Go Fishing For Lunch In The Seychelles

Fish is the biggest source of protein in Seychelles, and fishing is very much a way of life here as well as a tourist attraction. Read on to learn more about fishing in the Seychelles.

The History Of Fishing In Seychelles

The Seychelles was British Territory in the 1800’s. In 1833, slavery was abolished, which was applied in Seychelles in 1835. After this time, new social categories began to form, including fishermen and farmers.

At this time fishing was purely artisanal. However, once tourists started to arrive, and guesthouses and hotels started popping up to accommodate them, levels of fishing increased to accommodate this new trade.

With tortoises almost extinct and crocodiles (which were once abundant here) killed off, fish was the only natural ‘meat’ available to the inhabitants.

Up until as recently as 1980, Seychelles fishermen would use wooden boats made locally from either from Almond or Takamaka wood. Typically, the fish would be salted onboard. This was because ice was not readily available until the Seybrew brewery, the first company to make and sell ice, was established in the late 1960’s.

Today tourism and the export of fish (mainly tuna) are the biggest trading sectors in the Seychelles.

Where To Fish

There are over 200 boats available for fishing charters, so you will not fall short of options. Any hotel or guesthouse you stay at will be able to recommend someone to use, usually a relative or a friend. A couple of recommended fishing charter companies are, for Mahe, A1 Fishing, who operate out of the new and luxurious Eden Island Marina, and if you’re based on Praslin try Angel Tours, who are very experienced.

A1 Fishing Ltd, Avenue d’Arhoa, Providence Industrial Estate, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles +248 251 9928

Angel Tours Pty Ltd, Amitie, Praslin Island, Seychelles +248 251 53 27

Alphonse Island

If you are looking to centre your holiday around fishing, or want to take a couple of days to experience the very best fishing in the Seychelles, you need to visit and stay at Alphonse Island. An hour long flight off Mahe island, takes you to the outer island of Alphonse.

With 10,000 acres of hard white sand flats, it is the perfect place for fly-fishing. The island has 8 full time fly fishing guides to assist you. They also offer exceptional game fishing, again with expert guides to help you.

Alphonse Island Resort, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles +248 422 9030

Fishing at Alphonse Island. The Best of Seychelles fishing.

What Will You Catch

Now obviously there are no guarantees of what you will catch when you go fishing anywhere. But some of the more common fish that are caught and eaten here include red snapper, job fish, grouper, sailfish, parrotfish, dorado, wahoo, skipjack and yellowfin tuna.

The Legal Bits

You don’t need a fishing licence in Seychelles for recreational fishing, but if you’re looking to fish from land, you will need to bring your own equipment. Spear guns are not allowed, and there are no specific hire companies for fishing equipment. If you’re going by boat, then they will provide equipment, but you may still want to check the equipment and bring your own if you have strong preferences. Most airlines offer a sports equipment allowance, so check with the airline you are travelling with for specifics.

Seychellois fishermen hauling in their nets.

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