Consisting of over 100 islands, the Seychelles archipelago is one of those places that words such as “paradise” don’t even begin to describe. It’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list, featuring sublime nature, beaches, and seascapes that’ll fill you with humbleness and awe. And if you’re a saltwater angler, you’ll discover that the quality of fishing in Seychelles fully matches up to its beauty.
The adventure starts right off the beach, in a picture-perfect setting along the pristine flats. Here, you’ll find a range of inshore species just waiting for your cast. As you move further offshore, you’ll start reeling in all kinds of colorful reef fish and predators such as Barracuda. By the time you reach deeper waters, you’ll be hunting for pelagics that’ll pose a challenge even for seasoned anglers.
If this already sounds like something you’d like to experience, stick with us. We’ll provide more information on the species you can hook into while fishing in Seychelles and where to find them. We’ll also cover a few ways to fish, and lay out some basic regulations you should consider.
Best Fish to Catch in Seychelles
The waters surrounding Seychelles support a diverse ecosystem, providing a home to several hundred species of fish. It’s a place where anglers get to catch many of their “firsts,” and where each cast could end up with a fish you’ve never seen before. Take a look at some of our favorite fish to chase after in Seychelles.
Bonefish
For anglers looking for a challenge, there’s hardly a better target than Bonefish. These fish are notoriously wary, requiring a stealthy approach and precise casting. They can also be difficult to spot, thanks to their shimmering scales that meld with the flat bottom. But once you finally get them to bite, they’ll make powerful runs, fighting like fish twice their size.
Sound fun? If so, you’re in luck, because Bonefish are among the most abundant fish you can find close to Seychellois shores. You’ll either see them swimming just below the surface or tailing as they search for shrimp. At that point, you just have to nail that next cast and the action can begin.
Trevally
This part of the Indian Ocean is also home to numerous Trevally species. Fishing in Seychelles, you’ll get to reel in the likes of Bluefin, Bigeye, and Golden Trevally, as well as the famous Giant Trevally. GTs are prized for their warrior-like disposition, and even smaller specimens will put up a thrilling struggle. With bigger ones, you can expect a dogged battle that’ll test your strength and the durability of your equipment to the limit.
What’s also amazing is that you don’t necessarily have to go far to catch Giant Trevally in Seychelles. You’ll often find them prowling along the flats, making them a great target for spin and fly fishermen alike. However, the really big ones lurk a bit further from shore, around the various reefs and dropoffs, so you’ll need a boat if you plan on wrestling with those.
Yellowfin Tuna
As you move away from the flats and into deeper waters, you’ll get the opportunity to target Yellowfin Tuna. Like all Tuna species, Yellowfin are terrific fighters, armed with both brain and brawn. If you hook into a big one, you’ll quickly discover that there’s no way to outmuscle them. Instead, you’ll need patience and endurance to land a successful catch.
Around Seychelles, you’ll sometimes see entire schools of Yellowfin chasing after other fish. Besides trolling, the locals love popping for them. When you spot Tuna near the surface, you’ll cast your popper and make it skip across the water as your reel it back in. If you’ve only had the chance to troll for Tuna so far, popping will make for an exhilarating new experience.
Sailfish
Sailfish have been clocked at speeds of nearly 110 km/h (70 mph), making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean. So imagine the kind of adrenaline rush you’ll get when you hook one and it takes off on a blazing run, reaching highway speeds. And then, seconds later, it breaks the water surface, jumping in the air with the entire length of its body. With such acrobatics being a standard part of a Sailfish battle, it’s no wonder many anglers list them among their favorites.
Sailfish are featured on the Seychelles coat of arms and you can find them in the area throughout the year. However, the seas in this part of the Indian Ocean can get quite choppy between June and September. While there are still plenty of pelagics in the water, you might have a harder time dealing with the weather and arranging a trip. The winds start dying down in October, making it the perfect time to go on a Sailfish hunt.
And More!
We’ve named a few fish so far but they’re really a tiny part of what you’ll come across when fishing in Seychelles. Jobfish, Wrasse, Grouper, Red Emperor Snapper, Parrotfish, and Amberjack are just some of the other fish you’ll find along the reefs. There’s almost a neverending list of what you can catch, making each trip unique and exciting.
Of course, there are more pelagics you can reel in as well. Blue and Black Marlin are frequent visitors in these waters, and so are Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, and Bonito. Occasionally, you’ll be fishing for GT only for a huge Barracuda to take the bait and provoke an action-packed battle. Need any more convincing?
How to Go Fishing in Seychelles
By now, we’ve established just how rich and vibrant the waters surrounding Seychelles are. This being said, how you decide to approach your trip will, in large part, affect what you end up catching. Here are a few ways you can tackle these fishing grounds…
Shore Fishing
Take a moment and try to imagine extensive aqua blue flats, half-moon beaches, and maybe a tortoise or two as you prepare to start fishing. You pick up your trusty rod, breathe in the salty breeze, and wade into the shallow waters. Next, you look for any hint of fish before finally making that first cast. If this sounds like your kind of fun, you’d definitely enjoy shore fishing in Seychelles.
