Of all the big game fishing Mauritius has to offer, chasing after Yellowfin Tuna is some of the most exhilarating. These waters are also home to Dogtooth and Skipjack Tuna, equally hard-fighting specimens who will give even the most experienced anglers a run for their money.
When to Target Tuna
You can fish for Yellowfin Tuna in Mauritius all year, but the ultimate opportunity presents itself between March and May. During this period you will find large groups of Yellowfins moving from north to south along the coast. These Yellowfins are larger than average, weighing between 130-220 lbs (referred to by some as “Japanese Tuna”). When it comes to hard-fighting gamefish, these monster Tuna are second only to Marlin.
You can also fish for Skipjack Tuna and Dogtooth Tuna year-round in Mauritius. You are likely to find Dogtooth Tuna near reefs, ranging anywhere from 20-230 lbs. Skipjack Tuna tend to peak in March and April, and again from July to November. Though this species is smaller (5-45 lbs), it is one of the hardest fighting game fish in Mauritius!
How to Target Tuna
You can target the mighty Yellowfin Tuna by trolling with squid, small fish, strip baits, or artificial lures. In some instances, chumming with live bait is also effective. Anglers in Mauritius target the largest Yellowfin Tuna by slow trolling (around 6 knots) with big plastic squids and other lures.
You might hook into Dogtooth Tuna while deep trolling or bait fishing near a reef. Anglers often find themselves fighting with these beasts while targeting other fish in the area. On the other hand, Skipjack Tuna typically feed closer to the surface, biting small baits, strip baits, or a variety of lures. Anglers typically troll for Skipjack, but it is possible to target them by jigging, casting, or live bait fishing.
