to the meeting point included?

No. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. The meeting point is listed as being near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the trip is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.