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

Big fish can turn a quiet sea loud. This private fishing trip gives you a flexible day on the water, with Jean-Marc and Roméo able to switch between trolling, GT popping, jigging, live bait, drop shot, hand line, and big game fishing. I like the small-group setup and the guides’ strong local reputation. I also like that trolling gear and safety equipment are included.

The main catch is the fine print. Jigging, popper, and drop-shot gear costs extra, and transport, lunch, and some food are not included. There is also conflicting information about the group limit, with one detail saying two people and another saying three, plus a meeting point listed in Tamarin while the fishing itself is described as taking place around Rodrigues Island. Confirm those details before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• GT fishing is the main attraction: Expect reef popping aimed at giant trevally, with hard strikes and powerful fish.
• Your fishing method can change: Trolling, live bait, jigging, poppers, drop shot, hand line, and big game fishing are all possible, depending on conditions and your discussion with the guide.
• Trolling equipment is included: Rods, reels, and lures for other methods may need to be rented.
• Jean-Marc and Roméo receive the strongest praise: Their boat handling, local knowledge, friendly manner, and fishing advice are repeated themes.
• The day lasts about seven hours: Departure depends on tides and weather, so the start time is not fixed.
• The price is per private group: The listed rate is $406.51, but confirm whether your booking covers two or three people.

What this Rodrigues fishing trip is really about

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added at the end. It is a private charter built around the kind of fishing you want to do.

You can ask to work reef water with poppers for GT, fish deeper areas with jigs, troll while moving between locations, use live bait, try drop shot, or target larger game fish. The guide decides what is sensible on the day after considering the tides, sea conditions, and your preferred style.

That flexibility is important in Rodrigues. A serious angler may want to spend the whole session casting for giant trevally. A family group may prefer a mixture of trolling, lighter fishing, and time on the water. You are not locked into a single method just because that was printed on the booking page.

The listed trip length is about seven hours. That gives you enough time for a proper outing rather than a short morning lesson, though the actual fishing pattern will depend on weather and water conditions. A day like this can involve moving between areas, changing tackle, waiting for the right tide, and making repeated casts before a fish finally commits.

Choosing between GT popping, jigging, and trolling

Each method offers a different kind of day.

Popping for GT is the high-drama option. You cast a surface lure near reef areas and work it back, hoping to draw a giant trevally into a strike. The fish can hit hard and run even harder. Several outings produced repeated GT follows or strikes, with one report describing roughly six to twelve hits during each of two trips.

That does not mean every session will produce a monster fish. GT fishing is a hunt, not a guaranteed catch. You may cast for long periods with no result, then suddenly have a powerful fish attack the lure beside the boat. Bring the best tackle you already own if you have suitable equipment, since local fish are described as strong and demanding.

Jigging lets you work deeper water with weighted lures. This can produce a broad mix of fish rather than only GT. The catches described from different sessions included bluefin trevally, emperors, jobfish, needlefish, and other species. One three-day trip reportedly produced 25 species using jigging, popping, drop shot, and trolling.

The catch is that jigging equipment and lures are not included. Rods and reels can be rented, but rental costs should be settled before departure. Ask exactly what is supplied, what you will pay to rent, and what happens if tackle is lost or damaged.

Trolling is the simplest included option from a gear point of view. Trolling equipment is supplied, along with safety equipment and life vests. It is useful when moving between fishing grounds, and it can also be a good choice if you want less repeated casting than popping requires.

Live bait, hand line, drop shot, and big game fishing add more options. The trip description does not promise a particular species or technique, so treat these as choices to discuss with your guide rather than guaranteed parts of the schedule.

A flexible seven-hour day on the water

The meeting time depends on tides and weather. That may frustrate anyone trying to fit the trip between fixed hotel plans, but it is the right approach for fishing. A guide who adjusts the start time has a better chance of putting you on useful water than one who follows the clock at all costs.

At the meeting point, you should discuss your priorities clearly. Tell Jean-Marc if your main goal is a GT on a popper, a mixed-species session, a first attempt at jigging, or a relaxed trip with family. The more specific you are, the easier it is to shape the day around you.

The first part of the outing may involve trolling while heading toward a reef or drop-off. That gives you a chance of a fish while the boat is moving and saves valuable time. Once you reach the chosen area, the guide can switch to casting, jigging, live bait, or another method.

There is no published list of exact fishing stops. That is normal for a private fishing charter, since the best areas change with tide and weather. It also means you should not expect a sightseeing itinerary with named landmarks and timed visits. The sea, the conditions, and the fish set the rhythm.

The trip returns to the meeting point at the end. Food is not part of the base price, though lunch can be arranged for an extra fee. Bottled water is offered, but I would still confirm how much is available and bring sun protection suited to a full day outdoors.

Why the guide matters more than the boat

For this type of trip, local judgment is worth more than a polished brochure. The strongest praise goes to Jean-Marc’s ability to read fishing areas, handle the boat, choose methods, and teach practical techniques.

Jean-Marc is often described as professional, friendly, and easy to spend a day with. That combination matters. A skipper who knows where fish hold but gives poor instructions can make a session feel tense. A cheerful guide without sound boat skills is not enough either. Here, the praise repeatedly covers both sides.

Roméo is also mentioned as part of the guiding team. One group spent eight days fishing from two boats with Jean-Marc and Roméo and described strong results across the full stay. Another group used the boats Ti-Marin and Ti Gadjack during several days of fishing.

Those details suggest the operation can handle serious anglers who want more than one outing. If you are planning several sessions, ask which guide and boat you will have each day. The supplied information does not guarantee a particular boat, so this is worth confirming.

