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

Rodrigues is the sort of place where a fishing day can change with the tide, the wind, and the fish beneath the boat. This private trip gives you room to choose your style: GT popping on the reef, jigging around drop-offs, trolling, live bait, hand line, drop shot, or big game fishing.

I like two things right away. First, Jean-Marc Bestel and his fellow guide Roméo can shape the day around your goals instead of forcing every group through the same routine. Second, the small private format, with a maximum of three people, lets you fish rather than wait your turn.

The catch is that the advertised price and group size need a careful check. The price is listed as $406.51 for up to two people, while another detail says three people maximum. Jigging, popper, and drop-shot tackle also cost extra, and weather can change the departure time.

Quick points before you book

• GT fishing is the main thrill: Popping over the reef is aimed at giant trevally, known locally as GTs, with several strikes possible on a productive session.
• Trolling tackle is included: Rods and equipment for trolling come with the trip, along with life vests and other safety gear.
• Bring or rent specialty tackle: Poppers, jigging equipment, drop-shot rods, reels, and lures are not included, though rental is available.
• The day is private and flexible: You can discuss your preferred method with Jean-Marc, then adjust the plan to tides and weather.
• The fishing can be varied: Past catches have included GTs, bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, needlefish, and tuna.
• Plan for extra costs: Transport, lunch, food, and some equipment are separate from the base price.

A seven-hour day built around the fish

The trip lasts about seven hours, though the exact start depends on the tides and weather. That flexibility matters. Fishing around reefs and drop-offs is not a bus-tour activity with a fixed clock. Conditions decide when and where the boat can work safely.

At the start, meet at 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius, then return to that same meeting point at the end. The location information deserves special attention because the experience is described as a Rodrigues Island fishing trip, yet the meeting point is written as Allee Tamarin in Mauritius. I would confirm the exact departure harbor and island with Global Rodrigues before paying for flights, hotels, or transport.

Once aboard, you can discuss your priorities with the guide. If you want the sight and sound of a GT striking a surface lure, ask about popping. If you prefer working metal or soft lures near deeper structure, jigging may be the better choice. Trolling, live bait, hand line, and drop shot give the day other options when conditions or fish activity change.

The guide can adjust the plan, but there is no promise of a particular species or number of fish. That is normal for a sea-fishing trip. You are paying for access, local boat handling, equipment, and time on productive water, not a guaranteed catch.

Popping for GTs over the reef

Popping is the most dramatic option here. You cast a surface lure over reef water and retrieve it in the hope that a GT will follow, strike, and turn the session into a test of strength. The supplied feedback describes repeated GT sightings and several hits during two separate trips, with reports of roughly six to twelve strikes on each outing.

That does not mean every outing will produce the same action. GT fishing is demanding, and a strike is not the same as a landed fish. Still, the reports point to a strong reason to choose this trip if your main aim is a hard-pulling reef predator rather than a quiet day of casual angling.

You should bring solid tackle if you have it. Experienced anglers specifically warn that the fish pull hard. Popper rods, reels, and lures are not part of the base package, but rods and reels can be rented. Ask in advance about the exact gear you need, the rental price, and what happens if tackle is lost or damaged. Loss and damage are charged separately.

Popping can also be physically tiring. You cast repeatedly, work a lure with force, and may need to hold steady when a powerful fish turns toward the reef. The operator recommends a moderate level of fitness, so this is not the best pick if you want a fully relaxed ride with little effort.

Jigging around the drop-offs

Jigging offers a different rhythm. Instead of working the surface, you use a lure below the boat, often around deeper edges and underwater structure. The experience description refers to jigging on the ramps, which appears to mean working areas around drop-offs or steep underwater features.

The variety reported from this method is appealing. Fish mentioned across the trips include bluefin trevally, emperors, GTs, jobfish, and needlefish. One three-day outing reportedly produced 25 species using a mix of jigging, popping, drop shot, and trolling. Another group recorded 23 species over three mornings.

Those figures show the range of fish found around Rodrigues, but they should not be treated as a promise. Species counts depend on season, conditions, technique, and luck. I would use them as a sign that this is a good trip for an angler who enjoys variety, not just someone pursuing one trophy fish.

Jigging gear and lures are not included. You can rent rods and reels, but clarify whether the rental includes suitable line, leaders, jigs, and terminal tackle. The basic price therefore looks better for someone bringing compatible equipment or planning to troll. A dedicated jigging angler should calculate the rental cost before comparing this trip with other charters.

Trolling, live bait, and big game options

Trolling is the simplest option from a gear standpoint because trolling equipment is included. Lines run behind the moving boat while you watch for a strike. It can be a useful way to cover water, and one account describes trolling toward a drop-off before switching methods and catching a banana tuna.

The trip also allows live bait and big game fishing. These choices give you more scope if your goal is larger open-water species, but the available information does not specify target species, bait supply, or big-game tackle. Ask the guide what is practical for your date and what equipment is included.

Hand line and drop shot are also listed. These methods may suit a mixed group with different skill levels, though drop-shot equipment is not included. The ability to switch techniques is one of the strongest features of a private trip. You are not locked into a single style for the full seven hours.

Still, flexibility works best when you make a plan before departure. Tell Jean-Marc if your priority is GTs, a wide range of species, trolling, or a family-friendly mix. That conversation will help him match the day to the conditions and make sure the right tackle is ready.