Besides the breathtaking natural scenery you’ll get to enjoy while fishing from shore, the species you can catch are truly amazing. Between feisty Bonefish, different kinds of Trevally, Bohar Snapper, and Permit, you’ll have more than enough variety. You’ll just need to either rent or bring along your equipment and you’ll be good to go.
Charter Fishing
While there’s certainly plenty of fish to catch off the coast, it can’t really compare with the incredible range of species you’ll have access to if you hop on a boat. So if you’re itching to discover more of what Seychelles has on offer, hopping on a fishing charter is a good option for you.
In doing so, you’ll get to chase after different types of pelagics, including the highly sought-after Tuna and Billfish. If you decide to hit the reefs and coral beds instead, there’s no answer to just how many different species you could encounter. Huge Barracuda, Wrasse, Triggerfish, and GT are just a few examples of the fish that may end up biting the end of your line.
One more advantage you’ll have if you’re charter fishing in Seychelles is that you’ll have a knowledgeable captain at your side. They’ll teach you all the local tricks to reeling in fish and take you to where you need to be. Not to mention that they’ll also ensure your trip is safe and thoroughly enjoyable.
Fly Fishing
For anglers looking to leave the conventional gear behind and do some fly fishing, Seychelles is an excellent place to do so. Aside from Bonefish and GT, you’ll also get the opportunity to fish for the mythical Milkfish. These fish are somewhat like a local version of Tarpon, as they’re both challenging to hook and to reel in. They’re hard fighters, presenting one of the highest fly fishing achievements an angler can attain.
But this is just what you can catch if you fly fish along the flats. For the most experienced of anglers, and those who are looking for even greater fly fishing challenges, many Seychellois guides offer offshore fly fishing trips. On these, you’ll get to test your skill against the blitzing Sailfish and collect the achievement of luring one in with a fly.
Seychelles Fishing Spots
Even though fishing is great throughout Seychelles, it does differ between the islands. Some of them are better fits for secluded fly fishing adventures, while on others you’ll find larger fleets, making it easier to pick an offshore charter. Take a look at some of the popular places to fish in Seychelles.
- Victoria: Located on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, Victoria is an ideal starting point if you want to fish on a charter. The waters around the island feature all the local favorites, and you can always head offshore to fish for pelagics. This being said, you might have a harder time catching Bonefish here, as they can get spooked by the traffic.
- Praslin: Connected to Mahé by a ferry, Praslin is the second largest Seychelles island. Hop on a charter in Baie Sainte Anne, and you’ll enjoy similarly good opportunities here as on the main island. However, you can also do some pretty good fly fishing if you visit the Fond de l’Anse.
- La Digue: Just a short boat ride east of Praslin, you’ll find La Digue. This island is home to beautiful rocky beaches, ideal for those who searching for some well-deserved rest. The fish you’ll see are as varied here as in the rest of Seychelles, so it’s all about what you want to go for.
- The Outer Islands: Seychelles is a world-class fly fishing destination. However, if you want to get the most of it, you’ll have to venture beyond the touristy places. The remote Outer Islands offer just the kind of peace a fly angler needs to stalk their prey properly. Whether it’s the Alphonse, Cosmoledo, or St. François Atoll you visit, you’ll be in the perfect place to catch that prized Bonefish, Milkfish, and even GT on the fly.
When to Go Fishing in Seychelles
Seychelles is home to year-round angling. However, the fishing does differ depending on when you visit. This part of the world is exposed to two trade winds – the southeast that blows from May to September and the northwest that blows from November to March.
The southeast generally brings rougher seas, which makes it hard to use techniques such as jigging or bottom fishing which require you to drift. However, this time of the year is fantastic for trolling, and it’s often when you’ll experience the best Sailfish action.
Meanwhile, the northwest trade wind bring hotter temperatures and more rainfall to the Seychelles. Despite this, the seas are calmer during this time, making it easier to head out into the ocean. With all this said, the period between the two trade wind seasons is the absolute best time to visit. This means you’ll need to time your trip for April and May or October and November.
Seychelles Fishing Regulations
In Seychelles, you won’t need to worry about getting a license if you’re fishing recreationally. This applies to both solo and charter fishing. So either hop on a boat or just find a good spot along the beach and start casting.
What you should keep in mind, however, is that spearfishing is illegal in Seychelles. Also, if you’re looking to try your luck along some of the more remote beaches or islands, make sure they’re not designated as marine parks. Fishing is not allowed within marine parks in Seychelles, but many of them are amazing for snorkeling.
If you’re wondering when’s the best time to visit Seychelles, the main season usually takes place from October to May. This is because southeast trade winds blow between May and September, often making the seas too choppy for long trips. However, as long as the weather serves you, you’ll be able to catch fish even in the offseason.
Seychelles: An Island Fishing Paradise
Before you start your Seychelles fishing adventure, make sure to rest and conserve as much energy as possible. Relax on the beach, feed some leaves to the tortoises, and take some time to enjoy the scenery because once you hit the seas, you can expect plenty of action. After all, you’ll be fishing in some of the most diverse waters in the world, where even your wildest angling dreams could come true.
Have you ever been fishing in Seychelles? Which species would you like to catch? Let us know in the comments below!