The teaching side is another strength. Jean-Marc has been praised for giving tips and tricks about fishing in Rodrigues, not simply taking people to a spot and handing them a rod. That can make the trip useful even when the biggest fish stays out of reach.

The fish and the real chance of success

The fishing around Rodrigues sounds varied. Reports describe bluefin trevally, emperors, GTs, jobfish, needlefish, tuna, and many other species. One three-morning visit produced 23 species, while another three-day session produced 25.

Those numbers are impressive, but they should not become a promise. Fishing results change with tides, weather, water temperature, lure choice, skill, and plain luck. The most honest way to view this trip is as a strong opportunity to target many species with a guide who knows the area, not as a guaranteed fish-catching machine.

GT fishing deserves special caution. You may see fish follow a lure without striking. You may get several hits and no hookup. You may land a fish and still have to release it. One direct piece of advice from the guide is to release GTs so another angler can enjoy the same powerful fight later.

Bring solid gear if you own it. Local fish pull hard, especially when you are casting near reef structure. If you rent equipment, ask whether the rod and reel are suited to the fish you want to target. A light setup may be pleasant for small species but a poor choice for a large GT.

Equipment costs need a close look

The base inclusion is clear enough for trolling: fishing equipment, safety equipment, and life vests are included.

The exclusions are just as important. Equipment and lures for jigging, popper fishing, and drop shot are not included. Rods and reels can be rented, but rental prices are not supplied. Loss and damage are charged separately.

I would ask four questions before departure:

• What trolling tackle is included?
• What is the full rental price for jigging or popping equipment?
• Are lures included with rented rods and reels?
• What replacement charges apply if tackle is lost or damaged?

This is not needless paperwork. Lures can snag around reef areas, and strong fish can put real strain on gear. Knowing the replacement terms keeps an exciting day from ending with a nasty surprise.

If you already own suitable poppers, stickbaits, soft lures, or jigs, ask if you can bring them. The fishing sessions described included all of these lure types, but the supplied terms do not state whether personal gear is encouraged or restricted.

Is $406.51 good value?

The listed cost is $406.51 per private group, rather than per person. For two people, that works out to about $203.26 each before optional costs. If three people are accepted at the same rate, the per-person value improves further.

That price can make sense for a private seven-hour charter, especially if you want direct attention from the skipper and the freedom to change methods. A shared boat may cost less, but it would not give you the same control over the day.

The value depends on what you need to add. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included. Lunch is extra, jigging and popper equipment can cost more, and lost or damaged gear is charged separately. Add those amounts before comparing this with another fishing charter.

The private format is especially useful for two experienced anglers. You can spend more time casting and less time waiting for someone else to finish a turn. It also suits a parent and teenager, or a small family group that wants fishing mixed with time at sea.

The group-size information needs clarification. The main price says up to two people, while the highlights say a maximum of three. Ask Global Rodrigues to confirm the allowed number and the exact price for your group.

Practical preparation for a better outing

Wear clothing that can handle sun, spray, and repeated movement. A full day on a boat is physically demanding, and the activity asks for moderate physical fitness.

If your goal is GT popping, prepare for active casting. It is not the right choice if you want a completely passive day. Jigging also takes effort, especially with heavier tackle and repeated lifts.

Bring any personal tackle you trust, but confirm its suitability first. If you rely on rented gear, book it in advance if possible and ask for the exact setup. You should also clarify whether food beyond bottled water is needed, since lunch is not included.

Keep your schedule flexible. The departure time depends on tides and weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation inside that window is not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

There is a transport detail to sort out as well. The listed start point is 895V+QQ Allee Tamarin, Mauritius, yet the experience is described as a Rodrigues Island fishing trip. That could reflect a listing error or a meeting arrangement, but do not assume. Confirm the island, marina, pickup point, and your own route before booking flights or accommodation around it.

Who will enjoy this private fishing charter

I would put this near the top of the list for anglers who care about the fishing itself. You get several techniques, local guidance, a private group, and enough time for a serious session.

It also suits families and mixed groups if everyone agrees on the pace. The personal accounts include a parent and a 15-year-old child, as well as outings involving family and children. Still, popping and jigging can be tiring, and the boat is not presented as a casual sightseeing vessel.

This is less suitable if you need a fixed start time, all-inclusive pricing, guaranteed catches, or included tackle for every technique. It is also not ideal if arranging your own transport to an unclear meeting point would be difficult.

My verdict: book it after confirming three details

I like the fishing choice, the private format, and the strong praise for Jean-Marc’s boat skills and local judgment. The possibility of targeting GTs on the reef, then switching to trolling or jigging, gives the day real purpose rather than a one-method routine.

The main weaknesses are practical, not sporting. Confirm the correct meeting location, the two-person or three-person limit, and the full cost of rented tackle and food. If those points work for you, this looks like a very good choice for a serious Rodrigues fishing day, especially if your dream is a hard-running GT and you are happy to work for it.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip take place?

The experience is described as taking place around Rodrigues Island, although the listed meeting point is in Allee Tamarin, Mauritius. Confirm the exact island and meeting location with Global Rodrigues before booking.

How long is the fishing trip?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the trip start?

The departure time depends on the tides and weather conditions.

How many people can join?

The information is inconsistent. The price is listed for a group of up to two, while another detail says the maximum is three. Confirm the permitted group size before booking.

What fishing methods are available?

You can discuss trolling, GT popping on the reef, 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.

Is jigging equipment included?

No. Jigging equipment and lures are not included, but rods and reels can be rented.

Are poppers and drop-shot equipment included?

No. Equipment and lures for popper fishing and drop shot are not included. Rental options are available for rods and reels.

Is food included?

No. Lunch and food are not included in the base price, but food can be organized for an additional fee. Bottled water is offered.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.