Jean-Marc and the local approach

The guide named most often is Jean-Marc Bestel, with Roméo also working as a guide on some outings. The strongest praise centers on boat handling, knowledge of fishing spots, practical advice, and a friendly manner.

That matters in Rodrigues. A fishing charter is not just a rod and a boat. The skipper must read the sea, position the boat near structure, watch the weather, and know when to move. Several accounts describe Jean-Marc as a professional skipper who shares tips and adjusts the outing for the people aboard.

The tone also appears to be informal and social. One family described a father and his 15-year-old son fishing with Jean-Marc alone on the boat, while other outings included friends, children, and time at sea beyond serious fishing. That makes the trip more approachable for a small family or a pair of friends, provided everyone understands that casting and fighting fish still require effort.

You should not mistake the friendly atmosphere for a casual lack of care. Life vests and safety equipment are included, and the day is subject to weather. Ask about the boat, the exact departure point, and the forecast if conditions look uncertain.

What the scenery adds to the day

The trip is about fishing first, but the setting is part of its value. Accounts describe striking sea views and outings that combine fishing with time around Île aux Cocos. Some days included lunch or a meal such as tuna carpaccio, but food is not included in the base price and must be organized for an additional fee.

That option could make sense for a full private day, especially if your group wants more than constant casting. It also adds cost, so ask what food is offered and how much it will be before agreeing. Bottled water is offered, but you should confirm how much is supplied and bring any other drinks or snacks you need.

The scenery is best treated as a bonus rather than the central product. If the sea is rough or the fish are active, your attention will be on the boat and tackle. If the bite slows, the views and relaxed private setting become more important.

Price, equipment, and real value

The listed price is $406.51 per group of up to two people. Split between two anglers, that is about $203.26 each for roughly seven hours, before transport, food, and specialty tackle. For a private boat with a guide, that can be fair value, especially if you plan to troll and do not need rental equipment.

The value drops if you need several categories of tackle. Poppers, jigging rods and reels, drop-shot gear, and lures are extra. Damage or loss can also bring another charge. A serious angler should ask for a complete quote that includes:

• The cost of any rod and reel rental
• Poppers, jigs, or drop-shot lures
• Food or lunch
• Transport to and from the meeting point
• Any possible loss or damage deposit

There is also a group-size inconsistency to resolve. The price refers to two people, while the activity information says a maximum of three. I would ask whether a third person can join, whether the price changes, and whether the third person is an angler or simply a passenger.

The trip has earned a reported 5 out of 5 rating from 18 ratings, with 100 percent recommendation. That supports confidence in the guide and the overall experience, but fishing remains weather and luck dependent. A high rating cannot guarantee a GT strike on your chosen morning.

How to prepare for the boat

Wear clothing that can handle sun, spray, and repeated casting. The supplied information does not list a clothing requirement, so use practical boat gear and confirm any operator-specific rules before leaving.

If you own strong popping or jigging tackle, bring it only after checking that it suits the boat and target fish. Otherwise, reserve rental gear early and ask exactly what is supplied. Do not assume that booking the trip automatically includes every lure and rod shown in fishing photographs.

You should also be ready for a moderate physical workout. Casting, jigging, and fighting reef fish can be demanding. If one person in your group is less experienced, consider a mixed plan with trolling and shorter periods of casting.

Departure time can move with tides and weather. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is near public transportation, but transport to the meeting point is not included, so check the route and allow enough time.

The cancellation rule is simple but strict. You receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded, although poor weather can bring a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would choose this experience if you want a private, guide-led day and care more about fishing access than a polished resort excursion. It suits anglers who are happy to change techniques and who understand that the best day may involve effort, waiting, and adapting to the sea.

It is especially appealing for:

• Experienced GT and reef anglers
• Two friends who want the boat to themselves
• Small families with a keen teenage angler
• Anglers who want to target several species
• Visitors who already own suitable tackle
• People interested in both fishing and a sea outing

I would think twice if you need a guaranteed catch, dislike physical work, or expect all tackle and food to be included. It is also a poor fit if you cannot confirm the unusual meeting-point information before booking.

Should you book it?

Yes, if GT popping, reef jigging, or flexible private fishing is high on your Rodrigues wish list. Jean-Marc and Roméo appear to offer the local skill, boat control, and friendly guidance that can turn a basic fishing charter into a serious day on the water.

Before booking, confirm three things: the exact departure point, the price for your final group size, and the full cost of specialty tackle. Bring solid gear if you have it, keep your plans flexible, and book with realistic expectations. You may see GTs, tuna, trevally, emperors, or many smaller species, but the sea makes no guarantees.

FAQ

How long does the fishing trip last?

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

How many people can join?

The activity is private and allows a maximum of three people. The listed price is for a group of up to two, so confirm the price and arrangements if you want to bring a third person.

What fishing methods are available?

You can discuss popping, jigging, trolling, live bait, big game fishing, hand line, and drop shot with the guide. The final plan depends on your interests, tides, and weather.

Is fishing equipment included?

Trolling equipment, safety equipment, and life vests are included. Equipment and lures for jigging, popping, and drop shot are not included, but rods and reels can be rented.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch or other food can be organized for an additional fee. Bottled water is offered.

Is transport included?

No. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. The activity begins and ends at the stated meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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